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Real Weddings
Melissa & Ralph

Kona Kai Resort
September 20, 2008

The Connect: It was a Tuesday night, so no one was to keen on a last minute plan to hit the town with Ralph’s nephew for a big night out, but no one knew that later fate would have such a part in making the best decision of both of their lives. When they both laid eyes on each other, there was an instant attraction.

The Proposal: A true romantic, Ralph made a plan to pop the question after finding the perfect ring for Melissa. He hired a photographer and made a plan for a weekend trip to Monterey, California. They found a beautiful, somewhat secluded beach in Carmel to take a walk. Engaging in normal conversation, the ring was truly burning a hole in Ralph’s pocket. They walked hand-in-hand along the waterline where Ralph got down on one knee and asked Melissa to make him the happiest man in the world and be his bride. With tears of joy and utter surprise, she obliged and the wedding planning began. All of it caught by the photographer who had been capturing the shots from a few yards away, making sure to go unnoticed. Later Ralph presented Melissa with an album of those special proposal shots for Valentine’s Day.

The Celebration: A San Diego destination wedding, two years in the planning, was worth the wait and yes, they truly enjoyed the planning process. They fell in love with the Mediterranean style of the Kona Kai Resort where they chose to host their wedding. They went for a modern yet traditional wedding with “Dramatic Pink” as their theme with a lot of beach elements. They kept their wedding feeling elegant and playful, all of which highlight the San Diego vibe.

Melissa’s Advice: “Hire a good coordinator, especially if you are planning a destination wedding. Also keep in touch with the difference between dreams and reality.”