We grew up in the same hometown but went to different high schools. We ended up meeting after college through mutual friends at a bar one night.
When did you become engaged, and how?
We got engaged in 2022 in Lake Tahoe! Mark proposed on a camping trip on Labor Day on the top of Maggies Peaks.
#WeddingGoals
We wanted the day to go by slow so were intentional about maximizing our time at cocktail hour and extending the dance party. We omitted traditions that weren’t important to us (like cake-cutting) to focus our time on what was important: being present. It ended up feeling unhurried and like the longest day, which we were so happy about. We also wanted it to be a raging dance party—and it was!
How did planning go?
We did a two-year engagement so planning was enjoyable and not pressured. Until you get close to the wedding no matter how prepared you are it seems like a million things needed to get done before the big day.
What was the biggest challenge of wedding planning?
Being remote. We live in San Diego and all our venues and vendors were in Tahoe. We relied heavily on our wedding planner for advice and meetings, which was so crucial to the success of our wedding.
How would you describe the ceremony? Was there anything specific that made it unique to you as a couple?
We had a lot of feedback about how much genuine love was felt throughout the whole day. Love for each other, love amongst family & friends. We just had a really great group of people who really love and care for us. It was a perfect day with so much peace & happiness.
Memorable Moment
Our dog, Cali, was heavily involved in the wedding. She walked down the aisle and laid at the altar sleeping during the ceremony. She had her own meal at the table and walked around greeting everyone she knew.
Special Dance
When the party ended and everyone left the dance floor, we arranged for a last dance for just us to “Crash Into Me” by Dave Matthews Band.
First Dance Song
“Best Inspiration” by SBID
Mother/Daughter Dance Song
“Fire & Rain” by James Taylor
Mother/Son Dance Song
“Signed Sealed Delivered” by Stevie Wonder
Last Dance Song
“Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey
Did you have any special cultural features to your wedding or factors that celebrated the heritage of you or your family?
Mark comes from a very Italian family. Sunday dinners were always packed with friends and family gathering around the table and sharing dishes. We wanted that incorporated into the wedding, so we chose to do family style serving of the food, which was fun to have a big dinner with everyone sharing the meal together.
Unexpected Moment
Mark: I loved the dance party with all our friends and family. It was so much fun and amazing energy. The band was exactly what I could have hoped for; they absolutely jammed out and killed it. When piano man came on, Kaelan & I slow danced in the middle and everyone got in a circle around us with their arms around each other singing to the song.
Kaelan: The first dance song with each other. I had pictured that day so much and it was so surreal during the moment.
What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?
The Camp Palmiere theme. So we had a Camp Palmiere sign on our table that looked like a national park sign.
#VendorRaves
Emma our photographer!! So amazing. And Angelina, our wedding planner, was so amazing and on it.
Looking back, what do you think your guests will remember most about your wedding?
The beautiful view of Lake Tahoe. It was a gorgeous venue. And the band, who put on a hell of a party.
What tips or advice would you give to couples planning their wedding today?
Don’t get caught up in all the traditions. This is YOUR day. Have it be something you love, and tailored to you.
What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
Taken more of the leftovers! The food was so good, we wish we had taken more.