One of the best weddings we’ve been blessed to witness, introducing the beautiful tearjerker wedding of our DPARK family, Cara + Russell.
the love story (from the couple)
She judged him as a boring, church hopping man in search of a wife, the “ring before spring” type of guy. He judged her as a high maintenance party girl, the Saturday night center of attention, “Sunday Christian” type of gal. Two completely different worlds that wanted nothing to do with the other, but God sovereignly planned otherwise.
Towards the end of 2013, Russell began attending Community of the Word with intentions of becoming a member (if the Lord willed it.) The first day Russell walked into church, the two caught glances immediately and it was not a romantic love at first sight, by far! Russell saw Cara as the annoying party girl, too much to handle type and Cara couldn’t shake off the idea that this guy was here for solely one thing- a wife. For a whole year, the two avoided getting to know each other on a personal level, strict “hi” and “byes.”
Russell and Cara’s encounters became more frequent and soon enough things started brewing that they weren’t even noticing (but everyone else was!) until one Sunday afternoon. A common friend (thanks Daryl) invited Russell to a networking event and Cara just happened to be sitting at the same table so by random, she was invited as well. It was not a hot date, by any means but it inevitably turned into their first unofficial date. That very night, the two unexpectedly registered for their nonexistent wedding.
It took months for the two to finally admit and realize that a spark ignited that night. It also took longer than expected for Russell to sweep Cara off her feet but finally, after three tries Cara said “yes.” A year and a half later Cara said yes to Russell again, this time to spend the rest of her life with him. It was a rough and bumpy road but by the grace of God, the two made it through and are now on the road to marriage.
the wedding day
Though one may be overpowered,
two can defend themselves.
A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.
– ECCLESIASTES 4:12
VAVOOM – Gorgeous bride <3
So Russell’s kind of a Star Wars fan…
Even the ring bearers wore odes to Star Wars (custom bowtie and shoes)
The oh-so-stylin’ groom, making himself sexy for Cara (or the best man, I’m not sure)
with his very distractingly hot Best Man
Russell, so handsome!
Knightly couldn’t wait for his godmother and godfather to get married.
Our family was blessed to be a part of the celebration: bridesmaid, ring bearer, best man (and flower carrier).
Russell planned so many sweet surprises for Cara that would constantly bring everyone to tears.
When they first dated, he got her a dozen white roses. Slowly, at each special occasion, he would replace a white rose with a red one. On the wedding day, he presented to her a huge bouquet of red roses with one white rose to signify their friendship that would always be a part of their marriage.
*tear* That was good Russell.
Cara was drop dead gorgeous.
Such a precious moment with Cara’s parents when they first got to see their baby girl all grown up as a bride.
And, before you know it, it was time to say I do.
GAH, it was so emotional!
Sharing their first prayer as husband and wife
One of the most amazing aspects of their love story is that they saved (not just sex) but their VERY FIRST KISS ’til they were husband and wife.
The groomsmen prepped Russell for the big moment.
It was the perfect first kiss.
Then, they were husband + wife.
I’m a little biased but I thought it was a pretty awesome bridal party.
Our favorite photo of you two <3
Introducing their beautiful shades of purple and silver wedding reception.
Look at that GORGEOUS cake by Last Fortune Bakery.
Russell even got to have a Star Wars inspired Boba Fett Boba Bar (which was pretty awesome – well done Cafe 86)!
It was quite a grand entrance with this awesome party.
For their first dance, it rained beautiful silver everywhere.
Russell then coordinated a surprise dance performance for Cara that included bridal party and friends:
The beautiful father/daughter and mother/son dance
The moving toasts
And just like that, it was time to cut the cake.
It was quite the party.
But, in the end, if I could pick one photo that summarized Cara + Russell, it would be this:
Or maybe this:
Or this:
OK, and all of these:
love story and engagement film (by DPARK film)
Get ready for some serious tears. Introducing the beautiful Love Story film of Cara + Russell:
congratulations
One of the biggest blessings in celebrating you two was getting to do so with the whole DPARK family.
Cara and Russell, it makes me tear up when trying to think of how to congratulate you two. God so beautifully wrote your love story and He will continue to do so. You both bless, inspire, encourage, and touch so many lives around you. How much more powerfully so will you do it together. Through trials and joys, we’ve seen you grow. We know there is much yet still to come. But we know, with Christ, anything is possible. With Him, you will get through the lowest of valleys and reach where He has called you both in victory. We will always be here to pray, to listen, to laugh, and to grow together.
We love you guys. Congratulations, Mr. + Mrs. Purificacion <3 Can’t wait to see how your journey unfolds.
With all our love,
The DPARK Family
wedding vendors
- Chino Wedding Photographers | D. Park Photography Associates Rebecka and Michael
- Venue | Chaffey College Community Center | 5885 Haven Ave, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91737
- Wedding Planner | In Focus Events
- Bride Hair Stylist/Makeup Artist | Beauty by Adam
- Bridesmaids Hair Stylist/Makeup Artists | e2Beauty
- Rentals & Florals | OC Events
- Master of Ceremonies | Julius Juice Tobias
- POWER 106 DJ | Icy Ice
- Videographer | Visual Masterpiece
- Love Story Same Day Edit Video | D. Park Photography
- Caterer | Elegant Affair
- Cake Artist | Last Fortune Bakery
- Wedding Colors | Black, White, Purple and Accents of Silver
- Bridal Gown | Watter Gown
- Bridal Gown Stylist | Hope Stanley
- Bridal Gown Store | Mary Me Bridal
- Bridesmaids Shoes | Delicious
- Groomsmen Attire | Friar Tux
- Officiant | Pastor Alex
- Bartender | Centro Basco
- Boba Bar & Desserts | Cafe 86
- Sheet Cake | Abby Declaro
Capture your chic love story with the DPARK family today!
want more?
Check out their sexy Vogue Virgin engagement and why they saved it for marriage here.
Capture your gorgeous love story with the DPARK family today!
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