1. Real Weddings

An Intimate Beachfront Wedding at Point Loma Nazerene University in San Diego, California

Kaytie Sylvester (22 and a national recruiter) and Ethan Gaus (22 and a power plant emissions technician) met through Ethan's father, who had known Et

Kaytie Sylvester (22 and a national recruiter) and Ethan Gaus (22 and a power plant emissions technician) met through Ethan's father, who had known Ethan for a few years through their church. A few months after their initial meeting, the couple reconnected, talking frequently on the phone and exchanging messages before going out on their first date. From there, the pair became inseparable. Almost two years later, Ethan proposed to Kaytie while they took a stroll along a beach in San Diego. San Diego held a special place for the couple, so  the city was an obvious choice when it came to choosing a location for their wedding. "We met there and got engaged there, so it only made sense to say our vows there too," says Kaytie. The couple went back to where it all started — Point Loma University. They exchanged vows in front of 20 of their closest family and friends at the university's scenic, serene park overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Lush greenery surrounded the park, giving the area an intimate, romantic feel and required little decoration. The couple added a simple wooden cross as a backdrop, adorning it with a cascade of peach and pink garden roses and ivy. As for the reception, the Kaytie and Ethan decided to host it exactly a month later in their hometown of Phoenix, Arizona, including more of their family and friends.

When Ethan popped the question, he presented Kaytie with a solitaire diamond engagement ring set in an unique intricate setting. For his own ring, he opted for another unexpected choice, a black alternative metal band.
"I picked out my gown before we had any idea of when or where we wanted to get married, so while shopping, I tried on gowns that could fit both a formal environment or a wedding on the beach," says Kaytie. She finally settled on an A-line lace gown with a structured bodice, which she had tailored for a trumpet style fit.
Kaytie carried a bright bouquet of pink peonies and peach garden roses that added a fresh pop of color to her elegant bridal ensemble.
To fit with the relaxed format of the wedding and the beachfront locale, Kaytie opted for a low updo with few loose, face-framing strands for a romantic touch. She added on a statement necklace to finish the look.
Kaytie's bridesmaids wore long pale grey dresses in a variety of different styles. "My maid of honor was seven months pregnant, so I wanted each girl to pick something they felt beautiful in," says Kaytie.
Lush greenery surrounded the ceremony, giving the area an intimate, romantic feel and required little decoration. For a subtle pop of color, the couple added a simple wooden cross as a backdrop adorned with a cascade of peach and pink garden roses and ivy.
Kaytie's father, who brought the couple together, walked her down the aisle to the intimate romantic spot where she and Ethan would exchange vows.
The couple exchanged vows in front of 20 of their closest family and friends in an intimate ceremony at Point Loma University. The university's scenic, serene park overlooked the Pacific Ocean.