An Intimate Wedding in Los Angeles, California

Maria Mendoza and Christopher Stasi first met in a way so many couples do: in the workplace. Having quickly become friends, the two learned they share many common interests and many cups of coffee later, Maria and Chris officially became a pair. "We share the same passion for food, tours, and the overall spirit for life," said Maria. "We have always had good conversations and can talk about almost anything. Once we started dating, Chris told me that he always looked forward to our trip to Starbucks because they always feel like a date!" Six years later, Chris pulled out all the stops for proposals all-day carrying Maria throughout his life, beginning with lunch with her aunt and grandmother, shopping with her parents and brother, and had dinner with my best friends. The evening ended with a party at home where everyone spends the day with her, along with Chris, and his family and friends, there to celebrate. "He proposed, saying that he planned for me to spend a day with the story of my family and friends, which led me to her," he said. "He said he wanted to be my family and to everyone present that evening became our family. It was a night really special that we were both happy to have shared with family and closest friends."

Both set a date for November 8, 2014 and invited 90 friends to join them for a celebration at Carondelet home in Los Angeles. With the help of Dorothy Rose Events, Maria and Chris plan meetings intimate and romantic, set in a unique space that still has the warmth and comfort of home and asked Laura Kleinhenz of Docuvitae to capture memories.

The groom's aunt, who is a wedding planner herself, helped the busy couple with DIY projects for their celebration, starting with the invitation. "She created our fantastic invitation suite, which has a Parisian vibe," Maria says. "It was three-dimensional with netting and a wax seal of our classic monogram."

Maria wore a strapless lace mermaid gown from Ines Di Santo, complete with romantic lace appliques flushed underlying and the bodice and hemline. Although he believes it is the one on her wedding day, there was a time when Mary seriously consider saying "I do" in a completely different dress. "I really fell in love with two beautiful dress but finally decided on the choice of Ines Di Santo because it was so unique," he said. "I loved how lace was used sparingly but has so much impact on the design."

She wanted to dress her extraordinary shine, so that Mary keeps her accessories simple, add some vintage hair combs her flowing locks only during the reception. He chose to bring an all-white bouquet of peonies and ranunculus.

Maria and Chris shared a first look outside their hotel, before driving a vintage car ceremony. The groom wanted a classic look on the wedding day, so she chose a black suit made with a black tie. Once the couple arrived home Carondelet, bridesmaid Maria, all dressed in black dresses they choose, watching from the window above before joining the bride outside.

Flowy white fabric hung from the ceiling of their ceremony space, which the couple felt added softness to the exposed wood beams and brick walls. A floor-to-ceiling mirror was the focal point of the room, so Maria and Chris chose to decorate it with a magnolia leaf garland, floral accents, and vases filled with floating candles.

Serving delicious food was a priority for Maria and Chris, so they curated a menu of their favorites. Appetizers included mini steak and eggs and maple glazed pork belly. For dinner, guests were treated to beef tenderloin, potato gratin, and fresh vegetables.

Dessert came courtesy of The Butter End Cakery. The couple chose a three-tiered white cake filled with double chocolate chip cake and vanilla bean cake topped with vanilla buttercream.

"It sounds cheesy, but I felt so happy and in love with my husband during our first dance," Maria says of the couple's dance to Adele's "Make You Feel My Love." "I couldn't stop crying!" After the celebrations ended, the couple set off on a honeymoon to Paris.

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