Kaitlin O’Brien had just under a year to plan her wedding to her beloved Pete Hendrickson. Following the recommendation she had found most helpful from recently wed friends, the bride, with the help of her sister and mother, began the journey to create a grand celebration. “The best advice I received was to determine the top three elements most important to us and focus on those,” she shares. 

An elegant metallic invitation – with a monogram and wreath motif placed at the top – set the tone for the winter celebration. Kaitlin opted for an understated, timeless color scheme of soft pink, cream, and gold, which worked perfectly with the natural setting of the area. The couple had settled on an established waterfront location with a beautiful view of the ocean blue and an excellent choice in seafood fare. 

Kaitlin and Pete opted to have a "first look" before the ceremony, which the bride notes as her favorite memory of the day. “I walked up to Pete, with his back turned to me, and it was nice to share a private, intimate moment,” she confides. Kaitlin looked resplendent in an ivory scalloped V-neck lace gown with a keyhole back. Her T-strap heels offered glittering detail, along with dazzling chandelier earrings. Bridesmaids wore light blue strapless gowns and carried feminine bouquets of peonies and hydrangeas, while the men wore classic black tuxedos and white boutonnieres.

The traditional Irish Catholic service included favorite Irish songs that guests were invited to sing along to. A makeshift altar facing the sea created a romantic backdrop for the vow exchange, and arrangements of fuchsia, blush, and vanilla florals decorated the scene. Billowing ivory fabric and a single large chandelier was suspended over the couple’s 190 loved ones in attendance. 

With a live band ready to start the party for the reception, guests made their way into the room, where they were seated at round tables decorated with either high or low floral creations. The first included bullion candelabra with rosy blooms and dangling crystals; the second, trios of medium golden vases; and the third, metallic lanterns surrounded by roses. 

A buffet offered several delectable surf choices, from yummy bacon-wrapped scallops to perfectly seasoned salmon, as well as delicious turf options.

The merriment of the special day was truly felt as much as it was seen. “It really reflected our personalities to have our wedding place an emphasis on fun and celebrating,” says the groom. And so they dined and danced into the night, before setting off on an amazing weeklong honeymoon exploring Northern California and skiing the slopes in picturesque Colorado.