John and Lianne’s wedding was genuinely bigger than themselves. The groom’s best man, a Navy diver like him, received orders to deploy nine months before the big day—he would miss it. “When we found out, we knew we had to do a tribute,” Lianne says. The groomsmen donned their Navy whites and the bridesmaids stunned in navy blue; a hand-blown glass diver served as the cake topper. But perhaps the subtlest touch was sincerest of all: The yellow ribbon around the groomsmen’s wrists during the ceremony and the yellow rose presented to the best man’s wife. They’re time-honored symbols in the US military, made famous in the 1949 song “She Wore a Yellow Ribbon.” As Lianne explains, “The ribbon represents a soldier who is far away, and their family wishing for their safe return.”
Countless Memories
“I’ve had countless people tell me it was the best ceremony they’ve been to. When I asked them why, they said, ‘Because it felt very personal.’”
Their Talented Team:
Cake and Dessert: Nothing Bundt Cakes
Catering: Once Upon a Wedding
Coordination: Sandy Caso, Mount Palomar Winery
Dress: Ines Di Santo, M Bride
Entertainment: The Class
Florals: Sweet Petals Floral Design Studio
Hair and Makeup: Rachelle Hali
Jewelry: Blue Nile
Officiant: Jared Criscuolo
Photography: Photo by Chana and Don
Venue: Mount Palomar Winery
Videography: Ryan Green Films