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How did you two meet/How long have you been together?
We have been together for 5 years. We met in high school and dated for a few years. We separated on good terms. We fell out of touch and didn’t speak to each other for 15 years! I was on vacation and was just scrolling through Facebook and discovered this “other” message box. It said I had a new message and low and behold it was from Derek! I messaged him back and we talked forever on Facebook. I gave him my number and he called me to ask me out on a date. We went out the next night and the rest is history.
How did did you or your partner pop the question?
He said let’s go to Vegas to get married! I said of course!!
What was your favorite moment(s) from the wedding?
My favorite part was the intimate setting. We were so relaxed and genuine! Just a few very close friends were there. It was beautiful!
Did you see each other before the wedding? If not, did you like waiting or would you rather have done it differently?
Yes, while I was getting hair and makeup done, Derek came in the hotel room. Nothing to hide here. We actually got ready together. I loved it!!! It was cool to stand in front of the mirror together and share that moment hand in hand.
Tell me about your dress. Where did you find it, how did you choose it, how did you know it was the one?
I got my dress at Frew’s Bridal in Alton, Illinois. I went shopping with my mom. I knew it was the one when I came out of the dressing room and she smiled. I knew I didn’t want white or a traditional gown. It was perfect! Lots of compliments!
I love to hear about vendors you love!
Cactus Collective was the BOMB! I can’t say enough good things about them. From start to finish, McKenzi was great! I didn’t want a stressful wedding. She made that happen! The flowers, the Red Rock Overlook and her photographs were breathtaking!
Amelia C and Co. were amazing! It felt like my old girlfriends were fixing my hair and makeup. Very relaxed and personable. Just what I needed on my big day! Melissa was so fantastic. She is a professional! She did exactly what I wanted! Highly recommended!!!
Did you find a store/site that had everything you were looking for?
Frew’s Bridal
Jim’s Pawn and Jewelry Shop
Nordstrom
Vans
What’s one piece of advice you would give to other couples planning their own wedding?
Call Cactus Collective Weddings and Ammelia C and Co. !! I’m so glad we did!
VENDOR CREDIT
Wedding Venue:
Red Rock Canyon
Hair & Makeup:
Rings / Jewelry:
Shoes:
McKenzi Taylor is America’s go-to elopement and micro wedding expert, often featured in small and major media outlets, such as the New York Times. With over 15 years of wedding photography experience, it was after planning her own Las Vegas elopement in 2016 that McKenzi felt her purpose shift into elopement coordination. She started Cactus Collective Weddings soon after in 2017. Since then, she’s become a WIPA board member, and has helped well over 1000 couples get hitched in style around Las Vegas, San Diego and Black Hills.
