Real Brides: Victoria

Victoria, originally from Montréal, Québec, Canada, moved to Southern California at 15. Meanwhile, Ryan was born in San Diego, California, and bounced around different parts of California, Seattle, and Washington, DC (where his family settled) before returning to Southern California for college. 

Their story began at college when they met in the dining hall. Ryan, intrigued by Victoria, interviewed her for a linguistics project, and soon they became inseparable. Their relationship took a romantic turn during a memorable trip to Disneyland on Memorial Day weekend in 2011, where they officially became a couple on the Little Mermaid Ride, amid an unexpected breakdown. 

In 2012, just a few months into their relationship, they ventured to the East Coast during winter break, starting in Washington, DC, to meet Ryan's family and explore the capital. Spontaneously, they hopped on a train to Montréal, where Victoria's extended family lived. Ryan, unprepared for the cold, quickly adapted to the city and its culture. 

After college, their passion for travel blossomed with a month-long backpacking trip across France in 2015. Unlike many of their peers who breezed through Europe, they delved deep into cities and regions, exploring UNESCO sites and savoring local cuisines. This journey sparked Ryan's formal study of French. 

Their subsequent travels were marked by a desire to immerse themselves in local cultures, savoring diverse cuisines from India to Tuscany. Eventually, Ryan proposed in front of the Eiffel Tower in 2020, intending to marry in France, the place where their love story began. 

Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, they planned their dream wedding in France, envisioning a multi-day celebration to share the country's beauty, culture, and cuisine with loved ones.

Photo Credits: Thomas Audiffren Photography

Bridal Store: ThistleRose Bridal

Bride Wore A Moonlight Couture Wedding Gown with Plunging Neckline.