An elegant homage to their adoration for each other and their families, Kaelyn and Ricky’s exquisite celebration was planned with intention in every detail. Residing in New York City, the couple chose Founder’s Chapel and Hotel Del Coronado for their destination wedding to provide guests with a quintessential San Diego experience, honoring Kaelyn’s parents’ ties to the area. In partnership with esteemed event planners Jacob Thater and Alex Madarang of Thater Made, the couple designed an intimate affair that tastefully incorporated coastal themes with well-appointed luxury.

Amidst the awe-inspiring grandeur of Founder’s Chapel, the couple exchanged their vows in the presence of beloved family and friends, expertly captured by Jennifer Dery Photography. Kaelyn was radiant; the grace of her gown was accentuated by an unforgettable cathedral veil. Ricky and his groomsmen dressed handsomely in classic black tuxedos. The personal bouquets for Kaelyn and her bridesmaids, fashioned in all whites and lovingly crafted by Sharon Mintz and Organic Elements, were loose and romantic: a gathering of ivory garden roses with white anemones, tulips, ranunculus, spray roses, and stock, tied in navy velvet ribbon. “The ceremony was perfect,” shared Kaelyn. “One of the most memorable moments was the homily by Father Lucas, when he spoke about the moment Ricky and I knew we were meant for each other.”

The wedding party and guests were cheerfully greeted for a sunny cocktail reception on the Windsor Lawn of Hotel Del Coronado, overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Playing with the floral and color theme of the day, belly bar linens were tied with rich green vines, while centerpieces and table accents danced with blue hydrangea, white anemones, and ivory roses. Guests enjoyed lime and raspberry mojitos, lychee martinis, and scrumptious tray-passed appetizers that included seared ahi and wagyu skewers.

Kaelyn and Ricky desired a stunning evening reception that brought the beauty and elegance of ocean views indoors, creating a rich environment that mirrored dining under the stars. “We hung navy blue draping in the Southpointe Ballroom to make a larger space feel more intimate,” explained Alex Madarang. The ceiling was strung with lighting, and a breathtaking overhead trellis was crafted by Organic Elements, filled with wrought iron and wood, and metal rustic lanterns adorned with silver dollar eucalyptus. Dinner seating mixed both rectangular and round tables, all covered with navy velvet linen. Centerpieces, tablescapes, and the cake table were utterly decadent, incorporating copious amounts of candlelight and arrangements of calla lilies, anemones, roses, hydrangeas, and delphiniums. The room was finished with warm clusters of candles provided by SoCal Candle Rentals.

Guests enjoyed a scrumptious seated dinner that included poached lobster soup, grilled Baja sea bass, and filet mignon. A dessert of cherry clafoutis was served alongside six-layer coconut cake, vanilla pudding sponge cake with raspberry jam and lemon curd, and custom coffee drinks. The Lucky Devils Band entertained guests throughout the evening, and dancing lasted far into the night.