Caren & Jesse in Montecito, CA

When Caren and Jesse were introduced by mutual friends eight years ago, it wasn’t quite love at first sight. “We did not get along at all when we first met,” Caren says, “but eventually became friendlier.” The two became more than just friends when Caren moved to San Francisco and Jesse offered to show her around town. The Bride Caren Brezovec, 29, academic coach The Groom Jesse Redmond, 32, portfolio manager The Date September 9 After Jesse proposed during a walk on the beach, the pair began planning a wedding in Santa Barbara, which they now call home. Since most of their guests came from out of town, Caren and Jesse used their wedding not only to celebrate their union but also to show their friends and family the city where they live.