Interior designer and Aspen, Colorado native Danielle met freestyle dirt bike ramp designer Jesse, a lifelong Grass Valley resident through mutual friends at the Winter X-Games in her hometown. “I was traveling a lot,” Jesse says. “We became friends over the phone.” After about a month of long distance communication they found out they had a lot in common. The couple was able to finally connect in person in Las Vegas and became inseparable. “We are both designers,” Jesse explains. “Although different kinds, it’s the same.”

After dating for three years and while having a memorable meal at their favorite sushi restaurant, the two became engaged on Valentine’s Day in 2007. It was a casual, spontaneous and a ring-less proposal. “The words came right from his heart,” Danielle says, “I was so happy, I cried.” They didn’t want to tell their family and friends until they got their rings. Although it was difficult, they were able to keep their betrothal secret for nearly a month. They wanted plenty of time to design their rings together to make sure they were perfect.

According to the pair, it was hard being in a long distance relationship; however they were very successful because their love was so strong. “Jesse is my best friend,” Danielle explains, “We both love the same things.” Jesse fell in love with her for many reasons. “She’s so cute!” Jesse says. “I love her personality.”

The couple is proud that they do not follow a traditional path. One unusual thing they have in common is their love of skulls. Skulls in nearly every image have been a theme of their life together. “I have [skull] tattoos and Danielle has [skull] rhinestone hoodies,” Jesse explains.

It took them two years to plan their wedding. Although they have homes in both Aspen and Grass Valley, they choose the Ritz-Carlton in Half Moon Bay on California’s Northern Coast to wed. “The search was over,” Danielle says. “It was our perfect wedding spot.” They built their wedding ceremony and celebration from personal style and lots of inspiration from the entertainer Pink’s nuptials. With the color scheme of red, white and black the event was very glamorous. In fact, the bride wore a pair of uber-fabulous Christian Dior pumps with a 4-inch heel. “They are very comfortable shoes,” Danielle says, “I needed to be tall for my dress.”

Their collective family participated in the ceremony on a bluff looking out over the Pacific Ocean on a picture perfect day. Their canine “kids” French Bulldogs Paxton and Bliss served as ring bearers. Paxton wore a black tie and a rhinestone skull. It was a perfect complement to Bliss’s frilly black and white bows. Both of their siblings walked the pooches past more than 80 family and friends. The Beatles song “Black Bird” played as they walked down the grassy aisle toward a Buddhist monk that performed the ceremony.

As the Beatles sang: “All your life, you were only waiting for this moment to arise.” For this fun and loving couple, their special moment had arrived.

Ceremony Site: Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
Officiant: Matthew Frum, Buddhist Monk
Photographer: Jacqueline Photography   Phone: 916-390-2228
Reception Site: Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
Bridal Attire: Bridal Galleria, San Francisco
Groom's Attire: Black Tie Tuxedos
Bride's Jeweler: Jared
Groom's Jeweler: Jared
Invitations: Cherry Branch Wedding Invitations, Cassandra & Bradley
Flowers: Repettos
Caterer: Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
Cake: Melinda Ness (Bride's Friend)
Desserts: Candy Bar designed by Bride and Groom
DJ/Entertainment: Ron Grandia
Favors: Custom M&Ms
Table Rental: Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
Table Linens: Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
Chair Rental: Hartmann Studios
Chair Covers: Hartmann Studios
Lighting: Ritz-Carlton Half Moon Bay
Honeymoon Location: Cabo San Lucas, Mexico
First Dance Song: The Way You Look Tonight by Frank Sinatra
Father/Daughter Dance Song: My Girl by The Temptations
Mother/Son Dance Song: My Wish For You by Jessica Andrews

Any tips you'd give to brides and grooms planning their wedding:
Have fun and enjoy it...make the day special and unique to you. Don't get stressed out over the small details because it all works out.

Details about this couples cake:
Two flavors - one was vanilla shortcake with strawberries and rhubarb; second was chocolate cake with mousse and raspberries

Details about this couples flowers:
Red roses, black dahlia, white roses


Anything else about your wedding?
Our DJ and photographer were awesome!!