The Casablanca Bridal Blog

Blog - June 13, 2018

Rustic Elegant Fall Wedding: Jalissa & Lewis

Nothing brightens our day like a perfect wedding in the middle of gorgeous fall foliage! Warm colors and even warmer feelings set the tone for Jalissa and LewisΓÇÖ rustic elegant wedding, beautifully captured by Sarah Brookhart Photography. From heartfelt father-daughter dances to hilariously coordinated superhero T-shirts, this wedding is nothing but good times from start to finish!

After trying on a number of gowns, JalissaΓÇÖs consultant finally pointed her toward Style 2252 Hyacinth!

ΓÇ£Like any other bride, I went to Renaissance Bridal with a vision in my head. I wanted long sleeves, an open back and wanted to avoid the sweetheart-styled fit. I believe that I tried on 6, maybe 7 dresses and after trying on the long sleeve look, I knew that it wasnΓÇÖt for me.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£The dress consultant was a friend of mine; she was my pageant coach when I competed in the Miss Pennsylvania Pageant. She brought out the Casablanca dress and I was hesitant about the sweetheart neckline. I tried it on and LOVED it. However, I was in between that dress and one other one.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£I went back and forth trying both on, and the staff pointed out that my facial expression was more authentic when I came out in the Casablanca dress. Once they said that, I knew I loved that dress and that I was trying to love the other one. The ivory undertone really complimented my skin and I loved the belt that came to a point in the back.ΓÇ¥

Jalissa and Lewis first crossed paths in high school, but their love started to grow after the two of them graduated!

ΓÇ£Lewis and I have known each other since 9th grade. We went to the same high school and didnΓÇÖt start dating until after our senior year. We actually were homecoming king and queen but werenΓÇÖt even close to dating at the time!ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£At the tail end of our senior year, I wrote in LewisΓÇÖ yearbook that ΓÇÿwe were going to get married and make cute babiesΓÇÖ even though we were strictly friends at the time. At LewisΓÇÖ graduation party, he pulled me aside and openly confessed his ΓÇÿlove' for me, which I didnΓÇÖt believe the slightest bit. He was persistent and we started dating.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£Lewis proposed on June 25th, 2016 on the beach at Destin, Florida.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£Lewis discreetly convinced me to get my nails done that day and pack clothes that complimented his outfit too. We got ready and headed to the restaurant to meet our friends for a double date.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£I was HANGRY and asked Lewis if we could quickly stop at Chic-fil-a so that I could get a milkshake to suppress my starvation. He denied my request. Shocker. Just then, in that moment, my frustration accelerated and the poor man had to tolerate my attitude moments before he proposed.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£As we were walking on the beach, there was a table set for two that Lewis was walking to. I was snapping my fingers telling him to get away from it because, ΓÇÿhe was about to ruin someone elseΓÇÖs moment.ΓÇÖ He continued to walk toward the table and he pulled out a box from a vase and I LOST IT.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£I began sobbing and apologizing for how angry I was. Mind you, Lewis proposed two weeks after he told me he needed a year or two until we became engaged, hence my hysterical crying face which was featured on HowHeAsked.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£Lewis has the best heart. He knows exactly what to say to bring me back to whatΓÇÖs most important in our lives. We have been living apart since July 2017 because he will be deployed for six months starting in April.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£Even though we are not able to see each other every day or do the simple things together like make dinner, kiss each other goodnight, or argue about whose turn it is to take the dog out, he continues to be the most supportive, loving and compassionate husband. He is truly my soulmate.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£My favorite moment from my wedding was one of the last parts. The DJ played ΓÇÿPiano ManΓÇÖ by Billy Joel which I requested because Lewis used to play that on piano when we first started dating (#swoon). The song played and Lewis essentially serenaded me while everyone else was singing, raising the drinks, crying and laughing with us.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£Lewis and I continued to say that if it werenΓÇÖt for all the people that came to our wedding to celebrate with us, it wouldnΓÇÖt have been as amazing. Our parents, bridal party, family, friends and vendors created a night that Lewis and I will never forget.ΓÇ¥

ΓÇ£We told each other that if we could afford it, weΓÇÖd throw a party like that every anniversary!ΓÇ¥

Excuse us while we wipe our tears away. Congratulations to #CasablancaBride Jalissa and her husband Lewis!

Need more gorgeous fall wedding inspiration? Head over to our Pinterest for all your wedding needs!