Danielle and Vlade’s story began when they met in eighth grade, and though their romance didn’t start quite that early, their formidable friendship that brought them full circle, budded in those junior high hallways. After years of running in the same social circles, even after high school, they lost touch for a few years and decided to meet up again for coffee…and it seems that more was brewing than just the beverages. They have been together ever since.

Vlade didn’t waste time and set in motion their fairytale story. With the backdrop of a gorgeous garden and huge fountain at the Huntington Library in southern California, Vlade dropped to one knee, with ring in hand, on January 7 – the day that his family and the Serbian Orthodox Church traditionally celebrate Christmas – and asked Danielle to marry him. The gesture made the day and the proposal all the more special to the couple.

With the golden ticket in hand…or on her finger, Danielle, a professional hair stylist and girl who knows how to make an event look good, enlisted the help of friends and family and wedding planner, Amber Novey of Platinum Planning, to create her and Vlade’s romantic nuptials and memorable reception at the Morgan Creek Golf & Country Club in Roseville. The couple felt this venue was perfect for the refined and elegant ambience that they envisioned for the night. Danielle and Vlade went with a deep wine shade of red to be accented by ivory and silver, which Danielle thought worked perfectly for her evening wedding. And, to incorporate the princess feeling that Danielle so desired, there were candles burning and crystal accents adorned everything from the centerpieces of roses, lilies and mums to the bride’s bouquet and dress. “Everything sparkled,” remembers Danielle.

Speaking of sparkling, Danielle describes the day she found her dress as one that made her face glisten with tears…of joy. “It was a family and bridesmaid affair. I had my mom, grandma, two aunts, sisters and two of my best friends there,” says Danielle. The moment she put on her Maggie Sottero dress, she knew it was the one. “It was the only one that made me tear up…and I even had a whole room of more dresses to try!”

With the glamorous details taken care of, everything else was in the hands of nature. And, yes, nature did give Danielle and Vlade a few hiccups on the big day. The only thing out of place at the venue were the looming rain clouds, which incited a last minute change of where the ceremony would occur, but throughout Danielle remembers one of the most special parts of the day being at this moment of temporary chaos. “As soon as I saw my soon-to-be husband smiling at me as my dad walked me down the aisle, I felt calm and happy. It was an amazing feeling.”

What was also amazing was the fun had at their reception, a night of many laughs, says Danielle. In particular, the garter toss tradition was taken to a new level by a little routine that Vlade and their DJ, Matt Brys of Extreme Productions, choreographed by mixing the themes from Mission Impossible, Jeopardy and Monday Night Football together to surprise everyone!

After a day filled with love and laughter, Danielle recommends all newlyweds take a honeymoon, “Even if you can’t afford a lavish vacation, go somewhere and just be with each other and enjoy the beginning of your life together.” And Danielle and Vlade did just that…the two lovebirds set sail for the Mexican Riviera!

Ceremony Site: Morgan Creek Golf & Country Club
Officiant: Glenn Belden
Ceremony Music: Extreme Productions
Photographer: Diana Miller Photography   Phone: 916-729-5520
Videographer: Sheffield Multimedia
Wedding Planner: Platinum Planning
Hair: Charmin Sacauskas
Make-up: Eye for Detail Artistry
Bridal Attire: Bella Donna Bridal Salon
Bridesmaid Attire: Bella Donna Bridal Salon
Flowergirl Attire: David's Bridal
Groom's Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Groomsmen Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Ringbearer Attire: Men's Wearhouse
Bride's Jeweler: Kenny G
Groom's Jeweler: Kenny G
Invitations: DIY
Flowers: Amore Flowers by Katie   Phone: 916-770-6680
Caterer: Morgan Creek Golf & Country Club
Cake: Shelton's Wedding Cake Designs
Chocolate Fountain: Tower of Chocolate
DJ/Entertainment: Extreme Productions
Favors: Bride's aunt made biscotti
Table Linens: America's Party Rental
Lighting: Extreme Productions
Honeymoon Location: Playa Del Carmen, Mexico
Honeymoon Travel Agent: Kristi Pererra
First Dance Song: Crazy Love by Bryan McKnight
Bouquet Toss Song: Single Ladies (Put a Ring On It) by Beyonce
Garter Toss Song: Combination of theme songs from Mission Impossible, Jeopardy and Monday Night Football

Any tips you'd give to brides and grooms planning their wedding:
I personally think a honeymoon is extremely important. Even if you can't afford an expensive lavish vacation, go somewhere close for a long weekend. After all the chaos of planning and a crazy day, it's so great to just be with each other and enjoy the beginning of your life together. No phone calls, no work, no planning, just you two. It was exactly what we needed -- I think it was one of the most important things we did for ourselves.

Anything else about your wedding?
Unfortunately this is a business where you get what you pay for, so decide where you don't mind cutting back to make something else that is important to you that much better.

What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
Our day was chaos. It started out running behind so getting ready was crazy; it started pouring rain 15 minutes before our ceremony, even though it wasn't forecasted to rain until late that night, so we had to change EVERYTHING for the outdoor ceremony literally right before. It was stressful and crazy. But I wouldn't have changed anything because I married the love of my life and celebrated the day with all of our family and friends. And that is what was important to us!