Allana and John’s Wedding: June 17, 2022
“Five stars all the way around! Mike Staff productions went above and beyond my expectations and I will recommend them to anyone and everyone I can!” – Happy bride, Allana
Our Love Story
John and I actually eloped 01/19/21 on Catalina island! John & I originally met back in high school, but reconnected in August over Facebook. It wasn’t until I decided I was for sure moving back to Michigan at the end of August, that we started to date virtually (Facetime, movie date nights – where we would watch the same movie or show at the same time, etc.). Our friendship and love developed quickly, even being over 2,000 miles apart. We finally got to see each other after dating for months, and everything clicked. Our first time hanging out I met most of his family, and by the end of my trip, he’d met my parents and both our parents met. We all loved each other and got along so well.
When I was sick on New Years Eve, he said he wanted to marry me and take care of me for the rest of his life. After I got back to California on the 11th, he couldn’t last 5 days without seeing me again. He booked a flight on Friday January 15th and was in California the next day. We booked a little trip to Catalina for a day, ended up staying almost 3. Even though most of the island was closed down, we had the most magical time. On our last night in Catalina (Monday the 18th), we met a couple and the girl was from China and he lived in Guam and staying at our hotel. They couldn’t fly to each others countries to be together so they came to the US and were only staying in Catalina that one night. We hung out with them and drank and had an amazing time at our hotel. That night, John said he wanted to marry me (again). So I said if I could find someone to marry us tomorrow before we leave, let’s do it. He’s the reason it never worked out with anyone else & I believe that 110%. I’ve never had someone love me so entirely and make me feel so empowered and beautiful and most of all, myself.
So the next day, I found someone on Yelp to marry us. I called and he asked when we were hoping to get married, I asked “you got any availability today?” He goes, “today?! Well I suppose so! How’s 2:30?”. So we met him to fill out all the paperwork. He told us about a little shop that had silver bands, not only with a photo of the island on it, but the coordinates of it AND the seven phases of the moon (which I have tattooed on my back). We had 3 hours to find something to wear and get ready. The first store I walked into, they had one all white outfit left, and it was in my size. They were also playing “you’re the one that I want” from the grease soundtrack! We went to another store and found him a pair of white pants and a white button up, both in his size and basically the last ones! Then we went to get our rings we were married on Step beach at Avalon, Catalina island on January 19th, with the couple as our witnesses.
Our Wedding Vision
Whimsical, early summer outdoor setting for the ceremony with a big party at night with all of our loved ones! The way that our wedding played out was even better than I could’ve imagined or planned on my own! From the fourth string quartet during the ceremony, to the perfect weather we could’ve asked for, to dancing the night away with some of the people that we love the most, and creating a custom song with a country artist to surprise John with, it was perfect! We truly could not have asked for a better day and feel beyond blessed! If I could redo that day the exact same over again, I would in a heartbeat!
Our Wedding Photography
Our professional wedding photographer, Greg was an absolute rockstar! I don’t know how he wrangled the wild groomsmen the way he did! From keeping us on schedule and making sure he got all of the important shots, I could not be happier! These photos are so important to us. I love looking at our families wedding photos from years ago, and I know I will be looking at ours for years to come!
Our Wedding Video
Having a wedding videographer was so important to us so we could capture some of the moments in live action that I know we will cherish and watch over and over again! We even hired a videographer to stay a few extra hours longer to make sure he got all of the good stuff! I can’t wait to see the final edit!
Wedding Planning Advice
Enjoy every single moment of it. There will be some bumps in the road along the way, and even some the day of, but the one thing that I was very good at doing the day of the wedding, I was taking a deep breath and genuinely enjoying every moment especially the two of us. At the end of the day all of the little things that go wrong, will not matter whatsoever I promise! Focus on enjoying yourself, being happy, having fun together, and don’t forget that it’s about you two! Much love xo
Our Favorite Wedding Moments
One of my favorite moments was our first dance when he picked me up and spun me around. Then seeing his face when he realized the song I made him listen to after our first dance was all about our love story.
Another favorite memory of ours was being able to sit at our table and look around the room at all of the smiling beautiful faces of our loved ones and looking at each other, and just taking a deep breath and smiling!
Allana and John’s Wedding Vendors
- Wedding Ceremony: Greystone Golf Course & Banquet
- Wedding Reception: Villa Penna
- Florist: Floral Designs by Lori
- Bakery: Vince & Joes, Shelby Township
- Wedding Dress: Piera’s Bridal
- Menswear: J Barbaro Clothiers
- Transportation: Dream Limousine
- Hair & Makeup: The Beauty Gals
- Invitations: Zazzle
