The story of Amanda Griffiths and Ryan Choura’s didn’t begin with a plan. It began with a moment that neither of them saw coming. During the pandemic, Ryan came across Amanda’s work raising funds to fight human trafficking and was immediately inspired. After purchasing bracelets and encouraging friends online to do the same, fate intervened just 10 days later when the two unexpectedly crossed paths in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. Recognizing one another instantly, Ryan introduced himself, setting in motion a connection that neither could ignore. “I loved how confident he was and how much, in that short window, he made me laugh,” Amanda recalls.

Though their first meeting was unforgettable, timing delayed their relationship until years later. When they finally went on their first date, the connection was immediate and undeniable. “We knew right away that we had found our person,” she confides.

Months later, after a day spent revisiting meaningful places and creating new memories, Ryan took Amanda to a private table at Soho House in West Hollywood, where he expressed his love before presenting a custom-designed ring featuring their children’s birthstones. “I cried, he cried… it was perfect and so us,” Amanda says.

When it came time to plan their wedding, the couple once again followed instinct. While house hunting shortly after their engagement, they stepped into what would become their home and immediately knew it was where they would say “I do.” “We walked into the backyard, locked eyes, and both had the same quiet realization: this is where we are going to get married,” Amanda says of the memorable moment.

Set against the natural beauty of their San Diego property, the couple worked with Sterling Engagements to ensure the site of the evening ceremony was designed to feel romantic and completely in harmony with its organic surroundings. Pampas grass and lush florals in white and muted peach lined the aisle and framed the altar, creating a soft, ethereal environment that enhanced the landscape rather than competing with it.

Family components were of great importance to the couple, so they opted for Amanda’s son, Aiden, to walk Amanda down the aisle, while her late husband’s father officiated the service. These sentimental choices were a powerful symbol of uniting three families, while offering a healing element that brought everyone in attendance together. The couple’s children stood beside them, reflecting the blended life they were building together.

Music played an especially meaningful role in shaping the experience. A live choir welcomed guests and performed throughout the ceremony, transforming each moment into something immersive and emotional. “We didn’t want them simply played – we wanted our guests to truly feel them,” Amanda explains. “Many guests later told us it gave them goosebumps and even brought them to tears.”

“Dancing with our kids… and pulling everyone we love onto the dance floor to join in was a moment we will never forget.”

As the evening transitioned into the reception, the celebration shifted seamlessly into an elevated, yet relaxed environment. Eschewing traditional assigned seating, the couple created a space that encouraged guests to mingle freely, with a mix of lounges, high and low tables, and thoughtfully layered décor. The design embraced a refined monochromatic palette of white florals paired with warm candlelight and modern black accents.

The couple’s focus on energy and experience shaped every aspect of the evening. Dinner was served through a continuous flow of passed hors d’oeuvres and family-style dishes, allowing guests to enjoy the celebration without interruption.

As the night unfolded, a hidden element revealed itself. Behind a camouflaged entrance, a speakeasy-style after- party known as “Club 6” (named for the couple and their four children) opened to guests, transforming the festivities into a second, high-energy experience. “It was true perfection,” Amanda says, describing the space.

Rather than following traditional wedding moments, the couple chose to center the evening on what matters most to them: family. After speeches, they shared a dance with their children that organically grew into a full dance floor moment with all of their guests. “Dancing with our kids… and pulling everyone we love onto the dance floor to join in was a moment we will never forget,” Amanda reflects.

Amanda and Ryan began their marriage in a setting that will forever hold their story – a home transformed not just for a wedding, but for memories they will relive for years to come.

This real wedding was originally published in the Summer 2026 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

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