Hello there. My name is Heather Taylor and I'm a very busy lady living in Los Angeles. I own and run contemporary art gallery Taylor De Cordoba, publish the blog LA in Bloom, and write a column for The Huffington Post called Chef Speak. Oh, and, I'm getting married in five minutes. Actually, I'm getting married in approximately four weeks but it feels as if it's five minutes away. And in the world of wedding planning, it might as well be. Welcome to crunch time.
The bride-to-be trying on an Alice Temperley wedding dress
Let's back up for a moment. My fiance, Alex de Cordoba, and I met in high school. In fact, he was my very first boyfriend at age 14. And I know it sounds crazy, but I really loved him even then. Naturally, we broke up, went our separate ways, and didn't see each other for 10 years. And in a move that is straight out of When Harry Met Sally, one day we saw each other on the street in West Hollywood and discovered that we were essentially next-door neighbors. It was on.
The happy couple at their engagement party
Fast forward six years to last February. It was Valentine's Day weekend in Ojai, California, one of our favorite weekend getaway spots. The topic of marriage had been coming up more and more, and we had even looked at rings (I'm the kind of girl who would prefer to choose the ring rather than be romanced by the surprise). It was a beautiful warm day and immediately following a hike, we changed into our swimsuits and took a dip in the natural hot springs off the side of the road. "Heather, would you like to spend the rest of your life with me?" he asked.
Moments after the engagement
Why yes, I would like that very much. As he slipped that antique emerald sparkler on my finger, I was as happy as a clam. After enjoying the most romantic of weekends, we piled into the car and set out for L.A. to report back to all our loved ones. Now the "fun" was about to begin: wedding planning. Everyone told me (and is still telling me, for that matter) that this should be one of the best times in my life. "Enjoy every minute of it!" they tearfully proclaim. This past year has been amazing, don't get me wrong, but there have been as many challenges as highlights. I found myself confused early on, having trouble getting truly excited about planning this huge party (I think it relates to the fact that planning big parties is part of my job at the gallery). With an uncharacteristic loss of inspiration, I simply couldn't get into it. And the barrage of questions from everyone, along with this pressure to be blissful, certainly didn't help.
Then, I saw this spread in Vogue that changed my outlook. Something clicked. I loved this. I loved the easy elegance of the backyard wedding and what was happening on these pages. And from there it began to flow out of me. And now, with four weeks to go, we've accomplished a lot. But there is still an alarming number of details to finalize. I'll be blogging about my progress up until the big day and I hope you'll join along.
From: amelia | 5/13/11 at 12:20 pm
Awww, I love this post!! What an amazing engagement story. And as silly/ late 90s/early 00s as this sounds, I recently watched a Sex in the City episode where planning your wedding is compared to making a dentist appointment: you put it off and stress about it and worry and then you finally go and you feel so great afterward. In short: I'm betting on your wedding day, you'll feel great about all the hard work!! xo
From: jeana sohn | 5/13/11 at 12:39 pm
such a romantic engagement story. cant wait to see how this garden wedding will turn out. love this cozy couple!
From: clare | 5/13/11 at 1:12 pm
i love this story. so romantic, so modern. I cannot believe how busy you are. i know it'll beautiful and then you'll be happy it's over!
From: Jennifer | 5/13/11 at 1:18 pm
Oh my, I didn't know the story of how you two came to be a couple. Very romantic.
)!
Love this. You are everywhere(and as Ms. Stewart would say- That's a Good Thing
From: crystal | 5/13/11 at 2:03 pm
j'adorable!!!!
From: Melissa Levin | 5/13/11 at 3:53 pm
Love this! So beautiful - the story, the post, and the couple!!
From: Ryann | 5/13/11 at 6:25 pm
So exciting to see how this will all unfold! I'm hooked!
From: lucy sykes | 5/13/11 at 9:22 pm
So chic and cool, good pick Martha S.
From: bobbi sloan | 5/13/11 at 9:30 pm
Here comes the most amazing bride! Who has the rights to the movie?? I can't wait to hear the rest of the story.
From: Jaime Rugh | 5/13/11 at 10:08 pm
Such a great post and excited to read more!
Beautiful couple!
From: Sunday Taylor | 5/13/11 at 11:12 pm
Beyond excited for this wedding. These two are so special, and this bride is very chic and creative. This wedding will be unique and beautiful!
From: Mary | 5/13/11 at 11:26 pm
Wow, you're NOT going with the Alice Temperley dress? Can't imagine how amazing the winning dress must be! Best wishes!
From: joanna | 5/14/11 at 10:14 am
how incredibly romantic! i love this post and totally looking forward to the rest leading up to the big day. your wedding is going to be so special, just like you!
xo joanna
From: Cait | 5/14/11 at 12:42 pm
I'm so excited you're guest blogging. I read LA In Bloom regularly and, as I'm engaged too, have been looking forward to all your styling and fashion choices.:)
From: Robbin Montero | 5/14/11 at 7:31 pm
LOVE the dress!
Robbin Montero
A Dream Wedding
From: Grandmother | 5/15/11 at 11:46 pm
This wedding will surely be the happiest of days!!
I am hopelessly happy looking forward to sharing the joy of this day!
A wonderful and beautiful couple and the most amazing granddaughter anyone could ever wish for!
Pat
From: Simone | 5/17/11 at 11:34 am
So beautiful - I love your story, and those blissed out engagement pics!
Can't wait for this - every step of the way. xx
From: Teri Ciarlo | 5/17/11 at 12:58 pm
Planning the wedding and being engaged was truly an exciting, blissful and oh so special time for me! I am so happy you are blogging about so other people can experience the magic! Lots of love to you and Alex and I can't wait to see the " girl in the white dress".
Love aunt Teri
From: Megan Taylor | 5/18/11 at 11:19 am
Yay sister! Love this first post
From: Barbie | 5/19/11 at 10:21 am
Lovely story, gorgeous ring. And I love the idea of a backyard wedding.