LUXE Cruises and Events

Wedding Rehearsal

The Park Street Tavern

Rehearsal Dinner

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Reception

Aviara at Mountain House

Brunch

Our Wedding

Our journey began in Sasebo, Japan, where the Navy brought us together in a professional setting. I was training for a Search and Rescue billet, and Seth was my SAR instructor. While our conversations centered on training, I felt an undeniable spark between us—one worth exploring, though it was overshadowed by the demands of a military lifestyle. We exchanged numbers, hoping to stay in touch as our busy lives led us in different directions.Fast forward a year and a half: both of us had transitioned from active duty. Seth was deep into fire academy training, and I was pursuing my dream of becoming a pilot when I received a surprise text from him. We shared stories and laughter until Seth expressed regret over our missed opportunity to explore a relationship in Japan. In that blissful moment, I felt fireworks coursing through my veins; the connection I sensed years ago was reciprocated and waiting for the right time to bloom.During a road trip from Ohio, Seth took a detour to Idaho to visit me. When we met again, it felt like no time had passed. Our conversations flowed effortlessly, and our time together was too special to let slip away again in the rapids of a busy life. We decided to stay in touch, embarking on a beautiful chapter filled with adventures and discoveries.Over the next year, we made the most of our time together, exploring breathtaking landscapes in Yosemite and Yellowstone, visiting each other’s hometowns, and creating memories that strengthened our bond. On December 23, 2023, we officially became a couple, but the highlight of our journey happened on November 22, 2024. On this day Seth proposed at a stunning natural hot spring in Oregon. From the moment I met him in Japan, I felt a deep connection that made it clear he was someone I could envision marrying. So, when the moment arrived, saying yes felt completely natural.As we prepare for our wedding, I’m excited to move to California with Seth, where I’ll pursue my piloting career and he’ll serve in the Coast Guard. We can’t wait to celebrate our love and the incredible path that brought us together with all of you!

How We Met

Our Story

Engagement Photos at BLM

Engagement Photos at Star River

Wedding dress shopping

None of the dresses depicted are "Thee Dress", for obvious reasons :) Browse at your leisure.

Photos

Emily Karl

Jayda Symonds

Kiera Rough

Kurtis Geiger

Zach Wical

Evan O'Brien

Alan West

Jason & Jennifer Soderquist

Richard & Connie West

Jaylene & Jessie Groeniger

Wedding Party

Q + A

Guest Accommodations

For more than 60 years, the Alameda Art Association Art Gallery has been encouraging residents and visitors alike to appreciate the world of art and inspiring them to get in touch with their own creative side.The gallery showcases a variety of art across many different styles created by several artists.

Alameda Art Association Art Gallery

The USS Hornet is most widely known for its role in the Apollo 11 recovery mission. Today, visitors can head to the World War II aircraft carrier that is now the USS Hornet Museum and learn about this historic vessel.You’ll discover many exhibits and artifacts, including retired aircraft and items related to the Apollo missions.

USS Hornet Museum

Who knew that the simple game of pinball you played as a child had such a long and fascinating history spanning more than a century? It’s true – and this fascinating history is showcased at the Pacific Pinball Museum in Alameda.Many exhibits are housed in rooms categorized by decade. They include machines from that decade along with the history of each one. In total, there are more than 1500 pinball machines on site, some from as far back as the 1940s. Around 100 of them are available to play on.

Pacific Pinball Museum

At Alameda Island Brewing Company, visitors have the chance to taste local craft beer made right on site and see how that beer is made from start to finish.This full brewery welcomes families and pets. The spacious tasting room is the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy some brews with friends.During a guided tour, your knowledgeable guide will take you through the brewery’s inner-workings and provide you with a step-by-step breakdown of how the beer is made.

Alameda Island Brewing Co.

Although the Alameda Naval Air Base ceased operation in 1997, visitors can visit the site, now home to the Alameda Naval Air Museum.The base’s operations peaked during a unique time in history, and this museum showcases that history through a variety of exhibits that house photographs, original newspapers, documents, and artifacts. Learn about all the ships that sailed from the base, the people who worked there, and what life on the base was like.

Alameda Naval Air Museum

When you head to the Alameda Theater &amp; Cineplex, you’ll see more than just a blockbuster film.This historic property was built in 1932 and recently revamped to resemble its original splendor, which includes an interior Art Deco design. Walk into a two-story foyer complete with red velvet seats, gold trim, and an upper balcony. Even the outdoor sign and ticket booths are reminiscent of years gone by.The theatre has a grill serving snacks and beverages, and various events are held throughout the year.

Alameda Theatre & Cineplex

The downtown district in Alameda is a perfect place to spend a day. While it’s bustling and filled with interesting things to see and do, it’s not nearly as crowded and noisy as the downtown areas of the larger cities in the region.As you make your way along the pretty streets, you’ll come across many restaurants, cafes, and quaint boutique shops. A variety of events also take place in the downtown area throughout the year.Some of the historic buildings to watch out include the Masonic Temple, the Old Post Office, and the Alameda Theater.

Downtown District Alameda

Only a short distance from the hustle and bustle of Alameda, Shoreline Park is the perfect outdoor escape for anyone wishing to get away from it all for a few hours. It is situated near the shores of Lake Merritt Channel.There are several paved trails suitable for walking and biking. As you make your way around this picturesque estuary, you’ll be able to take in the views of the cities across the water.

Shoreline Park

Visitors can learn about the history and culture of Alameda at the Alameda Museum. Founded in 1948, the local historical society has been collecting and preserving the city’s history ever since.The exhibits feature artifacts and information about many aspects of the city’s past, including its geography, architecture, and people. Many of the exhibits are permanent, but there are some rotating ones as well.After a visit to the museum, you can head to the nearby Meyers House and Garden to take a tour of this historic property built in 1897.

Alameda Museum and Meyers House

If you’re looking for a quick getaway to the coast, look no further than Robert W. Crown Memorial State Beach.This beautiful sandy beach extends along San Francisco Bay for 2.5 miles. It’s a popular destination for people who wish to participate in various water sports, such as swimming, kiteboarding, fishing, boating, and windsurfing. Many people come to simply walk in the surf and take in the scenic views.There are also several biking trails and picnic areas on-site, and visitors can learn about local marine life at the park’s crab cove and bird sanctuary.

Seth & Julia

Seth & Julia

Wedding Party