Most people don’t expect to meet the love of their life at a career fair, but that’s exactly how it happened for Kathryn Biegelsen and Ayrton Haddad. They were promoting the company they both worked for at the time. “He called me before he picked me up in the morning to ask how I take my coffee; I remember being very surprised because I assumed I was going to drive myself,” remembers Kathryn. “Ayrton made me laugh the whole day, I couldn’t keep the smile off of my face.” He asked her out a few days later, and after their first date Kathryn called her mom to say she met her husband. 

Ayrton proposed on a beach in Malibu, where they were celebrating a family event. It was also a natural locale for their nuptials nine months later. “I wanted to be close to Malibu where my mom lives so I could have a planning partner, and of course the amazing views,” explains the bride. She and her fiancé took a few months to enjoy being engaged, so while the mother of the bride was a big help, they knew they needed a professional to take care of everything in just six months. Katie Barnes of Tessa Lyn Events led the process, securing an elite venue with stunning views of the Santa Monica Mountains for a Thursday evening destination wedding. 

Kathryn and Ayrton decided to have a “first look,” and after revealing her sleek Romona Keveža gown, the bride read a touching letter to her beloved. When it was time to walk down the aisle, she was arm in arm with both her mother and father. For her “something blue,” a blue ribbon was tied to her bouquet – it held a picture of her late stepfather so he would be a part of the processional as well. “Before the ceremony each guest was given a crystal to pray with as we exchanged our vows,” shares Kathryn. The crystals are now displayed in the home of the newlyweds, as a reminder of those who love and support them. 

With 80 guests in attendance and no bridal party, the couple elected to form one long table for everyone to enjoy dinner. An extended garland filled with ivory blossoms and greenery ran through the center. “I wanted the colors to be natural and classic, with a pop of gold,” reveals the bride. “This was carried out by using simple colors for the flowers, gold chargers, white pillar candles, and using Malibu’s gorgeous mountains and ocean as our backdrop.” 

Accommodating their nearest and dearest was of the utmost importance to Kathryn and Ayrton, so in lieu of a wedding cake they offered a full dessert table that included nut-free and gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions. “I wanted each guest to feel as if they truly had an experience and felt taken care of,” the bride confirms.