WEDDING IDEAS

Kathyriya wore a light ivory Jessica McClintock gown, but had it tailored to suit her style perfectly. She had several of the pinups deconstructed; redirected the train; and redesigned the neckline. The resulting shape was reminiscent of a mermaid skirt. To achieve the Old Hollywood look she was going for, Kathyriya paired her gown with vintage jewelry and a feather hairpiece she found on eBay, along with brooches borrowed from her grandmother.

To give her glamorous look a kick of color, Kathyriya found a pair of open-toed heels on eBay, dyed the perfect shade of red, she says. The shoes were originally from David’s Bridal.

Kathyriya’s bouquet was a mix of fresh and French hand-beaded flowers so that she’d be able to preserve it after the wedding. It was composed of about 30 stems, and she added feathers for some flair.

The couple recited vows they had written themselves, patterned after the Catholic service, on the beach an hour before sunset. They also performed a hand ceremony in lieu of a unity candle. “This prayer reminds the couples of their spouse’s involvement in their life and how their hands will play a part in their new covenant,” Kathyriya says.

The couple stood in front of a banner Kathyriya had made. It featured the couple’s new married monogram (painted by a fellow Knottie!) in their sunset-colored palette of red, fuchsia, and orange. It was held up with two long bamboo stalks, and the florist added spray arrangements to the top.

The reception unfolded beside the Oceana Pool. Each table was named after elements of marriage, including “Love,” “Honor,” “Cherish,” and “Respect.” Below the table name was a quote relating to marriage incorporating that particular word.

Each centerpiece consisted of three red glass hurricane vases with rhinestones along the rims, placed in a bed of rose petals and gladiolas, and surrounded by cymbidium orchids in small red bud vases.

Instead of traditional cards, the couple used votive candle holders wrapped with each guest’s name and table assignment. A red, orange, or fuchsia satin ribbon at the bottom hid the candle’s shadow while providing additional light around the centerpiece.

On the cake table was a photo of Kathyriya’s grandparents cutting their cake. Kathyriya and Joe also used her grandparents’ cake topper. The cake itself was three tiers and made with three different flavors: chocolate, Italian crème cake, and carrot cake. It was iced in buttercream.

Kathyriya & Joe in Los Cabos, Mexico

Kathyriya and Joe planned a colorful, personalized beach wedding in Los Cabos, Mexico.

Photos By: John and Joseph Photography, Seattle

Event Planning: Amy Abbott, Fiestas Los Cabos, Los Cabos, Mexico
Location: Dreams Resort and Spas, Los Cabos, Mexico

Kathyriya and Joe met at a local bar, and though she thought Joe was attractive, she immediately discerned she was not his type.

The Bride Kathyriya Hazel, 30, civil engineer
The Groom Joe D. Kennedy, 33, account manager
The Date April 30

In spite of her initial disregard, Kathyriya says she had her personal “'You had me at hello’ moment” when Joe confidently introduced himself. They spent the rest of the evening getting to know each other and were engaged almost a year to the day later.

-- Meredith Gray