Danielle and Epfinio’s Elegant Cathedral Wedding in Los Angeles

While paying a visit to her parents, Danielle decided to do some shopping at an outdoor mall in Rancho Cucamonga, California. It was there that she would first encounter Epfinio and their love story would begin. Immediately making a connection they struck up a conversation and quickly realized how much in common they had. Those commonalities continued to peak their interest, exchanging information, and before long planning their first date. It was soon obvious to them both that their connection was becoming the type of love that comes once in a lifetime, and Epfinio began dreaming of their perfect proposal…

Continue reading all about Danielle & Epfinio’s love story, engagement, and experiences in their elegant cathedral wedding in Los Angeles.

Bride & Groom: Danielle & Epfinio
Occupations: French Language Public School Teacher & California Dept. of Rehabilitation Office Technician
Wedding date: July 21, 2018
Wedding location: Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels in Los Angeles, CA

How did you meet? The California natives met at an outdoor mall in Rancho Cucamonga, CA while Danielle was enjoying her summer visiting her parents nearby. When they first met, they bonded over their love of different characters on television, film, and print (especially Harry Potter!). They also discovered that Danielle had attended high school in Epfinio’s neighborhood.

Tell us about the proposal. Eppie proposed in September of 2017 while we were at Disneyland Paris. We regularly visit the theme park in Anaheim, and Eppie wanted the opportunity to honor our earliest memories and dates while celebrating my passion for French culture, since I am a French teacher of Creole descent.

What was the wedding shopping experience like for you? Danielle had felt fascinated with the Disney Fairytale Bridal line by Alfred Angelo ever since its launch more than 10 years ago. Every year, she would ogle their website when the newest interpretation of what each Disney princess would wear to her modern-day wedding was posted. Danielle just knew that one day she would be able to try one on! However, two months before Eppie proposed, this company went out of business and she felt heartbroken! When Eppie proposed, Danielle felt excitement and curiosity about other designers and was looking forward to trying on new styles with her mother and sister’s guidance. In October 2017, they received a tip on social media that floor models of the Disney Fairytale dresses from all over the region were being liquidated at a store 90 miles away. They rushed to that boutique and the very last Princess Tiana inspired gown fit Danielle like a glove! Her sister even managed to rummage through the veils to find the cathedral length veil that was meant to accompany the dress. To think that this was even before they had booked their venue (a cathedral!) just feels so amazing. It truly feels like their own modern fairytale how all of these details worked out the way they did!

Did you incorporate any culture into your wedding? Eppie is a Native American and right after our wedding ceremony, we had a smudging of sage. Since my heritage is New Orleans Creole, one of our favors for our guests was a 2nd line handkerchief to be used during our Grand Exit: a New Orleans Second Line parade!

Wedding Party Gifts: The bridesmaids received various pieces of jewelry, including a bracelet of Swarovski pearls and necklaces featuring their first initial with a single rough diamond embedded within it. The groomsmen received pocket watches with their first initial engraved upon the surface.
Gifts for Each Other: Eppie upgraded Danielle’s engagement ring to rose gold, her favorite color. Both rings feature custom designed, diamond encrusted fleur-de-lis to celebrate the bride’s Creole heritage. Danielle gave Eppie a pocket watch engraved with his initials and their favorite bible verse: Song of Solomon 3:4
Ceremony Entrance Song: “Bridal Chorus” by Wagner
First Dance Song: “Beauty and the Beast” performed by Arianna Grande and John Legend

What is your best memory from your wedding? The couples’ photo shoot with our photographer! It really gave us a chance to connect and focus on each other

What is the best wedding advice you can give to engaged couples? Overall, the bride feels most grateful to have chosen bridesmaids who were capable of prioritizing planning and supporting the bride above all else. If a close friend or family member lives out-of-state or far away, of course they can be valuable members of the wedding party, but it is important to have a well-rounded group of people who are local and have the time and capacity to assist. Especially on the wedding day, the bride relied on the wedding party for emotional support and the division of tasks like supervising the guestbook, ensuring table design was as envisioned, etc.
Another piece of advice is that, if you are looking to cut costs, the videographer and photographer must not be among your budget items. They are not luxuries, they are necessities! In the end, video and photographic art will be the most lasting and valuable ways to remember the fastest and most significant day of your life. Plus, a truly skilled photographer will make budget items (ie: handmade centerpieces, silk flowers, antique clothes, etc) feel glamorous and professional and will reflect your intentions the best!

Vendors:
Ceremony venue: The Center at Cathedral Plaza
Reception venue: The Center at Cathedral Plaza
Bride’s gown: Disney Fairytale Weddings “Princess Tiana” by Alfred Angelo Bridal
Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka
Bridesmaids’ attire: Weddington Way by Banana Republic
Bridesmaids’ accessories: Swarovski pearl bracelets
Hair and makeup: Hadil Marjieh
Brides-groom, Groomsmen, and Fathers Attire: Friar Tux 
Photography: Belinda Berglof
Videography: Beyond Cinema
DJ: DJ: Dream Event DJs
Cake: Hansen’s Cakes of Los Angeles
Florists: 800 Rosebig,and M’s Flowers 
Catering: Levy Restaurants
Invitations: Basic Invite
favors and programs: DIY(Designed by the Couple), assistance from Prographics
Mini wine bottles: by San Antonio Winery
Personalized M&Ms: My M&Ms
Day-Of coordinator: Sharon Kay Alexander
Hotel Accommodations : Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza