Kiana and Sean have been together for years but their marriage just took place earlier this month in San Francisco starting an entirely new chapter of their lives together.  We met over the phone so I didn’t know what to expect when I arrived at the Ralston White Retreat in Mill Valley.  When we finally connected in person on their big day I was tremendously struck by their adoration of one another and the way they seemed to compliment each other.  I saw a thoughtfulness and steadiness coming from Sean and with Kiana an immediate bright ray of energy as though a sunbeam had broken free.  They fit together perfectly and their love and affection was infectious.  I had so many favorite moments from the toasts but some of the most memorable sentiments came from a couple of the groomsmen.  One said “We’ve been waiting for this day for a long time.” and another followed by speaking of his own search for love and quoted the groom who told him “Walk like a king and you will find your queen.” Seriously the sweetest bunch of friends and family surrounding an amazing couple.  In fact there was so much love in that room that everyone wanted in on the action.  I think we made it to 10 speeches??  Clearly, there was tremendous appreciation for these two.  Everyone spoke of their immediate connection, their support of one another and the new phases that were ahead of them.  Since I started speaking with them about their wedding plans, they graduated grad school, moved to California and got new jobs (Kiana as a doctor and Sean as a teacher at the very school he attended in Mill Valley as a kid).  Guests hailed from all walks of their lives from SF, to the Dominican Republic, to NYC.  It was the merging of two awesome families, customs, and even languages.  Both the Mother of the Groom and the Father of the Bride had their speeches translated by one of Kiana’s brothers.  From start to finish it was a beautiful day with sentimental touches and fun details.  Kiana prepped for the big moment wearing a kimono Sean had given her for her birthday years prior.  And I can’t even handle the glory that was the train of her dress.  I mean, omg.  Her young nephew and ring bearer sported elbow patches on his little blue suit (ELBOW PATCHES YOU GUYS) and they walked down the aisle in a sea of bubbles, snapped pics in the photo booth and danced the night away under a canopy of balloons.  A beautiful day for a great couple.    

So many great folks helped bring this big day together!  Venue – Ralston White Retreat | Event Coordination – Katie Graves at Star Planning | Floral Design – Vanda | Makeup – bfab | Bakery – Sweet Things | Food – Chef Cynthia | Balloons – Balloon Delights | Photo Booth – Glass Coat Photo Booth | Rings – Brilliant Earth | Bride’s Dress & Shoes – David’s Bridal | Groom’s Suit – Bureau | Music – John McCormick | Party Rentals – A Party Center