As we’ve seen in the movies, sometimes our perfect match turns out to be someone that was always present in our lives – it just takes a dash of serendipity to realize their importance. “We actually first met when we were in seventh grade,” says Lisa Wurzel of the beginning of her relationship with Rick Grayson. “We went to school together through ninth grade, until Rick changed schools – although, I don’t think we ever really spoke to each other.” Years later, in 2014, Rick attended Lisa’s birthday party as the guest of a mutual friend and the two were re-introduced to one another. “We had been friends on Facebook for years, although we hadn’t spoken through [the site] either,” she laughs. “However, the day after the birthday party, he contacted me through Facebook and asked me out.  The rest is history!”

Near the end of 2015, Lisa – who’d been on a business trip for over a week – flew back into their home town and was surprised to learn that Rick was unwilling to pick her up from the airport. “He kept saying he was falling asleep and hopefully he would be up when I get there. I was getting so mad at him in the taxi that I was ready to get into a fight with him once I got home,” she recalls. Upon her arrival home, Lisa texted Rick to request his help with her luggage, to which he obliged. The pair gathered her belongings and headed toward the house. “He opened the door and there were candles and rose petals everywhere and both of our dogs [were wearing signs] saying that they approved of Rick and that I should marry him.  He got down on one knee and proposed – I went from being beyond upset to overjoyed!” 

With only eight months between the engagement and the wedding, Lisa and Rick decided to enlist the expertise of Tessa Lyn Events to help them plan the big day of their dreams. Once all of the details were in place, Lisa reflected upon the hectic period of time. “I never realized how stressful planning would be and how it brings out the crazy in everyone,” she admits. 

The perfect spring weather of California gave way to the perfect setting for the duo’s vows. Attendees gathered in the alfresco space, complete with a natural palette of ivory and green. Simple chairs lined the aisle, flanked by low clusters of various white blooms and verdure, and faced a rustic wooden chuppah bedecked with the same perennial elements. Lisa floated forward in an understated sheath gown with a sweetheart neckline, matching the timelessness of her décor, while Laurie Bailey Photography captured every moment. Once the glass was broken, friends and family moved to the indoor reception to continue the celebration. 

Once inside, guests were met with light-hued linens adorning circular tables topped with floral arrangements in varying sizes – each consisting of the same blossoms included in the ceremony details. “I wanted everything to be as classic as possible so that when we looked back, we wouldn’t have any regrets – which we don’t!” explains Lisa. After enjoying a delectable sit-down dinner, revelers took the opportunity to let loose and enjoy the dance floor, as well as the couple’s photo booth, which doubled as part of their wedding favors. “We had small frames for people to put their photo strips in, along with canvas bags that said ‘Best Day Ever,’” the bride tells. A four-tiered chocolate cake was served, and attendees could also enjoy an array of alternative sweets from the dessert bar. As a final, sentimental touch, the newlyweds had an artist do a sketch of their first dance in real time. “My grandmother passed away a couple months before I got engaged, but she had told my mother that she wanted to have [a live painting] at my wedding, so it was as if she was present with us for the wedding,” Lisa shares. “We will be able to look at this precious memory forever in our home.”