A beautiful day filled with blue skies, a view of the ocean, and two lovebirds having the best day of their lives. Kelly & Daniel’s day is on the blog today!
Nestled along the scenic coastline of Pacific Grove, California, under the watchful gaze of the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse, Kelly and Daniel celebrated their love in a breathtakingly beautiful wedding. The day was bathed in golden sunlight, with the endless expanse of the Pacific Ocean stretching out before them, creating a picture-perfect backdrop for their special day. As guests arrived at the Point Pinos Lighthouse, they were greeted by the gentle ocean breeze and the lush greenery of the golf course that stretched out behind the ceremony site. The picturesque surroundings added an enchanting touch to the intimate wedding, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Kelly, the radiant bride, and Daniel, the dashing groom, were the epitome of love and chemistry. Their connection was evident in every glance, every touch, and every smile shared throughout the day. It was a love story brought to life in the most enchanting setting.
The Point Pinos Lighthouse, with its historic charm and panoramic ocean views, was the ideal location for this intimate gathering of loved ones. The ceremony was a harmonious blend of nature and romance, as the couple exchanged their vows against the backdrop of crashing waves and the lighthouse’s timeless elegance. Following the ceremony, the celebration continued at the California Seltzer at Lovers Point, where the reception unfolded with a touch of seaside elegance. The venue provided a warm and inviting atmosphere, perfect for an evening filled with joy, laughter, and heartfelt toasts.
Why you two chose to get married at the lighthouse: We mostly chose Point Pinos Lighthouse as our ceremony location for its impeccable beauty. When we saw pictures of previous weddings and the surrounding area we immediately knew that was the spot. We envisioned our intimate wedding there surrounded by our closest family and friends with the views of the ocean and sea breeze in our hair. We also thought it was fascinating that Point Pinos Lighthouse is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the West Coast of theUnited States which was lit on February 1, 1855. Lastly, a lighthouse also symbolizes a marriage-the light of love and strength of the promises made during our vows is like a beacon through the dark times when it can be difficult to navigate your way. The light of the lighthouse will always guide you home.
Proposal story: It was NYE 2022 in Sacramento and we had dinner reservations planned and a New Year’s Eve Celebration with some friends. That night happened to be one of the biggest storms in California history that caused power outages and flooding all in the area of Sacramento but we were still determined to make it out as NYE is one of our favorite days of the year. We both get excited to cheer for the conclusion of a year filled with accomplishments, new beginnings, and new adventures and welcome the new year with all it has to offer. Just as we finished getting ready for dinner that night and were about to walk out the door, I was walking down the stairs and Daniel told me to wait at the top of the stairs. He continued to say he felt like I was missing something. Me, very oblivious, said “I know, it’s because I am wearing all black”. Daniel then proceeds to pull out a wooden box from his pocket and opens it up to the most beautiful ring I had ever seen. With the ring of my dreams, he steps down on one knee and with the most joyous smile asks if I will marry him. I was in shock, shaking, and couldn’t stop looking at the ring and back at him before I said “Yes, of course!!” It was the most caught off guard I had ever been but the most exciting moment of my life. Something I waited for for so long. We then went to dinner at Paragary’s in Downtown Sacramento, where just as dinner was ending all the lights turned off due to a power outage. Our evening soon turned into a very romantic setting with candles lit all throughout the restaurant and Champagne in the house for our new engagement and apologies for the inconvenience. We celebrated with friends and had the best ending of 2022 we could have ever asked for as well as survived the storm of a lifetime..to us anyway.
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another? We met on the dating app, Bumble. We had an instant connection as soon as we started talking and getting to know each other. We couldn’t meet up right away because I was leaving on a trip to Canada so we planned on meeting when I got back. Throughout my trip he would send me sweet texts wishing me a good day and couldn’t wait to hear what we did each day. When I got back from my trip we met for coffee and we talked for 3+ hours straight. It was like we had known each other forever, it was the best feeling and we both didn’t want the date to end!
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship! A little interesting story about when we met…
We talked about everything from our jobs, growing up, family life, travel, interests, goals, etc. When we were talking about growing up as a kid, I mentioned a place that was very special to me- a lake called Pinecrest Lake. Not very many people knew of this lake when I was growing up but my mom and dad both grew up going there every year to camp as kids and when my parents got married and my mom was pregnant with me they started going every year together. It turned into a tradition with my family and I went to this same lake every summer for Father’s Day weekend for almost 30 years. It just so happened Daniel had the same tradition with his family and he would go every year too! It is now a special place we share together filled with memories of our past as well as our new memories shared together.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day? Back in November 2018 my grandfather, Scott McRitchie, passed away of metastatic lung cancer. He was an incredible man, a role model to me and a very special human. We had a very special relationship and we helped each other through some really tough times.
I had always hoped he would be there in the front row for my wedding day. Daniel never had the chance to meet him, but I knew he would have loved him. In honor of my grandfather, I had a blue and gold pin made with his photo on it and pinned it to my bouquet. It was my something blue. It was like a piece of him was with me as I walked down the aisle and I felt a sense of peace that he was there and incredibly happy.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you? Everyone at work kept telling me I was the most calm bride they had ever seen and that I didn’t seem stressed at all. The year of planning the wedding was a lot and felt overwhelming at times but overall towards the end of the year, I tried to think of the big picture. What was most important to us? It wasn’t about the small details- the decor, the timelines, or nailing the steps for the first dance. We were most excited about seeing all of our family from all sides and friends come together, dressed up and feeling their best, happy and enjoying a special night of Daniel and I becoming one and celebrating love. It meant so much to us to see everyone having the best time dancing, drinking, and mingling with each other. Daniel and I even took a walk across the street towards the end of the night to soak it all in as husband and wife but we couldn’t help but look back at the venue to see our guests genuinely so happy. We took that moment to appreciate all the important people we have in our circle of friends and family and just how lucky we are.
Planning / Coordination: Evergreen Weddings & Events
Photography : Alyssa Gayle Photography
Videography : Jerry Albor
Hair & Makeup : Sydney Alexander
Florals : Fancy Pansy Art & Design
Ceremony Venue: Point Pinos Lighthouse
Reception Venue: California Seltzer
Rentals : Rentals: A to Z Party Rental
Caterer : California Seltzer
Cake: Rose’s Desserts
DJ : DJ Renzo
Transportation : Monterey Touring Vehicles
Red Engine Rides
Grooms VRBO
Brides VRBO
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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