Love has a way of finding us in the most unexpected moments, and for Sarah and Kevin, their story began in the midst of a global pandemic. In 2020, during the Covid lockdown in Southern California, Sarah spontaneously increased her distance settings on Bumble, and as fate would have it, Kevin appeared. What started as a chance encounter soon blossomed into something extraordinary, and four years later, they found themselves celebrating their love in an elegant wedding at D’Vine Grace Vineyard in McKinney, Texas.
“The One”
For Kevin: “I knew Sarah was special on our second date. I invited her to watch the Lakers game and go out with friends, but what I failed to mention was that it was a casual night. While we were all in jerseys and jeans, Sarah showed up in a black dress and heels, ready for a night out. She took it all in stride, blending seamlessly with everyone like she had known them forever. That night, I knew she was different. Then, five months into dating, I mentioned moving to Texas. Without hesitation, she said, ‘Well, this was fun,’ because she couldn’t imagine leaving California. But after a little convincing, she agreed to look at homes with me, and before we knew it, we were packing up and driving halfway across the country together with Sarah’s cat in the backseat. We haven’t looked back since.”
For Sarah: “Kevin was something special from the start. Before we even met in person, I was driving home from work in Century City to Northern California every other weekend, and Kevin would always check to make sure I got home safely. That simple act of care and consistency meant so much to me. After just two months of dating, I had surgery, and Kevin took care of me without hesitation. A month later, I caught Covid, and he flew to Northern California to be with me on New Year’s Eve so I wouldn’t be alone. But I truly knew he was the one when we moved to Texas together—just the two of us navigating a brand-new place, leaning on each other, and building a life from the ground up.”
The Perfect Proposal
Kevin orchestrated the ultimate surprise proposal by flying in his parents and Sarah’s mother from California and keeping them hidden in nearby hotels. On the big day, his best friend’s wife, Elizabeth, took Sarah on an all-day wine tasting excursion to keep her distracted. When she returned home, she found their backyard transformed into a romantic dreamscape, complete with huge, light-up block letters spelling out “Marry Me.” As if the proposal itself wasn’t magical enough, their families then emerged from hiding, making the moment even more unforgettable. A private chef was on hand to prepare a perfect celebratory dinner and dessert, making it a night to remember.
Dress of Her Dreams
Sarah’s dress was a breathtaking choice from Alice in Ivory in Dallas. Initially drawn to Australian brands, she had her heart set on a simple, elegant gown from an Australian designer. However, during her appointment, the stylist brought her a dress from Ingrid Olić, and the moment she put it on, she knew it was the one. It was important to her to choose a unique, less common style, and this dress exceeded all expectations. Even after visiting another bridal store, she couldn’t stop thinking about it—proving that when you know, you know.
The Big Day
The couple envisioned an elegant, neutral-toned wedding with a refined yet inviting atmosphere. Their ultimate goal? To throw an unforgettable celebration with their closest friends and family, featuring good food, great drinks, and an ambiance that blended modern charm with garden-party elegance.
Though they originally planned to wait until the ceremony to see each other, Kevin’s unexpected spine surgery just five weeks before the wedding changed their plans. Instead, they opted to stay together in their home before the big day, which turned out to be a comforting and practical choice.
Their first dance was a private moment—just the two of them, soaking in the magic of the day before the festivities swept them away. It became their favorite part of the entire wedding, allowing them to reflect and cherish the moment together.
Wedding-Day Emotions
Surprisingly, neither Sarah nor Kevin felt anxious on their wedding day. With everything they had already overcome—especially Kevin’s surgery—their hearts were simply filled with gratitude. Their biggest concern was whether Kevin would be in any pain, but thankfully, everything went smoothly, and they were able to enjoy the celebration fully.
Helpful Advice
Sarah and Kevin’s advice for engaged couples? Make your wedding day about YOU. From the big decisions to the smallest details, stay true to what makes you and your partner happy.
“One of the best decisions we made was keeping our design and ideas to ourselves until the wedding day. Too many opinions can create unnecessary stress, and at the end of the day, this is about you, your partner, and your love.”
Throw traditions out the window if they don’t resonate with you—your wedding should reflect who you are as a couple, not what others expect.
Looking Forward
Rather than jetting off right away, Sarah and Kevin decided to wait a few weeks after their wedding before embarking on their honeymoon. In August, they will spend two and a half weeks exploring Italy, indulging in breathtaking scenery, rich history, and of course, incredible food. As for their future? It’s all about enjoying life together, embracing new adventures, and laughing at the little things along the way.
Capturing the Magic
Photographing Sarah and Kevin’s wedding was an absolute dream. The warmth of their love, the thoughtfulness behind every detail, and the joy that radiated from their friends and family made this a truly unforgettable celebration. D’Vine Grace Vineyard provided the perfect backdrop for their special day, and every image tells the story of a love that is genuine, enduring, and deeply cherished.
To Sarah and Kevin—congratulations on your beautiful journey together. May your love continue to grow, just like the vines at the place where you said, ‘I do.’ Cheers to forever!
We Would Love to be Your Wedding Photographer
It would be an honor to become a part of your wedding team. We create that timeless keepsake of your big day you’ll love forever. Myself and my team of wedding photographers at videographers at Lauren Ashley Studios will go above and beyond to capture the atmosphere of your special occasion, and share it with passion and authenticity.
