When Krista and Chris met in a Christian Singles Facebook group, it truly felt like a match made in heaven. What began as a long-distance whirlwind romance soon turned into forever. “My favorite part of the wedding was having so many people who had been waiting for this almost as long as we had,” said Krista. “We’re both in our 40s, and this is my first marriage, so the wait has been long. It was incredible to share this moment, the answer to so many prayers, with the friends and family who walked alongside us.”

The proposal was nothing short of a Christmas miracle. Every year, Krista hosts a Christmas dinner party in San Diego. That year, Chris flew out to join. After Krista gave a toast to start the evening, Chris stood and said, “I have a few words to say.”

“He shared sweet and meaningful thoughts about how God answers our bold and outrageous questions,” Krista recalled. “Then he turned to me and said, ‘Speaking of bold questions…’ He got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. Through tears, I said the only thing that came to mind: ‘Absolutely!’ At that moment, the caterers brought out champagne, and my Christmas dinner became our engagement party.”

As a former wedding planner, Krista understood the importance of hiring the right planner. She and Chris chose Nicole of Events Inspired, a close friend who knew their heart for hospitality. “Nicole and her team knocked it out of the park,” said Krista. “Because of them, I was able to be fully present and not worry about details.”

The wedding day held many meaningful moments, but one of the most special came during the reception. Chris had secretly written and performed a song, “This Is Our Start,” working behind the scenes with the planner and DJ to surprise Krista. “It was so thoughtful and personal. I’ll never forget it.”

As a wine lover, Krista had visited Monserate Winery often and loved its charm. When they became engaged, she and Chris wanted a short engagement, just three months. “The odds of getting our dream venue were slim,” Krista explained. “But when I showed Chris photos of Monserate, he immediately loved its old-world Italian feel. It’s as close to Italy as you can get in San Diego and we got the date!”

The venue’s flow was another highlight. Guests moved seamlessly from the lakeside lawn ceremony to the courtyard, then into the ballroom for dinner and dancing, with spaces opening back into each other. “It allowed our guests to feel part of everything, while still having room to spread out,” Krista said. “And when the lake fountain turned on at the exact moment of our wedding kiss, it was absolutely epic.” ❥