Same-Sex Industrial Warehouse Wedding at Brick in San Diego: Othello + Joel
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Words by Joel. Photos by Let’s Frolic Together.
Number of Wedding Guests:
150
Wedding Date:
12-15-2018
How Did You Meet?
Othello and I met more than twenty years ago. It was a chance meeting. We exchanged phone numbers with little expectation that we would ever talk again. Our first call initiated conversations that would establish a foundation of familiarity, comfort, trust, and love.
Shortly before 2000, after building our relationship for more than four years, we decided to begin our life together in Oceanside. Our individual careers created periodic separations for about a year; Nursing School in San Diego for Othello and a promising position in the Bay Area for me. Regardless, our relationship survived and thrived. We settled briefly in the Bay Area until another career change brought us back to San Diego where we registered as domestic partners. Othello continued to pursue his Masters in Nursing; I continued to discover new and promising opportunities, and we both worked on strengthening the bonds that hold us strongly together today.
When Did You Get Engaged?
Sometime in 2008 the California Supreme Court granted same sex couples the right to marry, and that November on Othello’s birthday, I presented Othello a cake mounted on a catalog from the jewelry store where we would choose rings that weekend. That was my proposal. It was sweet, imaginative, unexpected, and a much welcome surprise. Othello was ecstatic and replied “Yes!” But then life happened!
What Did You Wear and Were Any Pieces of Major Significance to You?
Othello and I wore complimentary tuxes for the wedding, suits from Ted Baker for the reception, and custom wedding bands from Todd Reed. The rings were most significant. Our engagement rings were custom from Todd Reed and we wanted to carry the same theme into our marriage
What Did You Splurge On?
We splurged on the Music (nine piece band with trumpet and sax), the food (a wonderful spread, appetizers through late night snacks served by MIHO) and an all night open bar. All provided solely to ensure that our guests truly enjoyed their evening and carried away nothing but great memories.
What Did You Save On?
Oh, there was no saving…
What Worked Out Really Well and Was Totally Worth the Time or Money?
The high point of the evening was the performance of a dance crew hired to dance with Othello and one of his close friends. The dance crew was actually hired by Othello’s friend as a wedding gift. Even though we did not pay for it, it was worth every penny. They got the crowd excited. The dance floor was packed all night long.
What Is Your Best Wedding Planning Advice to Others?
Set a budget that you can afford to exceed by at least 50%.
Why Are You Excited to Be Featured on Catalyst?
Othello and I spent almost twenty years nurturing our relationship. We want everyone to know how excited we are to have finally tied the knot.
Vendors
Photography | Let’s Frolic Together
Coordinator/Event Design | Victoria LaHood at Brick
Rentals | Wonder Event Rentals
Florals | The Floral Craft
Caterer | Miho Catering
Cake | Cute Cakes
Live Band | Republic of Music
Hair | Stevi Brooke & ParisA Beauty Salon
Makeup | Chelsea English Makeup
Officiant | Ceremonies By Bethel
Rentals | Platinum Event Rentals
Marquee Signs | My Marquee SD
Bar | Snake Oil Cocktail Co
Rings | Todd Reed
Stationery | Minted
Outfits | The Men’s Wearhouse / Bloomingdale’s / Ted Baker
JASMINE FITZWILLIAM
Jasmine is a sassy, silly California-based photographer, teller of stories, eater of french fries, and head honcho of Let’s Frolic Together. She grew up in Montreal but has called San Diego home for ten years. She’s inspired by adventure, connection, wonder, and dancing her behind off at every wedding. She believes that love is love, that representation matters, and that celebrating diversity of all kinds is incredibly important. Six years as a graphic designer and brand strategist helped her to fall in love with storytelling and out of love with the world of corporate bureaucracy. Now she loves immersing herself in authentically telling stories about incredible magic between inspired people.
