Introducing the gorgeous Hyatt Regency Long Beach wedding of Kathrina and Jose!
First, we want to start with their absolutely cute love story.
the love story (from the adorable couple)
Our love story began in the beautiful and diverse city of Long Beach, California.
The decisions we made in high school to attend Long Beach State fatefully brought us together.
Our paths crossed for the first time on Halloween of 2008. We met dressed in our costumes at my roommate’s Halloween party. I was dressed in neon clothing as an 80’s chick and Jose was rocking his Nacho Libre luchador mask. We naturally introduced ourselves, being Freshmen in college, we were excited to meet new faces. After talking and enjoying each other’s company, we exchanged numbers hoping to develop our newfound friendship.
Our first adventure together was attending the local Catholic church one Autumn Sunday. Both of us, being new to the area, wanted company to go to Mass. Looking back, I truly believe that God brought us together. It amazes me that we are now getting married at the same church where we first went together and attended throughout college. After church that same day, Jose took me to see the Japanese Gardens on our campus for the first time. We fed the mesmerizing koi fish, got to know each other, and strolled around the gorgeous garden. I could tell that it was very easy to be myself around him and we instantly found a home away from home with each other. Little did we know, we would later find ourselves taking engagement photos at the Japanese Gardens!
As our first semester quickly came to an end, we soon realized that we would be spending our school breaks apart. Being 300+ miles away was tough, but we had a connection that was strong enough to overcome any distance. School breaks were always bittersweet. Returning back to Long Beach State after each semester was great, not only because we were reunited with each other, but with all of our mutual friends that we made together. The rest is history!
Jose and I became each other’s support system all throughout college. Our love and friendship got us through both the tough and happy times. We made numerous, amazing memories throughout college and they were definitely some of the best years of our lives so far!
The best is yet to come!
romantic proposal
December 8, 2014
It was a nice, sunny winter day. The day before our anniversary. Jose and I spent the afternoon at the Anaheim Packing District. We enjoyed some delicious food and explored the area. It seemed like a normal lunch date. We had planned to meet our friend, Lizette, at Downtown Disney for dinner. She met us at Starbucks and from there, we made our way to Disney.
It was December, so there were beautiful lights everywhere. The skating rink with the Christmas tree was already set up near the entrance. On the way to the restaurants, the three of us stopped by a caricature kiosk. Lizette mentioned that it would be cute if Jose and I did one. I instantly turned down the idea. But, Jose convinced me otherwise and the two of us sat down to get our caricature done.
The artist was friendly and didn’t give any clues as to what was to come. During the process, our other friend, Marvin, met us there. He had just finished a quick trip to Disneyland. He is a photographer, so it wasn’t strange at all to me that he had his camera and was randomly snapping photos. It was all normal. Jose and I sat while we were getting drawn. Then, it was time to see the finished product…
I stood up and went to look at the caricature. What I saw made my heart stop and my stomach drop! I couldn’t believe what I was seeing. It was a caricature of Jose proposing to me! I turned around and he was on one knee ready to propose. As if everything wasn’t crazy enough, a group of our friends appeared from behind another kiosk and surprised me! They had been hiding there the entire time! Jose asked me to marry him. I was in shock! I was so flustered and surprised. I was blurting out silly things until I finally answered him. I yelled out, “Yes!”
He put the ring on my finger. It felt very surreal. It’s hard to surprise me, but he pulled it off. Our friends were cheering and congratulating us. We were engaged!
the wedding day
What a gorgeous day
His & Hers rings
Kathrina’s gorgeous Allure bridal gown!
Her precious first look with her father and mother
The beautiful tearjerker first touch and gift giving with Kathrina + Jose
Pronounced husband & wife!
Long Beach has such incredible views for romantics and bridal party moments with the couple
So much fun!
Kathrina and Jose, you are so adorable!
A magical reception – what a sunset at the beautiful Hyatt Regency Long Beach!
An unforgettable night!
congratulations
Congratulations, Kathrina and Jose, on your blessed celebration. We are so grateful to have gotten to be a part of it and getting to meet such wonderful people! CONGRATULATIONS and HUGS!
With all our love,
The DPARK Family
long beach wedding vendors
- photo | D. Park Photography + Associates Russell + Cara
- film | D. Park Photography
- getting ready/ceremony/reception | Hyatt Regency Long Beach | 200 S Pine Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802
- planner | First Pick Planning
- dj/chairs | Carcano DJ
- florist | Oceanic Flowers
- hair/makeup | Luong Lasting
- invitations | Carlson Craft
- limo | Crown Limousine
- gown | Allure Bridals
- bridesmaids gowns | David’s Bridal
- groomsmen attire | Black by Vera Wang
- dinner music | Bolero Soul
- cocktail hour music | OC String Ensemble
- linens | Stephanie’s Linens
- photobooth | Photobooth Pro
want more?
Check out their gorgeous Laguna Beach engagement here!
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