1. Real Weddings

Kate & Adam: An Outdoor Wedding in San Diego, CA

As the sun set over the Pacific, Kate Stephany and Adam Guier, along with 150 guests, were thankful that back in college, Kate had finally mustered up

As the sun set over the Pacific, Kate Stephany and Adam Guier, along with 150 guests, were thankful that back in college, Kate had finally mustered up the courage to make the first move. The Bride Kate Stephany, 26, executive assistant The Groom Adam Guier, 28, regional sales manager The Date October 30 Kate spotted Adam one day at the campus gym of San Diego State University and had a crush on him for months before finally working up the nerve to ask him to her sorority formal. The sushi-loving couple had their first date at an upscale Japanese restaurant and quickly became regulars. It was there that Adam proposed by arranging for the waiter to bring a dessert tray decorated with palm trees, flowers, and a caramelized nest with a hand-carved dove in it. The bird carried a little something extra perched on his beak: a princess-cut diamond in a platinum ring.

Kate and Adam wanted the oceanside garden setting to be the focal point of the celebration and chose the classic hues of white, black and red as their colors to complement it.
The Couple
The Ceremony
Kate's strapless sheath gown by Demetrios was adorned with delicate beaded flowers.
We had a wonderful DJ who at one point had all the men at the reception gathered around me on bended knee singing 'You've Lost That Loving Feeling,' says Kate. It was hilarious! The night ended with a Southern second line in true Mardi Gras fashion with beads, boas and hats
In keeping with the wedding colors, Kate carried deep red calla lilies and her bridal party held bouquets of white stargazer lilies and deep red roses.
Kate and Adam cut into a sweet strawberry shortcake creation of three square layers covered with white frosting. For the groom? A chocolate cake frosted to look like a bottle of Tabasco sauce.
The sunset ceremony took place in the lush oceanside gardens of The Thursday Club. We loved how the whole experience of the wedding was highlighted by the outdoors -- the Spanish architectural details, the beautiful gardens and the panoramic ocean views, says Kate. Silver bells on each guest chair were attached to small cards that read, No rice to toss, no bubbles to blow, so ring out with love as Kate & Adam go!
The six bridesmaids donned black satin Bari Jay tea-length dresses with white organza trim and sashes.