Laura & Shawn in La Jolla, CA

Inspired by the story of how Laura and Shawn met over coffee, a color scheme of espresso brown, ivory, and plum began to emerge for their autumn celebration in La Jolla. THE BRIDE Laura Sell THE GROOM Shawn Mitchell THE DATE September 25 Most people find a quick caffeine fix at Starbucks, but 25-year-old grad student and crisis counselor Laura found something else. The first time I saw Shawn, I sensed an instantaneous attraction, Laura says of the bearded barista behind the counter. She soon became a regular, and the two chatted nonstop as Shawn, 26, whipped up drinks. Impatient for him to make the first move, she asked for his number one day. But that night, before she had a chance to call, Shawn surprised her at the restaurant where she worked. Nine months later, he surprised her again with a sunset proposal atop a cliff in Del Mar.