Kristen and Bryan’s Harry Potter–infused engagement session did not prepare us at all for the jaw-dropping amazeballs extravaganza that would be their New Year’s eve wedding.
“We knew from the beginning that we wanted to incorporate our nerdy side and make our wedding feel personalized,” says Kristen. “We wanted our guests to arrive at the wedding and think ‘this is Kristen and Bryan’s wedding.’ We wanted it to have our personality and not take it too seriously. New Year’s eve seemed like the perfect night for us to get married because we could have a wonderful over-the-top party.”
Judging by all the “wows” and gasps we heard at every turn, from the fairy-dusted candlelit ceremony chamber to the glittering enchanted forest reception to the glamtastic dancefloor, they succeeded.
Their day started at the Galleria Park Hotel, where a dinosaur attempted to inhale Kristen’s sparkly shoes, mischievous Harry Potter tomes revealed rings and flasks, and Bryan and his intrepid crew battled a bevy of bowties. Bryan was dashing in a black suit with herringbone detail while Kristen positively dazzled in a strapless princess ball gown with an intricately beaded bodice. She kept her grandmothers close to her, donning one grandmother’s earrings and the other’s opal ring; she also wore her grandmother’s wedding ring. Charms featuring photos of her grandmothers adorned the paper bouquet she and her bridesmaids had made out of Harry Potter book pages.
Their wedding venue, the City Club of San Francisco, was located in the 1930s Stock Exchange Tower. The historic building boasts spectacular art deco details and a large fresco by Diego Rivera, as well as a rooftop that overlooks the city.
“Seeing Kristen on the roof for the first time was spectacular,” says Bryan.
They took a moment to share a kiss and a high-five in the blush of the setting sun before heading down to review a mile-long deed and contract signed by Bilbo Baggins himself. In what felt like a blink of an eye, a teary-eyed Kristen and her dad were then carefully making their way down the candlelit aisle emblazoned with a quote from C.S. Lewis’s The Last Battle, the final novel in The Chronicles of Narnia.
“I loved seeing Bryan at the end of the aisle and the room was so beautiful and filled with everyone we love, it was overwhelming in the best way,” recalls Kristen. “I definitely didn’t know that’s when I would feel so emotional.”
She wasn’t the only one. Tears and laughter alike flowed freely during the heartwarming ceremony, and continued to do so even after the midnight balloon drop. We love that their guests young and old were a blur of impassioned hip shaking, arm waving, and horn blowing on the dancefloor. Bilbo, a unicorn, and various other mythical creatures made special appearances at the photobooth.
The handcrafted details were absolutely incredible and reflected our newlyweds perfectly. The Lego escort cards were a crowdpleaser and somewhat customized for each guest (Kristen’s mom was Wonder Woman, for instance). Speaking of wonder women, Kristen’s mom mossified stacks of books and assembled fresh flowers for the magical forest reception as well as the corsages. Kristen’s dad’s cousins put together the decadent candy bar, which was anchored by a gold-speckled cake topped with adorable robots.
We’re still in awe of all the magic we experienced that night and are honored to offer you a glimpse of this unforgettable New Year’s eve.
Bride’s dress: Kenneth Winston, Style 1562 (purchased at Gesinee’s Bridal; alterations by Novella Bridal)
Shoes: INC (heels), Betsey Johnson (flats)
Hairclip: Novella Bridal
Groom’s custom suit: JAKE
Shoes: To Boot New York Shoes
Groom & groomsmen’s ties: Custom design by Knotty Co Bowties
Bride’s rings: Brilliant Earth
Groom’s ring: Padis Jewelry
Cufflinks: Hotaru Jewelry (Etsy)
Bridesmaids’ dresses: Adrianna Papell
Groomsmen’s suits: Bar III
Charm on the bouquet: Designs by Tami (Etsy)
Boutonnières: Two Guys Bowties (Etsy)
Coordinator: Warner’s Whole Heart Events
Hair: Lindsay Melnyk (Peter Thomas Hair)
Make-up: Sabrina Foster
Magical trees on dinner tables, candle aisles runners, festive headpieces: Amy Burke Designs
Caterer: City Club of San Francisco
Lighting: Enhanced Lighting
DJ: Heart of Gold DJs
Cake/cupcakes: Cake Coquette
Cake topper: AdoptabotWorkshop (Etsy)
Aisle runner: Custom design by Original Runner Co.
Invitations: Minted, foil-pressed antique line
Programs: Custom design by Chicks n Hens (Etsy)
All other signage: Custom designs by Sweet Peony Press (Etsy)
Hobbit entrance sign: OohhhBurn (Etsy)
Menu cards: Events by iCandy (Etsy)
Photobooth: Night Owl Photo Booth
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