The love story of Kelsey and Zachary is packed with adventure, drama, and jet-setting. After connecting on a dating website, this San Diego couple’s first date was dinner at Craft and Commerce, a hip gastropub where taxidermy and old books line the walls. This was followed by drinks at the Waterfront. It wasn’t long before these adventure lovers’ relationship literally and figuratively “took off”.
Kelsey, a teacher, recalls that on one of their dates, “Zachary took me flying in a Cessna. We cruised up the coast to see the San Onofre Nuclear Power Plant where he worked as a physicist. Towards the end of the flight, the sun was setting over the ocean. It was magical. It was such a romantic, adventurous date, and the first of many times flying together”. Action and adventure followed: sailing, weekends snowboarding in Tahoe and walks on the beach. Kelsey and Zachary’s relationship continued to grow.
Kelsey was impressed with the motorcycle riding sailor and pilot. “He was always surprising me with fun and impressive dates”. Zachary, remembers Kelsey, “She was beautiful, spunky, fun, outgoing. She was up for anything I could throw her way. And once winter hit and I saw her snowboarding skills, that was the cherry on top!” Engaged in December 2015, they made their home in the East Bay area with their Frenchie puppy, Dr. Higgs Boson.
Their engagement story is just as adventurous as you would expect. The couple headed to Thailand to enjoy the holiday season. The first 4 days of the trip were spent aboard a 50-foot catamaran skipping down the coast and visiting private islands, where they enjoyed snorkeling, and soaking in the breathtaking scenery. While adjusting to the time change, Kelsey and Zachary found themselves enjoying the quiet sunrises on the front deck. Kelsey recalls that as the sun rose on their final day on the sailboat, “Zachary got down on one knee and asked me to spend the rest of my life with him. It was the most magical moment that we both will remember forever.”
When it came to the location for their wedding, these world travelers chose Sacramento’s famed Grand Island Mansion. The Mansion provided a setting and an attentive team that, together, realized their glamorous Old Hollywood theme.
Exchanging vows under the shaded garden gazebo marked the first moment Kelsey and Zachary saw each other that day. “We looked into each other’s’ eyes for and all of our nervousness vanished. We both couldn’t stop smiling, and we could feel each other’s excitement to be back together,” recalls the bride.
The wedding ceremony wasn’t all poignant moments, though: up on the levee road, a truck drove by in the middle of the ceremony, blasting mariachi music so loudly that they had to stop the ceremony. The truck took its time and then made a U turn! All laughing, the couple and guests waited until they could resume the ceremony. “It was such a funny moment and it was good to laugh and have a chance to loosen up in the middle of our formal ceremony,” said Kelsey. Afterwards, it was time for the nearly 200 guests to enjoy finely crafted signature cocktails in the courtyard while an elegantly dressed butler passed hors d’oeuvres.
Soon, the couple was introduced into their reception, and it was time for the buffet feast that only Grand Island Mansion can offer. The reception offered non-stop entertainment and was a truly luxurious experience. Family and friends were treated to a love story slide show in the private theater. Guests enjoyed the billiard room and a Scotch and Cigar Bar, with cigars hand-rolled as they watched. The mansion’s large lion head fountains spouted water into the pool near the after-dinner dessert bar. Understandably, most of the guests didn’t want to leave at the end of the night! But alas, it was time to go, as Kelsey and Zachary were happily wed and heading off for more adventure, honeymooning in Italy, Croatia, and Greece.
VENUE/CATERING/CAKE: Grand Island Mansion
FLOWERS: Accents by Sage Floral Design
TENT LIGHTING: Three Palm Events
[Wedding Coordination] Party Couture of Folsom [Photos] Benton Photography [Gown] Inbal Dror [Tux] j. crew [Jewelry] Brilliant Earth [Makeup/Hair] Austin Hyde [Officiant] David Routh [Music] The Lucky Devil Band [Invites] Bella Marie Papers [Transportation] Vintage Limo [Rentals] Celebrations/Williams Party Rentals/Party Couture of Folsom
