From high school crushes to forever partners. Irene and Ray recount the unexpected emotions that poured in during their first look after almost a decade together.
Of her WREN gown, Irene said: “I loved my dress! It was the first dress I tried on, and I instantly fell in love. I had always envisioned myself in a simple, fitted dress with a little something extra, and Wren was the perfect fit – literally! It hugged and accentuated my curves in a way that made me feel so confident and sexy. I didn’t expect to get emotional when dress shopping, but I have to admit I teared up a little when I tried it on. I tried maybe 10 or 12 more gowns, but kept coming back to Wren. It made me feel like the best version of myself, which is all I could have asked for. ”
Names: Irene Carrasco and Ray Skamay
Wedding Date: 2022.08.06
Guest Number: 175
Wedding Location: Salvage One
Photographer: Erika Mattingly
Tell Us Your Love Story
How did you meet?
How Did He Put A Ring On It?
It was September 2020, so we were still in the thick of the pandemic. I never wanted a big or public proposal so Ray planned a picnic at a small, lakefront park in the town we used to live in. We hung out there for a while before he finally popped the question. I can’t say I didn’t see it coming, but it was perfect regardless.
Where did you draw inspiration from?
I love timeless and classic styles so I really drew from that when planning our wedding. I kept everything minimal since we had such a unique venue, and I was super happy with how everything turned out!
What made the wedding personal to you?
Our friends and family! We had a large guest count, but we truly care so much about every person that was there. It was large, but it still felt intimate and you could feel the love in the room all night.
What were you most nervous or excited about?
THE HEAT! It takes a lot for me to get stressed out so I felt pretty great about the wedding day going smoothly (it also helped that I had a rockstar wedding coordinator). But I did get nervous when I looked at the weather. It was sunny, in the 90s, and extremely humid. Our ceremony was taking place outdoors and our photos were at a conservatory with tons of greenhouses so I was super concerned our hair/makeup wouldn’t hold up well, but everything worked out!
Now, the most important part – the Dress!
Tell us about your dress?
I loved my dress! It was the first dress I tried on, and I instantly fell in love. I had always envisioned myself in a simple, fitted dress with a little something extra, and Wren was the perfect fit – literally! It hugged and accentuated my curves in a way that made me feel so confident and sexy. I didn’t expect to get emotional when dress shopping, but I have to admit I teared up a little when I tried it on. I tried maybe 10 or 12 more gowns, but kept coming back to Wren. It made me feel like the best version of myself, which is all I could have asked for.
What stockist did you get it from?
Lovely Bride Chicago!
What was your most memorable moment from your day?
Our first look. In the 7 years we’ve been together, I’ve only seen Ray cry a couple times and did not expect an emotional reaction from him, but he actually cried when he turned around to look at me and couldn’t stop saying how amazing I looked. We took a few moments and just held each other to savor the moment before all the craziness began.
Vendors to credit:
Venue SALVAGE ONE // Planning DESIGNED & DETAILED // Photographer ERIKA MATTINGLY PHOTOGRAPHY // Caterer MAISON CUISINE // DJ COOPER THOMAS // Florist EXFOLIA BOTANICAL // Makeup DANI GARCIA BRIDES // Hair NIKA VAUGHAN BRIDAL ARTISTS // Menswear THE BLACK TUX