Experience-Focused, Tropical Beach Wedding in Cali

It was only natural for Brianne (Bri) Kennedy (32 and an HR director) and Ryan Redfield (33 and a middle school science teacher) to say their vows on the beach. After all, it’s practically their backyard. “We picked a secret cove in our neighborhood that allowed just enough privacy,” Bri says. “We wanted it to feel local.” Afterward, the newlyweds welcomed guests to The Pearl Hotel, effectively transporting loved ones from beachfront bliss to a vintage surf party, complete with dancing, mai tais and Key lime pie.
Bri chose tropical blue and green bud vases for the tables, filling them with palm fronds and queen proteas. Guests followed bacon-wrapped, blue-cheese-stued dates and rye whiskey mai tais with rosemary chicken, smashed Yukon Gold potatoes and grilled asparagus. Once Bri and Ryan staked out their spot in the cove, the only décor they needed was a Mexican blanket that they’ve had for years. A ukelele player strummed a cover of Tom Petty’s “American Girl” as Bri walked down the aisle—and ended up standing to the right. “At the time, I didn’t realize I was on the ‘wrong’ side, but it was necessary due to the layout of the beach,” she says.
Bri and Ryan embraced The Pearl’s mid-century modern feel, simply adding palm fronds, roses, dahlias and lilies to the tables. The tiered confection was a chocolate cake with chocolate mousse and cocoa bean brittle. The couple made their grand “exit” by jumping into the hotel pool, with guests soon following. “That was our favorite moment,” Bri says. “It was the best seeing person after person work up the courage to jump in.”