Kristin & Christopher Brinks
October 4, 2008

By Darren Elms

Photography by Jacqueline Photography

From the Summer/Fall 2009 issue
Though Sacramento locals Kristin and Chris Brinks met when they were teenagers, they were anything but high school sweethearts. In fact, Chris dated Kristin’s best friend, and the two first met walking home from school one day. They admit a rivalry for that girl’s attention created tension for them in the beginning. But, they soon decided to “get over it,” and a strong friendship developed over nine years. As the 10th year rolled around, Kristin and Chris took their relationship to a different level and started dating.

After about two-and-a-half years as a couple, Chris took Kristin to one of the most beautiful spots in San Francisco: Golden Gate Park. “The Blue Angels were just finishing, and the day was just gorgeous,” remembers Kristin. “Chris popped the question in the most romantic and traditional of ways, catching me totally by surprise.” A swift “yes,” and the couple exchanged tearful calls to loved ones, followed by another surprise, a wonderful dinner with their respective families.

Kristin and Chris had a list of four things that they wanted for their upcoming nuptials: an intimate, romantic Catholic ceremony performed by Deacon Dennis Merino, an open bar, a portion of cake that was chocolate with chocolate frosting and an amazing DJ. Much of the rest of the planning went quite smoothly according to the bride. “My mom did the majority of the work,” says Kristin. “She found her calling as a wedding planner during the process. She loved every minute.”

Kristin describes the ceremony as “magical.” While the guests and wedding party entered, acoustic guitars and a cappella singing by Alberto Perez set the mood. The music shifted to piano by Robert Monteleone Eberhard for Kristin’s grand entrance. “Everyone in attendance said the music and Deacon Dennis helped to illustrate the passion and love we share for each other,” says Kristin.

As people settled into the reception, it was time for the bride and groom to set the right tone for the rest of the evening. “The wedding party entered to AC/DC’s ‘Thunder Struck’ and we came in to Rick Ross’s ‘Everyday I’m Hustling’ with stunna shades on,” she laughs. “Our entrance was one of the most memorable moments since it cracked everyone up and kicked off the night of fun.” Soon enough the DJ had everyone on the dance floor. Mix in the open bar and a delicious slice of chocolate cake, and the couple got everything they wished for and much more.

Looking back on the day, Kristin recalls the one moment that she will never forget: when she turned the corner and locked eyes with Chris. “He was so emotional,” she remembers. “It was like even though there were hundreds of people there, for a minute, it was only the two of us.” Chris describes it in his own way. “It was like an out of body experience, more intense than entering into the stadium for the Super Bowl or onto the court for the NBA finals,” he says. “Neither of us will ever forget that feeling for as long as we live.”






























Kristin & Chris's Wedding Resources
Ceremony Site: St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church
Officiant: Deacon Dennis Merino
Ceremony Music: Robert Monteleone Eberhard (Piano); Alberto Perez & Son (strings)
Photographer: Jacqueline Photography   Phone: 916-390-2228
Videographer: Heritage Video
Wedding Planner: Brides' Mother
Reception Site: Rancho Murieta Country Club
Hair: Image Provocateur   Phone: 916-474-5578
Make-up: Image Provocateur   Phone: 916-474-5578
Bridal Attire: David's Bridal
Bridesmaid Attire: Bridal Mart
Flowergirl Attire: JCPenney's
Groom's Attire: Tuxedo Den
Groomsmen Attire: Tuxedo Den
Bride's Jeweler: Kenny G
Groom's Jeweler: Kenny G
Invitations: Jessica Lee Designs
Flowers: Isolde's Flowers
Caterer: Rancho Murieta Country Club
Cake: Wil-Maur Baking
DJ/Entertainment: Rico Rivera
Transportation/Limo Services: Neuman Limousine
Favors: Personalized CDs by family of the bride
Table Decorations: Created by the mother of the bride
Honeymoon Location: Hawaii
First Dance Song: To Make You Feel My Love by Garth Brooks
Father/Daughter Dance Song: Volver Volver by Vincente Fernandez
Mother/Son Dance Song: Song for Mama by Boyz II Men
Money Dance Song: You are My Sunshine by Anne Murray
Cake Cutting Song: Don't Change by Musiz Soulchild
Bouquet Toss Song: Girls Just Want to Have Fun by Cyndi Lauper
Garter Toss Song: Don't Wanna Be a Player No More by Big Pun

Any tips you'd give to brides and grooms planning their wedding:
Don't forget to order your favors for your bridal party in enough time to get them in before the big day! We ordered them too late, and they didn't get here until after the wedding.
What would you have done differently if you had the chance?
Not a single thing — it was the best day of our lives!