Childhood friends to high school sweethearts, Candace and Jose were destined to be together! The two first met all the way back in kindergarten. Candace recalls how he didn’t talk much, but throughout their years of friendship, she talked enough for the both of them. The long-time friends finally started dating in their sophomore year of high school and have been each other’s “person” ever since! 

Candace realized Jose was going to propose at her family’s annual Christmas pajama party! Gathered in the living room with Candace, her family, and close friends—all dressed in Pokemon pajamas—Jose requested to make a speech. It was then that Candace knew! As she said before, he wasn’t one to talk much, so as soon as he asked to speak she burst into tears. When Jose asked for her hand in marriage, of course, she said yes! 

When going wedding dress shopping, Candace was decisive in finding her dream dress. She knew she’d feel like a bride as soon as she put the right dress on! So when she stood in front of the mirror wearing our Sofia gown, she knew it was the one! Candace felt absolutely beautiful in it and when her grandmother looked at her and said “Now that’s a dress,” she couldn’t help but cry. She knew it was her dress come true!

Candace stunned in our Sofia wedding dress! Full of sultry styles and exquisite details, any bride would shine! The gown features a striking neckline with a sheer plunging detail, lined with diamanté and crystal beading trim for that perfect bridal sparkle! Gorgeous Alençon appliqués decorate the Chantilly lace fit and flare gown. The illusion scoop back stuns and the sheer train with a delicate scalloped hemline completes this dazzling dress! 

The couple got married at El Tango Reception Hall in their home of Bakersfield, California. The venue is a gorgeous location complete with beautiful ballrooms and lush gardens. The space offered a luxe and elegant setting for their wedding! One of Candace’s favorite moments was her and Jose’s first dance in the ballroom. They had a mysterious and beautiful low-lying fog that covered the dance floor and the pair swayed during their first dance as a married couple! She also cherishes the father/daughter dance she had with her dad—saying there wasn’t a dry eye in the room. Jose and Candace were able to celebrate a most beautiful wedding surrounded by all their loved ones! 

• Photographer: Gwen Corona Photography | IG: @gwencoronaphotography
• Retailer: Ladies & Gents Bridal | IG: @ladiesandgentsbridal
• Florist: TQW Designs | IG: @tqwdesigns
• Venue: El Tango Reception Hall | IG: @eltangoreceptionhall