Real Wedding: Erica & Creed

Erica and Creed Stary began dating in 2009, soon after starting anesthesia residencies at UCSD. What their initial meeting locale may have lacked in romance, Creed’s proposal made up for. He popped the question just before New Year’s Eve fireworks began on the Caribbean island of St. Lucia. Their wedding at La Valencia, in front of 125 guests, was equally enchanting.

What She Wore

Erica chose a strapless, empire waist, ivory silk gown by Alvina Valenta from the White Flower Bridal Boutique.

In Hand

The bride’s bouquet consisted of antique hydrangeas, purple lady slipper orchids, miniature plum dahlias, maritime roses, calla lilies, and cymbidium orchids.

Favorite Moment

The couple couldn’t pick just one memory: the bride’s procession down the aisle; their first kiss as husband and wife; Creed’s mother reading a poem; and Erica’s friend, Lis Warren, singing “The Origin of Love” all topped the list.

Lovely Locale

The couple didn’t have to think twice about their wedding venue. “La Valencia has a wonderful feel as soon as you walk into the foyer,” the groom explains. The storied hotel’s ocean views, history, and convenience also had them sold.

First Dance

Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” played as the couple shared their first dance as husband and wife.

First-Class Feast

For dinner, guests savored wild mushroom soup; frisée, endive and watercress salad; sautéed local sea bass; and grilled prime New York steak with seasonal wild mushrooms and bordelaise.

After-Dinner Indulgence

Chocolate truffles, tuxedo-dipped strawberries, and heart-shaped cookies were on the menu for dessert.

Drinks All Around

Mojitos were the cocktail of choice at the open bar.

Practice Makes Perfect

The couple took lessons and rehearsed their first dance for the reception.

All Aboard

Erica’s parents rented the Hornblower High Spirits, an antique yacht, for a rehearsal dinner cruise around the San Diego Bay. “It was truly an amazing experience,” gushes the couple.

Island Escape

Erica and Creed traveled over 4,000 miles to the Cook Islands in the South Pacific for a true honeymoon hideaway.

—Erin Fitzpatrick