Their Love Story
“Our story begins a few years back, in high school. We knew the same people, occasionally ended up at the same parties and events, but no sparks ever flew. After graduation, Jason left to join the Marines, and Crystal also left Riverside to see what else was out in the world. Our paths wouldn’t cross again for nearly twenty years.
“Fast forward to 2010. Crystal was a single, successful gal, living the life on the beach in Malibu. Jason was a single dad, living in a less ‘geographically desirable’ area of Los Angeles. We were both dating other people and hadn’t spoken since.
“Jason ended up as a guest at Crystal’s brother’s birthday party, on a date. Soon after arriving at the party, we were reintroduced – and ended up talking for the next several hours. The seeds were planted. We went on about our lives after that, but kept in touch occasionally.
“A few months later, we began emailing back and forth. It started out as a note here and there every few days, then to daily, then several times a day. We got to know each other in a way that just isn’t possible when talking on the phone and going on dates. We fell in love well before our first kiss or before even holding hands.
“Finally, after weeks of begging, Jason was able to convince Crystal to go on a date with him. She drove 3 hours rush hour traffic and was nervous the entire way. Jason cleaned his house from top to bottom and was shoving the last toy into a closet when she arrived. She looked beautiful, and he knew that this was meant to be. We haven’t spent a weekend apart since.
“Our son, Zane, and Crystal hit it off immediately and have grown a bond that is unlike any other. Each of us were missing what the other has to give, and this marriage is in every way about bringing the three of us together as a family.”
Inspiration
“We were focused less on having the perfect wedding and more on throwing a truly amazing celebration. We selected New Year’s Eve as our date knowing that guests would relish the idea of a dual reason to revel. We imagined an evening filled with love, laughter, dinner, dancing, cocktails and confetti … and we got it!”
Advice for Future Brides
“Choose the right vendors – ones you connect with! They are there to make the event run smoothly from beginning to end and top to bottom. I’ve been known to be control freak, but in this case, we paid a little extra for extremely talented people, and more to the point for piece of mind. It was worth every single penny. Also, remember that this day is yours to do your way. Make it look and feel like you and your groom. The guests will notice it, feel it, and love it!”
Memorable Moments
“One of the sweetest moments happened when our 7 year-old son, Zane, who was the Ring Bearer exclaimed, ‘You may kiss the Bride!’ Months of practice went into that one sentence. The guests loved it and it meant so much to him and to us to share that moment.”
“A fun moment happened just before midnight. It was nearing time for the countdown to 2015 and while I was on the dance floor, my handsome Groom was visiting with some guests. I sweetly shouted, ‘Where is my husband?!?’ and the DJ heard me. He shut down the music, got on the mic and said, ‘Crystal, say that again!’ Once again, I yelled, ‘Where is my husband?!?’ My husband – it was so nice saying the for the first time and everyone cheered.”
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