The second time was the charm for Shelly Mantler, 36, and Travis Duke, 35. What started as summer love more than a decade ago faded after Travis was deployed in the Navy. Years passed and they both moved all over the country, but reconnected in San Francisco in 2011. Soon after, they moved to Coronado where they’ll likely remain for good. “It was meant to be from the start,” says Shelly. “We just needed time.”  —Katelyn Montero

April 20, 2013

The Dress

On her big day, Shelly wore a satin silk Elizabeth Fillmore gown, customized with vintage Parisian lace detailing. “It was totally not a dress I thought I could get away with wearing,” Shelly says. “But I put it on and my mama said, ‘Oh Shelly, that’s your dress!’ I was shocked, but she was right.”

Flower Power

In keeping with the beachy, bohemian theme of the wedding, Shelly wore a floral crown with her veil, designed by Bloem Hill. The bride’s bouquet was filled with light peonies and roses. To hang from her bouquet, Shelly fastened her grandmother’s vintage locket and a string of Hindu mala prayer beads that she made herself. The vintage locket was her “something borrowed.”

Babies, Babies, Babies

Twenty of the 100 guests were kids and babies. (P.S. The couple returned from the honeymoon with their own baby on the way!)
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Light Up the Night

A month before the wedding, Shelly flew to Paris for work while Travis went on a road trip to visit family. In the Central Valley, he collected as many brass candlesticks as he could find. “I wanted candles and more candles,” says Shelly, “and then some flowers and garland to accent the candles.”

All the Right Friends

Farra Miron, owner of The Hostess Haven, and Tori Hendrix, owner of Sitting in a Tree Events, are not only well-known in the wedding world, but also close, personal friends of Shelly. Farra supplied dinnerware, set up the dessert table, and even hand-stamped personalized muslin bags for guests. Tori helped create a natural and charming atmosphere for the reception by hanging eucalyptus garland and roses throughout the house.

THEIR TALENTED TEAM

Coordination: Shelly Duke, bride
Photography: Jennifer Hughes, Photographer LLC
Ceremony: Coronado Island beach
Reception: Front yard of bride and groom’s home
Florals: Bloem Hill
Catering: The Vetted Table
Band: Todo Mundo
Dress: Elizabeth Fillmore
Shoes: Badgley Mischka
Cake: Sweet Cheeks Baking Company
Hair and Makeup: Erika Beukelman, 10.11 Makeup
Rentals: Raphael’s Party Rentals (tables, chairs, lights), Waters Fine Foods & Catering (dishes)