Alyssa Simpson & Wilson Valdez
September 21, 2024 | The Nest at Prairie Creek in Rogers | The Montoya Collective
Wilson Valdez has never given up on chasing Alyssa Simpson’s heart since the moment her met her.
When they first met as students of rival high schools, Alyssa didn’t think much of it. Wilson introduced himself during a group outing at a haunted house, and that was that.
Luckily, he followed up.
“I eventually let him take me on a date after he persistently asked [through] Instagram direct messages,” Alyssa said.
The high school sweethearts had been together for nearly a decade when Wilson proposed in Spain. The couple decided to rent a car and explored the area. After a fun day together, they decided to cap the day off with a picnic on the beach at sunset for pictures.
“Wilson popped the question in the most beautiful spot right as the sun was going down,” Alyssa said. “[We] got it all on camera for us to look back on later and share with everyone!”
Wedding Vendors
Planning and design: Taylor Hight for Amanda Reed Weddings; Photography: The Montoya Collective (Keely Montoya); Wedding dress: Joon Bridal; Florist: Arloh Flora; Rentals: Kindred Provisions; Stationery: Shaye Makes; Hair stylist: Evelin Ballesteros; Makeup artist: Han Helps Hair; Content creator: Weddings With Molly; Bartending: Mint 2 Mix; Cake: The Cake Occasion; Cellist: Cello by Austin; Catering: Pizzeria Ruby; DJ: DJ Eros; Event staff: Stom Events & Staffing
Q&A
Q: What was the vibe you wanted for your wedding?
A: “I always knew that I wanted a really colorful wedding,” Alyssa said. “We kind of ran with it being the last day of summer by making the wedding an end-of-summer garden party. The venue was all outdoors and it was perfect for incorporating that vibe!”
Q: What inspired your florals?
A: “Art, summer and memories,” Alyssa said. “… I wanted bold colors and funky structures that felt almost like abstract art and evoked an end-of-summer feeling.”
Q: What inspired your wedding day look?
A: “We wanted to be able to express ourselves on our wedding day. We both love fashion and expression through clothing. We gravitate towards looks that are elevated in a real, effortless way,” Alyssa said. “I honestly feel like the looks we chose were very authentic to us and the vibes we like.”
‘Congratulations’
“We are both huge Mac Miller fans and got to see him perform our favorite album in concert before he passed,” Alyssa said. “I walked down the aisle to the first song of the album, ‘Congratulations,’ performed live by Cello by Austin. It was perfect!”
Flower Power
Alyssa wanted to feature funky florals, like poppies, orchids and hydrangeas. Her florist sourced out-of-season poppies and incorporated orchids, Alyssa’s mother’s favorite flowers, and hydrangeas, a reminder of summertime visits to Alyssa’s grandmother’s house, into the bouquet Alyssa held during the wedding.
