On the night of their first meeting, David Huffman caught Jessica Doiron’s attention by staging a faux proposal to ward off a stranger’s unwanted advances. Six months later, the two reconnected for a spontaneous first date, in which David flew Jessica from Houston to Orange County to attend the set of a popular DJ. Once on board the three-hour flight, the couple got to know one another very quickly. “He told me he loved me and was going to marry me,” begins the bride. “Oddly, I wasn’t creeped out. I felt the same and knew I was with my future husband.”

What was supposed to be an overnight getaway for the couple, turned into a nine-night trip. One week later, Jessica officially moved in with her beloved and accepted a diamond “pre-engagement” ring. “David said he needed to wait a few months to formally propose, so everyone would take it seriously,” explains Jessica of their whirlwind romance. Eight months later, David kept his promise and proposed 34,000 feet in the air on a United Airlines jet en route to London. “The airline’s CEO arranged for Champagne to be served in beautiful flutes for everyone in the First Class cabin to toast with us!” exclaims Jessica. 

As a nod to their love of travel, Jessica and David chose to host a destination wedding at an inviting seaside resort in Southern California, not far from the location of their first date. “I always knew that I wanted to get married by the ocean,” says the bride. Invitations represented the setting of their engagement, as well as their shared passions for flying and piloting. Save-the-dates resembled airline tickets, and invitations were personalized to look like the couple’s passports – all of the stamps used were from countries they had visited together, which now totals over 20.

On the day of their nuptials, 250 guests gathered on the lawn to witness Jessica and David’s love. Blooms in shades of white and pale pink emerged from raised urns at the ceremony altar, and trees powdered with vanilla blossoms lined the aisleway of the enchanting alfresco space. “I remember being so giddy and ecstatic as the ceremony progressed,” explains David, who donned a black tuxedo with a white vest, tie, and boutonniere. Bridesmaids dressed in daring ebony gowns with low backs and striking illusion details carried hot pink nosegays down the aisle, while groomsmen wore tuxedos with black vests and ties with boutonnieres in the same hue as maids’ florals.

The bride was resplendent in an elegant long-sleeved ball gown embellished with beads and crystals; an ornate headpiece was placed atop her head, and a breathtaking cathedral veil fell softly from her classic chignon. In her hands, she carried a bountiful bouquet of peonies in hues of cream and pale pink. Once Jessica and David professed their heartfelt vows to one another, a five-piece string ensemble performed a rendition of the couple’s song, “Eyes” by Kaskade, as they exited the ceremony as husband and wife.

A glamorous reception room featured the fairy-tale décor that the bride envisioned. “I wanted something different that people would remember,” she explains. Tables varied between long, mirrored varieties and round styles swathed in dark green sequined linens. A collection of high and low floral centerpieces displayed a spectrum of shades from light creams to deep pinks, and multicolored Moroccan lanterns were suspended overhead. The couple’s wedding crest, which featured a crown and airplane motif, decorated the dance floor, stationery, and mirrored tables, as well as the chairs of the bride and groom.

Dinner was served at elegant place settings marked by silver-beaded chargers and topped with dark green napkins and bold florets in cerise. Later, guests enjoyed slices from a five-tiered white wedding cake embellished with an ombré, Moroccan-inspired design. Flavors featured peanut-butter chocolate, as well as white cake with fresh strawberries and light icing. Dancing followed and continued until the early-morning hours, which was one of the bride’s most memorable moments. “Jessica and I love a good party!” confirms the groom, who surprised guests with a DJ appearance later in the evening.    

For other couples planning their fairy-tale weddings, both bride and groom recommend one piece of guidance: “Remember it’s about you. Don’t let what everyone else may want take away from your own desires.” Following their own advice, Jessica and David believe their day was absolutely perfect. Reveals the groom, “I was surprised how easy it was, but that’s how I know I’ve married the right person.”