Holly Farm

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Devon's Point of View William Nelson...What a journey it was to have him officially ask me out! I became a counselor super last minute for Camp Kesem after my first year of college. (a non profit that supports college students in planning and executing a week of camp for kids with close family members affected by cancer.) That first day I got onto that bus knowing no one.&nbsp;At the first rest stop, I saw William walk off with the little ones and immediately whispered to a returning counselor saying “that one is cute.” She told me, “Ya, but sadly he is dating someone.” So I moved on, tried to set my sights elsewhere.&nbsp; In our second year of college, time went on in our Kesem and Santa Clara University lives. We slowly got to know each other through brief hellos in the library and our mutual love for Kesem as now coordinators that helped plan and prepare for camp.&nbsp; Near the end of sophomore year, I was at one of my sorority mixers, which opened up to another sorority’s mom’s weekend. Not ready to go home, but also extremely claustrophobic from the influx of people I tried to plan my next move.&nbsp; I saw a message in the Kesem group chat from William. Apparently the rugby boys had not been very successful in their date event party so they were opening it to anyone. I thought to myself, hey maybe actually getting to know William past our brief interactions would be cool!&nbsp; When I went to hang out with him I started getting flirty. I mean its not like he became any less cute and now he was single! He seemed to be completely clueless despite all the signals I was sending. He was telling me over and over how my friends had said no to him for this date event. Like hello! William. So I did what I have seen over and over in the romantic comedies I have been watching since I was 10 years old. I kissed him to get him to stop talking. And he kissed me back! We started texting and talking more after that. I was courageous at one point and asked if he wanted to watch a movie and split a bottle of wine. After waiting around 4 hours for a response, he replied with, “That sounds like a great idea, let’s watch it at my house with the rugby boys!” I was crushed. It was a total shutdown. He said he had been worried to be involved with technically a co-worker, since we planned camp together.....ugh! lame! But obviously, he later realized his mistake and how much he was missing out on! But! The saga did not end there. William was off to Copenhagen in less than three months and he would be gone until Christmas time. We (more him haha) realized the start of a relationship while in completely different countries would not be in either of our best interests. So we went somewhat our separate ways and saw other people. But we wrote each other letters and called almost every other week for a couple hours on FaceTime. His mom said she knew he would date me when he got back when she realized he was sending handwritten letters to me that she was to deliver.&nbsp; And when William came back in January we clicked back so easily and were dating a month later. I do not think either of us were sure what our future together looked like. But when the pandemic happened during our senior year we found ourselves spending a lot more time together and really fell in love. Together we had something special that neither of us wanted to let go of after graduation. We had both applied to the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and despite the pandemic, the program would still go forward. I was placed in Scranton, PA and William was placed in Syracuse, NY. We drove cross country together in my Prius with all our belongings piled in the back. We spent the year visiting one another every couple months or so, sometimes meeting up in snow filled parks in Binghampton (the town between Scranton and Syracuse).&nbsp; After our year of service, neither of us was quite ready to go back to school yet, even though we knew we wanted to. Will stayed on as a supervisor at his JVC job, and I moved up to Syracuse and became a nanny for a sweet family in Liverpool. We moved into a small Syracuse apartment in Tipperary Hill and lived together for the first time. We had the best time fostering cats, hanging out with the new set of Jesuit volunteers, and exploring the East Coast. During that year, William applied to Master programs for Public Health and I applied to law school.&nbsp; Experiencing two winters together was an adventure, and one we felt we had sufficiently experienced. So we looked at schools in California. William chose UC Davis and I chose his father’s alma mater, McGeorge School of Law. We drove cross country back to California and was joined by William’s mother! This meant we actually got to stay in nice places unlike our cross country trip together the two years prior where William chose hotels in the $45 dollars a night realm….! Will graduated from UC Davis this past September and I am in the trenches of my second year of law school.&nbsp; Knowing that my second year would bring a lot of craziness, William and I worked together to pick out a ring this summer and schedule some time together in Carmel for no particular reason….haha.&nbsp; And while I may have not been entirely surprised when he got down on one knee on Carmel Beach the morning of September 1st, I have never been more joyful than in that moment knowing I get to spend my life with William.&nbsp;

Our Story

Photos

Devon and I were randomly assigned as freshman roommates and immediately bonded over our love of period dramas and never cleaning our room. We now have known each other for 7 years and our friendship is one of the most important things in my life (move over boys!). We talk constantly though we now live on different coasts, have traveled hundreds of miles to see each other, and have both surprised each other on our birthdays. Devon and I have been through so many stages of life and transition together and I am so excited to be standing with her as she steps into the next one.

Aley Even

Brother - I  feel like it’s all-encompassing and more isn’t needed.

Jacob Nelson

Devon and I met when we were five after I stole her best friend. It didn’t take long before I realized I wanted to be Devon’s best friend too and we spent K-12 together being awkward at middle school dances, shopping for crop tops, crushing on boys, and sooner or later college landed us 3,000 miles away from each other in California and Pennsylvania. Only to switch states post grad for a couple years before both ending up in Cali :) 

Jessie Lee

I first met Will our freshman year of high school and I have been lucky enough to call him one of my best friends ever since. When looking back over our friendship I am  immediately reminded of two very distinct pillars of our friendship.

The First pillar being an ungodly amount of car rides that Will gave me over our high school years. Despite the fact that I lived nowhere near Will, nor did it make any logistical sense for him to be the one to pick me up or drop me off, Will has always been willing to go the extra mile for his friends. 

The second pillar being the Nelson household itself. That house on Dover Court circle was constantly full of laughter, love, and countless memories that I consider myself honored to have shared a fraction of over the years. 

All of this is to say, I am so excited to see what the future holds for Will and Devon as they create a new Nelson household that I know will continue that tradition of love and caring.


Sam Cook

Dev and I met in middle school and we instantly bonded over being the two awkward white girlies who really didn’t fit into ‘Iolani’s crazy academic culture. From the beginning, we were instant best friends; I was her Bellies and she was my Dev, and we did everything together-sleepovers, sports, getting into the same classes, beach days, paddling to distant islands, hikes, and even the same amount of homework. No really- we’d call each other every time and make sure we both stopped studying at the same time so we were both equally (un)prepared for the test. And we always knew that even with the distance- we’d still be the same friends we’d been since our hanabata days on the islands

Bella Brandes

While Will and I knew each other in high school, our friendship really began when we both started at Santa Clara University. We spent the first few weeks of college eating every meal together in Benson, anxiously hoping we’d both make new friends and find our place, but secure in the fact that we’d always have each other. Thankfully for us, we did actually make friends - phew! I was lucky and so grateful to have Will Nelson in my life then and still am today. I spent college side by side with William, editing his poorly written papers, going to parties together and setting each other up  - that is until Devon entered the scene and the rest is history! I’ve been so fortunate to watch Will and Devon’s relationship grow and could not be happier to celebrate with them on their wedding day - cheers to this amazing couple! Let’s ride Broncos!

Maggie Oys

Devon and I met through the Nelson boys! In 2019, Jacob and I traveled to Santa Clara to visit and go on a double date with Devon and William. From then on, Devon and I became closer through series of holiday meet ups and big life events. I would have never guessed that I would meet such a wonderful and beautiful friend through such an experience! 

Livy Savard

On Dovercourt Circle, the Nelsons were the fun boy family living down the street from my mine. They always had great Fourth of July fireworks and sons who mowed the front lawn every weekend. Lucky for me, William also became a close friend in the high school years and has stayed one of my best friends ever since. He is a loyal friend, a good listener, and always willing to laugh (even at himself). I have been so happy to watch him and Devon fall in love and support each other's dreams over the years. Devon has just fit right in ever since he met her, and I can’t wait to watch them make it official! 

Emily Bloom

Devon and I met in high school and probably more specifically in the pool. The both of us weren’t particularly into land sports (or coordinated enough to pull them off). We’d get to know each other through talks before and after practice while usually shivering in our towels. Then I stumbled into the same group of friends and we’ve been laughing ever since. With anxiety pulsing through me at the peak of adolescence, all I wanted was to know somebody who would understand who I was and what I felt while also validating those feelings. I have truly found that in my friendship with Devon. I always feel I’m able to confide in her as well as have endless jokes, countless beach days, sleepovers and even more extended stays, and just so many memories that I cherish and replay. We even coded a Christmas light show together (trying to make it sound cool). I’m so grateful to have a friend like Devon to make memories with and to feel sure it will always be like this with us.

Shannon Bay Gregory

Will is what I call the “Swiss Army Knife” of friends. Need a laugh? Hang out with Will. Want to talk about music, sports, or nothing for hours? Hang out with Will. Need to discuss something serious? Call up Will. Since 2012, Will has been that friend for me. Between sitting in the backseat of Nelson Family cars to rugby games, Fridays freshman year of high school hanging out at Will’s house, to participating in the legendary 21st Birthday Roast of Will Nelson - Will’s always been my guy. I’m blessed to have had him in my life for 11 years, and I’m beyond excited to see him marry the love of his life!

Matt Esguerra

I was fortunate enough to cross paths with Dev (and Will) during our Jesuit Volunteer year in 2020! Dev and I were housemates in Scranton, PA where we bonded over missing the west coast, yoga, scranton sunsets, cats & finding  joy in the simple things. During the toughest year of my life, Dev was by my side  and I am forever grateful JVC brought us together! Although I am newer to Will & Dev’s love story, I got to see their love deepen throughout our year on the East Coast & I am thrilled to be celebrating them on this forever journey!

Ana Dominguez

The first word that comes to mind when describing Will is “loyal.” From playing in diapers to moving out of our childhood homes, Will’s been there with and for me every step of the way. 

The second word that comes to mind is “caring.” Will exemplifies selflessness and empathy and has the biggest heart of anyone I know. When he found my “blankies” that I was way too old to still have, instead of making fun of me, he reassured me there was nothing to be ashamed of. He didn’t judge me then, and through middle school, high school, college, and beyond, he never has. 

Despite his soft side, the third word to describe Will is “beast.” From injuring every kid in the bounce house at my fourth birthday party to running over people on the rugby and football fields, Will is absolutely fearless. There is nothing that Will is afraid of - and yes, that includes marriage. 

It is truly special to see my oldest friend grow all the way up and find the love his life in Devon. I am beaming with pride; my lifelong friend has found his lifelong love, and I couldn’t be happier.

Erik Ramazzini

I met Devon during our orientation for law school and I don’t think either of us thought we would end up being such close friends. I was stressed, sick, and freaking out just a little bit, but somehow her kindness that day put my racing mind to rest. We didn’t get a chance to properly get to know each-other until a few months later when our law school trauma bonding occurred. I wouldn’t want to go through law school with anyone else. Devon has been such a strong pillar for me and she is such an inspirational colleague. But more than anything, she is such a kind and charismatic soul who never fails to make the person she’s around feel better. 

Bhupinder Mann

On Boris' (Steve’s) birthday 25 years ago, I was born.  Before I even left the hospital, I met this curly-headed dude named Will. He seemed like a cool guy but I think he was a little upset that a much cuter baby was now stealing his thunder. However, a couple years later Jacob showed up with his dimple, and Will and I both realized that we were totally outmatched, so we decided to put aside our differences and see what else the world had to offer. Will and I spent the next couple of decades searching for Santa Claus, digging holes to the other side of the world, deep frying whatever we could find, playing lots of rugby, and pretending we didn’t know what vodka tasted like when our parents were around. The only problem is that I never figured out what to call him. Friend is too casual. Brother is too official. Cousin never rolled off the tongue. Regardless, I'm excited to be a part of his next phase of life and to finally welcome Devon to the Big Fam. 

J.R. Eason

From meeting Devon during our first week of law school up until now where we are in our second year, I have been so lucky to have her as a friend!! Law school is a very stressful time and it’s so important to have kind, supportive, and loving friends around you to get through those challenges together. Devon has been there for me through every high and low moment. I am so thankful to have a friend like her in my life. She is sunshine, beautiful, and intelligent. She works so incredibly hard!! I’ve had the opportunity to get to know Will and Devon more when they moved into our apartment complex recently and it’s been so exciting!!! I can’t wait to celebrate them!!! 

Elise Bold

Devon and I became friends when we started working together as Orientation leaders at SCU. At work we were put in different groups and didn’t hang out a ton, so it wasn’t until we started living together that I realised we were soulmates. I quickly realised that Devon made my heart glow.  She’s the kind of person who makes warmth flow from her soul to yours and whose honesty makes you feel comfortable being vulnerable and less alone with your troubles. She makes you want to laugh and have fun and approach life in a giving way. She is a die hard friend and when I started having health scares in senior year she’d literally run out of her meetings just to come find me and make sure I was okay before tucking me into her bed and heading back. 
Being around Devon is like home away from home, so watching her and Will choose each other was so beautiful because she was starting to build a life with someone who made her feel she was home. Will has always been a best friend’s dream from the moment I met him, so kind and inclusive to Dev’s friends and so dedicated and loving to Dev. They’re so good for each other and it’s been amazing to witness them grow into these awesome adult individuals who still choose each other every day and are about to get freaking married!!


Ella Cummins 

Wedding Party

Q + A

Transportation

While there is a small airport in Carmel, it would probably be easier to fly into San Jose Airport and rent a car.

San Jose Mineta International Airport

The small airport about 15-20ish minutes from the venue and Carmel by the Sea.

Monterey Regional Airport

Parking will be available at Holly Farms with shuttles to take you back to your hotels after the reception and return you to your cars the next morning!

Devon + William

Devon + William

D&W

Wedding Day