Real Wedding: Katie & Brad

Mr. and Mrs. Day’s is a tale with destiny at play. One New Year’s Eve, they had an early drink date and went their separate ways. Later that night, he called saying, “I am saving my New Year’s Eve kiss for you.” Brad went and found Katie since she was saving the kiss for him, too. After dating on and off for nine years through four different countries, the stars aligned when they both found themselves living in Germany for work. He surprised her with a proposal after a vigorous mountain hike in the rain. She accepted despite their getting lost in the fog. Now the couple lives in sunny Solana Beach, having planted roots in San Diego.

Play Ball
More than 50 people gathered in a seaside park to play soccer on the morning of the wedding, sporting either “Team Katie” or “Team Brad” T-shirts with funny quotes.

Gown
A gorgeous Va Lena Valentina—a simple form-fitting dress with a fabulous feel, jazzed with vintage-inspired glam jewelry.

Heart-Tugging Moment
Her father’s reaction when seeing her for the first time in her dress. “He got really emotional and it was truly special for us to have that quiet time.”

Eschewing Tradition
The bride’s younger brother TJ stood on her side of the bridal party during the ceremony.

Groomsmen Style
Brad is all about power socks and ties to add pops of color and personality, so he went with pink and navy stripes honoring their color scheme.

Biggest Surprise
A beautiful song about their relationship sung by the best man.

Wedding Theme
Homage to the natural beauty of San Diego with old Hollywood beach glamour mixed in.

Clever Cocktails
Brad’s youngest brother, a well-known bar consultant and mixologist, created festive signature libations.

Magic Moment
Walking into the Scripps Seaside Forum overlooking the Pacific with the setting sun and surfers. Seeing the looks on their guests’ faces, they knew they had nailed their vision.

Favorite Detail
The centerpieces—succulents with orchids, peonies, and white roses on branches and in wooden flower pots.

Ping-Pong Table Guestbook
Brad’s introduction to the family involved him beating both Katie’s father and brother at ping-pong, hence the running family joke.

Couple Gifts
Despite agreeing not to exchange gifts, Katie got Brad a Donald Takamaya surfboard with their wedding date in the design.

Final Thoughts
“There was not a single thing we would have done differently. Everyone is invited back to do it again in 20 years!

—Ann Wycoff

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