How did you meet?

We both attended University of the Pacific in Stockton; Nick was on the swim team and I was on the Water Polo team. We met our first semester and got married 10 years later on our anniversary!

When did you become engaged, and how?

Every year my family goes on a family vacation to a small central CA town, Cayucos, CA– something we have done since I was little. Nick and his family started joining us years later, and it has been a place that brings us all together. It was one of the first places we vacationed together and one of the first places our parents and siblings met each other. He proposed at sunset on the beach while our families watched from the bluff above.

How did planning go?

We planned our wedding for almost two years. I enjoyed mostly everything about it, until the last four months when bills were due, details had to be finalized, and everything became so much more complicated.

What was the biggest challenge of wedding planning?

SEATING CHART!!! Although in the end, I think it worked out amazingly (I actually received quite a few compliments), so my stress was worth it.

Any memorable moments from your reception?

All of our speeches were crowd pleasers. We had a lot of speeches, something that is not always recommended, but every single person absolutely nailed it. We were honored to have so many people speak about us/toast us, and our guests couldn’t stop talking about them.

Did you have any special cultural features to your wedding or factors that celebrated the heritage of you or your family?

We had a memory table honoring our late family members who couldn’t be there with us. We both value our families and the love that brought us together–this was very special to us.

Any funny or unexpected wedding moments that happened throughout the day?

During our thank you speech, Nick’s ESPN notification went off, alerting him that the Kings game had started. The entire room burst out in laughter; it was hilarious.

Special Dances:

First Dance Song:  “Here Goes Nothing” by Muscadine Bloodline

Father/Daughter Song:  “God Bless the Boy” by Cody Johnson

What was the best part of your day – from each spouse’s perspective, please?

Brinnley: The sheer excitement on everyone’s faces seeing us get married. There wasn’t a dry eye in our ceremony or during our toasts and speeches. Having everyone we love in one room for one night is something I will never forget.

Nick: Our first look. The anticipation was killing me and I couldn’t wait to see her in her dress. It was nice to share a private moment before the craziness of the day started.

What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?

THE FLOWERS!!!!! I had a wildflower garden dream, and Strelitzia brought it to life. We had flowers everywhere it was my dream.

#VendorRaves

Our photographer, Heather with Heather Blackwood Photography, was amazing—quick, efficient, and captured our day perfectly.

The second special vendor was Carole from Carole Kenney Design; she did the alterations on my dress and completely redesigned it to fit my body, ultimately making my dream dress come to life.

Any additional resources/categories that you’d like to call out?

Dress alterations: Carole Kenney Design—probably the most important vendor on my day, she completely redesigned my dress to fit my body. She tore it apart and put it back together again to make me look beautiful.

Hotel block: Hyatt Centric Downtown, Amelie Luangrath was our contact. Amelie made the hotel block EASY and the customer service was next level. She and her staff really took care of all of us all weekend long.

Looking back, what do you think your guests will remember most about your wedding?

The party (and the light up cowboy hats). The dance floor was full all night long, not only dancing, laughing, talking, smiling. It was the most fun I think most of us have had in a long time–family and friends coming together from out of state, out of country to celebrate us.

Advice from the couple:

Get a planner (even if its just a day-of coordinator) and use their recommended vendors. It makes your final day come together so smoothly since they already enjoy working together.