Sophia and Brian’s wedding at Venue 808 in San Diego was the perfect balance of modern simplicity and heartfelt romance. Their vision was clear from the beginning: create a celebration that felt timeless yet fresh, elegant without feeling overdone. With a sleek palette of whites, neutrals, and soft greens accented by candlelight, their day unfolded with sophistication and warmth.
The floral design by Pink Poppy Florals reimagined baby’s breath and roses in striking, sculptural ways — most notably in a suspended rose installation that floated from the venue’s industrial steel beams. The ceremony’s floral arch was later repurposed as a stunning garland for the sweetheart table, bringing continuity and intention to the reception design.
Captured beautifully by Olivia Marie Photography, every detail — from Sophia’s dreamy Ines Di Santo gown to the intimate rooftop portraits and cozy candlelit dinner — reflected the couple’s love for understated beauty and meaningful design. Amid the laughter, toasts, and dancing, one thing stood out above all: Sophia and Brian’s ability to stay centered in each moment, soaking up their day together as partners and best friends.
“The right person will hear you out and heal with you, rather than use your wounds against you. Remember, you can disagree with your partner but still act with love.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
Sophia: We always start our story by saying we met in San Diego, but there’s technically a backstory! We went to college together but never spoke or hung out — in fact, I was dating someone else in his fraternity at the time. We’d seen each other around campus, and after my previous relationship ended, we followed each other on Instagram as most college kids do. Eventually, Brian slid into my DMs when I posted a photo of my dog at graduation, commenting “Congratulations to him and all his achievements!” After that, we started messaging on and off until a girls’ trip to San Diego — where he happened to be visiting a friend nearby. We met up at Pacific Beach, and the rest is history.
Brian: I immediately felt attracted to Sophia’s smile and the energy she brought into the room. I loved chatting and laughing with her from the start — it felt like we were already best friends.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
Brian: The night I proposed, I planned a “staycation” in downtown LA with our dog Bentley — the dog who started it all. During dinner, Sophia was getting suspicious that a proposal was coming. I was waiting until sunset, but she kept asking, “So… is there any other surprise?” I finally took her to the rooftop for a view before dinner, and that’s where I got down on one knee. We were both so nervous that neither of us remembers what I said — and then I realized there was no flash going off on the camera! I turned and yelled the photographer’s name, and she quickly started snapping. It ended up being so special that those first few moments were just for us, even if we can’t remember a word.
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
In the midst of planning our wedding, Brian’s older brother, Javier, unexpectedly passed away. It was an unimaginable time where even daily activities felt impossible, let alone wedding planning. We processed our grief differently, but instead of letting it divide us, we stepped back to focus on simply getting through each day together. It was hard, but it brought us closer — we learned to lean on each other and our families for strength, and it made our marriage that much more meaningful.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Sophia: My brother officiated our ceremony, which was one of the most meaningful parts of the day. We had legally tied the knot earlier in the summer in a small ceremony with our parents, but having my brother lead the larger celebration felt deeply personal. As my big brother, he’s always been someone I’ve looked up to, and having him play that role was incredibly special.
Brian: I’ve always gotten along so well with Sophia’s brother, and I wanted our officiant to be someone who knew us both and could make the ceremony feel genuine. He was the perfect mix of heartfelt and funny — the best officiant we could’ve asked for.
What part of your wedding day was most important to you?
Sophia: Spending time with Brian! So many brides warned me that they barely see their husbands during the wedding because they’re greeting guests, so we made a point to stay side by side all night. We wanted to experience every part of it together.
Brian: The quiet moments we shared alone were my favorite — from our first look to sneaking away for our first drink together in the speakeasy after the ceremony. Those small pauses in the day were what made it so special.
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
Sophia: Brian has taught me countless practical things — from cooking to DIY — but the most important lesson he’s taught me is how to slow down and enjoy life. I’m very Type A, always in “go mode,” but he reminds me to breathe, laugh, and live in the moment.
Brian: Being with Sophia brought out my adventurous side. She’s a planner, so we’re always exploring — whether it’s new cities or just a new coffee shop down the street. She makes life exciting, and without her, I’d probably still be sitting at home playing video games all day.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Sophia: My favorite thing about Brian is his kindness. He would drop anything to help someone he loves. His love is steady, patient, and comforting — he truly feels like my safe place.
Brian: Sophia lights up every room she walks into. Even the smallest errands are fun with her. I know wherever we go, as long as we’re together, we’ll be laughing.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
Our favorite part was how loved we felt throughout the entire process. Yes, there were stressful moments and endless to-do lists, but it was also such a joyful season filled with celebration and support. Our friends and family really showed up for us, and we’ll always remember that.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Have empathy for each other. Put yourself in your partner’s shoes — it changes everything. The right person will hear you out and heal with you, rather than use your wounds against you. You can disagree and still act with love.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love is both challenging and deeply rewarding — it’s the most fulfilling experience you can have. Who you choose to marry is the most important decision of your life, so choose someone who will love you through it all: the highs, the lows, and everything in between. Don’t be afraid to fall in love with new versions of each other over time. That’s the beauty of marriage — growing together through every season.
Planner: Wedding Agency San Diego / @weddingagencysandiego
Venue: Venue 808 / @venue808
Photographer: Olivia Marie Photography / @oliviamarie.photographyy
Videographer: Amari Productions / @amariproductions
Florals: Pink Poppy Florals / @pinkpoppyflorals
Hair & Makeup: REVEAL Hair & Makeup / @revealhairandmakeup
Wedding Dress: Ines Di Santo / @inesdisanto
DJ: Ovation Entertainment / @ovationentertainment
Catering: Social Tap San Diego / @socialtapsandiego
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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