Some love stories begin with perfect timing. Jaylin and Brooks’ began at 7 a.m. in a Hermosa Beach bar during the USA vs. Netherlands World Cup match.
After a little encouragement from friends, Jaylin slid into the booth beside Brooks, and the two spent the entire game talking. They exchanged numbers, went on their first date soon after, and from there, simply never stopped choosing one another.
Their September wedding carried that same sense of ease and warmth. Inspired by the timeless charm of a Nancy Meyers film, the celebration blended romantic architecture, glowing candlelight, soft florals, and meaningful, handmade details. From a ceremony beneath a vine-covered gazebo to a champagne tower, a live painting of their first dance, and a cookie bar waiting at the end of the night, every part of the day felt personal, relaxed, and full of joy.
“Just being in that moment with your people means the world.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
In 2022, we met at a local bar in Hermosa Beach, American Junkie, at 7 a.m. for the USA vs. Netherlands World Cup game screening. I walked in and saw him sitting in a booth with some mutual friends, and my friend helped me make a move to go sit down next to him.
We ended up talking the whole game and exchanged numbers, went on our first date after that, and then just didn’t stop dating. We eventually got engaged in 2024!
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
I found my dream wedding dress on a beautiful woman on Pinterest and knew I needed to try that dress on. I found the dress at a bridal boutique in Santa Monica, went and tried it on, and instantly knew it was the one.
It was very expensive and outside of my budget, so there was a bit of back and forth with myself. I ended up venting about the experience and not being able to afford the dress to my nanny mom at the time.
A few days later, on a Thursday, before I left their house, they asked me to come upstairs to talk. They sat me down and told me how much they loved me, how hard I worked, and how much they wanted me to have the most magical wedding day. They said I was part of their family and they wanted to have a small part in my big day.
Right then and there, they handed me a check for the full price of the dress.
I was beyond words and instantly started crying. I could barely express my gratitude because I was so emotional. I love them so much.
She knew that the very next day I had plans to go back to the boutique and try it on again to make sure it was something I wanted to make work. She assured me that now I could go in, try it on, and say yes with no stress. The dress could be mine.
To this day, and maybe for all my days, it is truly the kindest thing anyone has ever done for me.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
I loved that my mother, my mother-in-law, and I made all the flower arrangements and the large planter arrangement the day before. That was very special.
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
Doing the first look and vows with my husband was so emotional and special. I will truly never feel anything like it.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
Every single moment, every smile, every laugh, every hug, and every interaction meant the world.
My family, Brooks’ family – we could not have done it without them. I love our life and the people in it so much, and I wish I were better with words to describe the gratitude and love you feel on a day like that.
I can’t thank anyone enough. It was the best day of my life.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
When you’re dancing on the dance floor with your friends and family after a few drinks, you are truly not going to care what color you picked for the tablecloths or linens.
Just being in that moment with your people means the world.
Photographer & Videographer: Pamela Tatz Photography / @pamelatatz
Venue: South End Racquet Club / @southendhealthclub
Planner: Elegant Decorations / @elegantdecorations
DJ & MC: Surreal Soirees / @surreal_soirees
Live Artist: Katallak Creative / @katallak.creative
Photo Booth: Pixster Photobooth / @pixsterphotobooth
Invitations: Zola / @zola
Hair & Makeup: Tiffany Kilgore Artistry / @tiffanykartistry
Bridal Boutique: En Blanc / @enblanc_la
Bridal Gown Designer: KYHA Studios / @kyhastudios
Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Show Me Your Mumu / @showmeyourmumu
Groom’s Attire: Groom’s Grotto / @groomsgrotto
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
NO COMMENT