When Austin & Kelsey first met on their first day of college at the U of A during orientation, they had no idea that one another would play such an important role in their lives– and that one day their story would lead to an absolutely magical wedding at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, where they would both recount that first day during their vows.
That first day of orientation, it was clear that there was an instant connection between Austin & Kelsey. From the way that it seemed like everything was just easy with one another to the way that they could just make one another laugh without even trying, the two just clicked. So when they start dating for the first time? It made sense to everyone, including them.
Yet, the two decided to just be friends their final two years of college– though their feelings never really went away. It wasn’t until 2016 that they reconnected as something more than just friends after Kelsey took that first step and invited him to a concert along with their mutual friends. The second that they were able to just relax, dance, and enjoy themselves, they realized it themselves– their feelings hadn’t truly disappeared.
Years later as their relationship progressed and grew, it became clear that they didn’t want to spend another day apart from one another. The way that they cherished, celebrated, and supported one another, the way that their families just seemed to click. It was perfect– and Austin was ready to propose. And what came next? A jaw droppingly elegant wedding at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe planned by Jessa of White Lace Events, where as they stood at the altar, they would reflect on that one fateful encounter that changed their lives forever the first day of college orientation.
Something that we particularly loved about Austin & Kelsey’s wedding was how involved their family was at creating these special moments for them to remember. Beginning with Kelsey and her mother as she got ready to walk down the aisle alongside her bridesmaids, Kelsey’s mother gifted her grandmother’s locket; a way to carry her as Kelsey walked down the aisle, we had a hard time not tearing up behind our viewfinders– especially with everyone else in the room tearing up.
These moments continued throughout this wedding at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, as Austin’s sister held Kelsey’s hands and prayed for longevity, happiness, and blessings for Austin and Kelsey’s relationships as she prepared for her first look for Austin, and as Austin’s brother-in-law acting as the officiant, delivering a short, sweet ceremony that brought up how they built their relationship on love, trust, adventures, and understanding.
Ending with perhaps the funniest moment– Kelsey’s father’s toast to (or rather, roast of) the happy couple, this day was filled with moments that showed Kelsey & Austin how much they were supported by their friends and family.
And after dinner as they entered the dance floor of their wedding at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, surrounded by the cheers of their family and friends, Kelsey and Austin began their first dance as man and wife. Choreographed and practiced so they had it down to a tee, we watched as Austin swept Kelsey across the dance floor under chandeliers dripping in flowers by Parker & Posies– and how it turned into a unique, fun dance with Kelsey then beckoning him closer, a la the iconic film, Dirty Dancing.
When it came to celebrating at the end of the night? The dance floor was ALIVE, from the Mighty Untouchables playing their songs as their friends and family jumped, danced, and even recreated some iconic dance moves from movies. Yet at this wedding at the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe, amongst the arms swaying and deep dips as their friends and family swung around the dancefloor, Kelsey and Austin danced, wearing the biggest smiles on their faces as they soaked in the fact they were finally married.
To Austin and Kelsey; we hope that every moment that you experience in life together, you remember the waves of love and support that you felt the moment before you entered the area for your first dance. That you remember how even in the unexpected, you found joy and looked to the brightness, and how you two treasured the moment you met enough to both start your vows together. Your relationship has shown that you can go through times both tough and good– and shown that you can grow beside one another– and we are so excited for you to continue to grow together as a family.
<hr />Wedding Photography : <a href=”https://cloveandkin.com/” target=_blank>Clove and Kin</a> | Ceremony & Reception Location : <a href=”https://www.theinnatrsf.com/” target=_blank>The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe</a> | Wedding Planner : <a href=”https://www.whitelaceevent.com/” target=_blank>Jessa, White Lace Events</a> | Hair & Makeup Stylist : <a href=”www.atoasttobeauty.com” target=_blank>A Toast to Beauty</a> | Band : <a href=”www.themightyuntouchables.com” target=_blank>The Mighty Untouchables</a> | Stationery : <a href=”https://www.shineweddinginvitations.com/” target=_blank>Shine</a> | Florals : <a href=”www.parkerandposies.com” target=_blank>Parker & Posies</a> | Officiant : Matt Polk | <hr />
