Jessica + Caleb

How did you meet?

We met through mutual friends in San Diego. I was looking to move to San Diego with some friends, and while we were down there looking at rentals they invited Caleb to sushi. We hit it off but remained friends for a few months. When I moved down a few months later he was hanging out at our house a lot and things progressed from there.

When did you become engaged, and how?

We became engaged in June 2022. We went down to San Diego for a visit and we went to one of our favorite cliffs in La Jolla. We were walking on the rocks when I turned around from looking at the ocean, and he was down on one knee with a ring in one hand and our daughter in the other.

How did the planning go?

It was pretty stressful. We were working full time, raising a child and trying to plan a wedding in 10 months. My favorite part was getting to talk to vendors about my wants and then seeing their creativity come through. Worst part was making so many decisions.

#WeddingGoals

We didn’t have many expectations—just really wanted to soak in the day and for everyone to have a fantastic time. We wanted people to remember our wedding and think about it fondly.

Memorable Moment

My father-in-law gave a speech in which he gifted me a sign that said, “Mrs. Contois,” to hang in my classroom. My husband’s mom was a speech teacher and that sign had hung in her room prior to her passing. She passed away 20 years ago and my father-in-law held on to the sign for all those years. The sign now hangs on my wall in my classroom.

#CeremonyGoals

We wanted it to be short and sweet. I have always dreamed of being married under a big tree so making the dream a reality was so special in itself. Before the ceremony, the DJ gave the guests 30 seconds to take a selfie with the bride and groom. I had forgotten we had planned for this so it was a fun surprise to see everyone rushing up to take selfies with us.

#VendorRaves

Our florist, Bekah, was absolutely amazing. She listened to my ideas and made my vision a reality.

How would you describe the ceremony?

Short and sweet. I have always dreamed of being married under a big tree so making the dream a reality was so special in itself. Before the ceremony the DJ gave the guests 30 seconds to take a selfie with the bride and groom. I had forgotten we had planned for this so it was a fun surprise to see everyone rushing up to take selfies with us.

Funny Moment

Three of my bridesmaids spilled champagne on their satin dresses 10 minutes before walking down the aisle. We had to blow dry their dresses to dry them.

Jessica’s Best Part

Dancing with all my favorite people in one place, and walking out of the ceremony as husband & wife.

Caleb’s Best Part

Going table to table to individually talk with each guest who came to celebrate us.

Favorite Detail

My bouquet and bud vases on the tables [and] Bud & Bubbles’ welcome drinks.

Advice from the couple:

It’s hard to stay on budget so letting go of some wishes is okay. None of the guests will notice things you didn’t have. Have a day of planner that takes care of everything and doesn’t worry you on wedding day with decisions or hiccups.