When we say that this beautiful Hotel Del Coronado wedding love story seems like it was taken out of the perfect rom-com, we mean it. Introduced to us by Keli of Monarch Weddings, a talented and absolutely amazing wedding planner, Dan & Jania’s story is one that just gripped at our heart strings– and getting to capture their beautiful Hotel Del Wedding and spend such a special day together just made us love them even more.
Dan and Jania’s love story began in the heart of Maryland, with fate seemingly having a plan to bring the two of them together. Despite the two of them living an hour away from one another, the two happened to both end up in Tyson’s Corner for work. With both their dating apps refreshing while they were there (seemingly knowing that their person was just a few miles away), it brought them together by chance as they matched once they returned home.
Though neither of them was looking to date someone long distance, the chemistry that they had was undeniable; with shared values, ethics, and a great sense of humor, they quickly transitioned from texting to calls to driving to see one another. Once they met in person, they knew that they couldn’t pass up the chance for pure happiness and love that fate had brought them.
As they got to know one another, they got to know one anothers’ family’s as well as they navigated the beginning of their relationship; though it was a quick fit. With Dan and his children getting to know Jania’s daughters and Jania and her daughters getting to know Dan’s son & daughter, they found similarities that tied their families even closer together. Bonding over their patriotism, with Dan a career Naval officer and Jania’s daughter serving in the Army & Jania’s father an army veteran, two of them grew closer– not only as a couple, but as the new family that they were forming together.
Days became weeks and weeks became months and as they forged forth in their relationship, Jania, a leader at heart, quickly fell in love with Dan’s strength, intelligence, and sense of leadership, while he fell in love with her kindness, beauty, and wit. Taking trips with their families, they created new traditions, and more until Dan knew it was finally time that he could propose to the love of his life, the woman who he had met by fate. For Jania? She had known her answer since the moment they had matched, and had been sure of it by their second date when they had had so much fun they lost track of time and stayed till closing.
Preparing for their special day, they knew the perfect location; San Diego, where Dan had spent nearly fifteen years stationed, and where they had vacationed together as a family over the years. And what a better place to celebrate than the historic Hotel Del Coronado, so close to where he had been stationed? With the help of the wonderful Keli & the Monarch Weddings team, they began to prepare for their day as they travelled out to meet with their potential vendors and make selections for their Hotel Del Coronado wedding day, excitement quickly growing with each choice made.
Once the day had finally come, we knew that this Hotel Del Coronado wedding would be one we would remember forever– and we were so incredibly right. Filled with touching moments and thoughtful gestures, Dan and Jania went out of their way to create special moments not only for them, but for their children.
During their first look as the two teared up in joy, Jania was surprised with diamond earrings, and she lovingly gifted Dan a customized compass to represent his Navy service. Yet the gifts did not stop there, as during the Hotel Del Coronado wedding ceremony, they gave the children rings as well as a way to unite their family together and show that their love was not just for one another, but for each and every one of them.
We had the hardest time not tearing up throughout their ceremony– and we were not the only ones as when Dan & Jania stood at the Vista Terrace, with their children by their side, there was hardly a dry eye in the audience. With the ocean in the background, they took one another as husband & wife, walking down the aisle splashed in floral arrangements by Trendee Flowers to uproarious applause. And from there, the ceremony of their Hotel Del Coronado wedding ended– and the celebration began!
There was hardly a moment that the dance floor wasn’t filled as the guests and family danced to music spun by DJ Spencer Bezy of Mobile Music Plus, though Dan & Jania did take some time to step away and take the time to soak in the beauty and joy of the perfectly planned Hotel Del Coronado wedding day. As the sun set on Dan and Jania’s wedding day, it symbolized the start of a new chapter filled with love, respect, and cherished memories.
To Dan & Jania; we are so blessed that Keli led you to us, and that we were able to be there for not only your welcoming party, but your Hotel Del Coronado wedding day. It was such a joy getting to hear and capture your story, as it is one that still draws happy tears to our eyes when we think of it. Your love for not only one another, but your children is truly beautiful and touching, and we are so grateful we were there. Your love story, built on a foundation of patriotism and deep connections, is an inspiration to all who know you, and we’re so excited for you & your family’s future together!
If you loved Dan & Jania’s Hotel Del Coronado wedding day, we think you might fall in love with Kiki & Keith’s beautiful Hotel Del Coronado wedding as well. A beautiful day featuring teal accents and the classic San Diego venue, it’s one you won’t want to miss! If you love the patriotic themes & values, we think you might want to check out Morgan & Dario’s patriotic Westin Carlsbad wedding, where Morgan & Dario blended Naval & Airforce traditions to celebrate their day!
Wedding Photography : Clove and Kin | Coordinator : Monarch Weddings | Ceremony & Reception Location : Hotel Del Coronado | Hair & Makeup Artist : Team Nicole | DJ : Mobile Music Plus | Other Rentals : Encore Global | Rentals : APR Rentals | Florals : Trendee Flowers | Music : Eliana Strings |