Alex and Chaniel’s wedding was built around the symbol of a crown of thorns. For them, it marked suffering, redemption and spiritual resolve they found through their relationship. It reflected the changes they made to arrive at marriage together.

“The crown of thorns is a powerful symbol of suffering, redemption and spiritual triumph.” Chaniel explained. “Life cannot always be soft petals and sweet perfumes. There will be thorns to remind us that love is not without sacrifice.”

Over the course of a year, Alex and Chaniel built a playlist together, and the morning began with them both listening it as they got ready in separate hotel rooms. Vicente Fernández sat next to Barry White. Ritchie Valens followed Ozzy Osbourne.

The ceremony was the highlight of the day, held at Commonwealth in downtown Vegas and officiated by their wedding planner. A small group of friends were their witness and Chaniel arrived to Motörhead. “The greatest moment of our wedding day was the moment I finally got to see my husband”, she continued. “Walking down the stairs and towards the rest of my life – I could barely keep my composure. Never in my life have I cried tears of joy the way I did the day we were wed. When we exchanged our vows it felt like we were casting spells, and in that moment we were suspended in time.”

Hellbent Hitchings coordinated the day, allowing the couple to arrive without stress and really enjoy the experience. Trusting someone else with the details did not come easily to the self confessed Type A bride, but hiring them was the best decision. They could handle the logistics, while the couple could focus on the DIY and their outfits. “One of the best parts of wedding planning was all the DIY projects”, she explained. “From the moment we we became engaged, we started crafting! Our invitations were severed fingers made of wax with a ribbon tied on it – which actually catapulted us into starting our own CBD infused candle company. I also made my bridesmaids proposal boxes and after my bouquet came in destroyed after traveling overseas, my husband helped me salvage it and spray painted all the flowers we bought from Michaels.”

“Being able to make as much of the things we wanted or needed not only made those little details that much more special – but also helped save us a ton of money too! I also loved trying on dresses with my bridesmaids after a massive home cooked meal and guava mimosas that made us cry. Finding ways to be creative and express ourselves was the best part.”