1/3/2017 | San Diego State University

Chad and Daniel are THE couple to look up to. They have been together for 11 years (engaged for 6) and just celebrated their love with a wedding under their favorite palm trees at the Scripps Cottage at Turtle Pond at the San Diego State University (both of their alma mater and where Chad currently works). As you could imagine, Chad & Daniel have such a big story that has become more and more unbelievable as time goes on. Chad & Daniel met in Palm Springs while out two-stepping with friends. Daniel asked Chad to dance but was turned down. To his surprise, Chad came over and asked him to dance later that night and for both of them it was love at first site. They went for coffee and oatmeal (inside joke between the two of them) for the first date and both came home and told their mothers they found the one they wanted to marry.
Chad & Daniel have grown together so much over the 11 years they’ve been together which has included adding 2 doggie kids to their family and a 1,000 teddy bears! LD (or Little Daniel) was the first gift Daniel ever gave Chad and he quickly became part of every day life with the couple. Including traveling, dinners, out for drinks (LD can be a bit of a lush), and even their Las Vegas proposal! Over time the teddy bears grew into a venture Chad & Daniel started together called the Bear Rescue. They collect bears from friends and people willing to donate and take them over to the Children’s hospital, women’s shelters, homeless people and everyone in need of a bear! Their commitment to this cause is just as strong as their commitment to each other.
On their wedding day, Daniel sent several gifts throughout the day that all meant something different in their relationship. The last gift was during his vows – he told the story about their first trip together in Pacific Beach, Daniel stepped away for a moment because there was something he saw that he needed to buy. Note, this was in the first few months of them dating. He bought it and was saving it for the perfect time to gift to Chad. Their wedding was that perfect time. Daniel pulled out a two groom wedding cake topper from his pocket that he had bought 11 years earlier and gifted Chad his final wedding gift of the day.
Daniel & Chad described their wedding day style as “casual elegance”. One of the most anticipated moments of the day was the place setting reveal for Daniel’s Aunt Nancy. Since Daniel was young, he and his Aunt Nancy collected antique china and she always placed out special place settings for herself and Daniel and big events (Christmas, birthday’s etc.). Daniel surprised Nancy with an antique holiday place setting just for her to honor their tradition on this special day.

ingredients
Location: San Diego State University
Photography/Videography: Paul Douda Photography
Catering: Aztec Shops, San Diego State University
Florist: Flowers for You
Ring: Gianni Vincent Jewelers
Cake: Katella Bakery
Entertainment: Movin’ Tunes
Menswear: National Tuxedo Rental