May 7, 20243 min read

Bonnie + Dylan

I think the most faith I've ever had in the universe was when it brought Bonnie and Dylan into my orbit. I met Bonnie in the beginning of 2019-- she and Dylan were planning their wedding at Preservation Park in Oakland in July 2020. We immediately bonded over our love of color, the beach, California, and the idea that all wedding should feel. unique. Bonnie and Dylan wanted a non-traditional wedding that felt like a personal invitation into their love and relationship, and I was so excited to make it their reality!

About a month into planning their wedding, I found out that I was pregnant with my son Mateo. Because Bonnie felt like a long-time friend (even after knowing each other for a few short weeks), I shared the news. She and Dylan were nothing but supportive and were so excited for me and my growing family! They sent Mateo gifts, checked in on me after his birth, and allowed me to take the time I needed to adjust to my new role as a mom and business owner. We continued planning their wedding-- an epic ode to coastal California with oysters, whole roasted fish served with handmade tortillas and a plethora of salsas, bright colors, tropical flowers, and a truly al fresco wedding! And then March 2020 came and brought along a pandemic.

As we all know, weddings came to a dramatic halt-- venues shut down, restrictions were in place, and events were cancelled. Despite all the curveballs and roadblocks, Bonnie and Dylan rode the wave. We planned a beautiful, intimate elopement on their original wedding day in July 2020 at their venue with their immediate family and officiant. We had already put together a rock solid team of talented, professional vendors that, through everything, put the client experience first. Their incredible florist, Pilar with Gorgeous and Green, delivered on bright, cherry ceremony florals and a stunning bouquet, and they followed the ceremony with a rooftop taco buffet at their apartment in San Francisco. Morgan, with South West Photo, captured the intimate ceremony and made the day feel just as special as the real thing.

Fast forward to August 2021 and we got to through the party of a lifetime! A baby and a pandemic later, but we made it! Bonnie's family and friends made the trip from Georgia to California and Dylan's San Diego family felt right at home in Oakland's coastal oasis, Preservation Park. They renewed their vows, which held so much more weight after a year of uncertainty and lockdowns, dined on freshly shucked oysters, danced the night away, and were swept away in a vintage red Mustang convertible. Everything from the vendor team to the weather showed up to perfection for their wedding.

While planning a wedding, postponing a wedding, planning an elopement, and then planning another wedding (that had to feel different than the elopement, duh) could easily become a long, drawn out ordeal, I am thankful everyday that I got to do it with Bonnie and Dylan (and that I had an epic team of vendors to support me through it and bring it all to life when the time finally came). Most of all, I am thankful that the universe was looking out for me and gave me Bonnie and Dylan during a time where uncertainty would reign and supportive, caring couples were vital.

So, this is my love letter to Bonnie and Dylan. Clients that became lifelong friends (and neighbors)! I am so grateful that you chose me to be your wedding planner, that you trusted me with alllllllll the things, and that you continue to include me in your beautiful life. Cheers!