“Our romance started through that little crack in between the seats on the plane,” says dancer Kelsey Tadin, recalling her fortuitous encounter with San Diego Padres pitcher Brandon Maurer on a flight from Phoenix to Orange County eight years ago. “We caught each other’s eye in the terminal and he ended up sitting directly behind me,” says Kelsey. His opening line? “Asking to use my overhead compartment,” she says. “After lots of laughs and interesting conversation, we both felt as if we had known each other forever.”

Six years later, Brandon got down on one knee and presented a custom emerald-cut ring at a seaside restaurant in Seattle (he previously played for the Mariners). “I knew she was the one when we got through the first baseball season apart,” says Brandon. “Time away from each other made us grow closer every day.”

On a Saturday in December, the couple exchanged vows before 105 guests at Wayfarers Chapel, a breathtaking modernist glass church set along the cliffs of Palos Verdes. “It’s funny how much time you spend planning every last detail of the reception, but when it comes down to it, the ceremony is what it’s all about,” Kelsey says.

Following the “I do’s,” a trolley escorted the wedding party from the chapel to The Loft on Pine, a historic brick venue in Long Beach. Fairy light-adorned pine trees, garlands and ferns imbued the 1903 urban gem with an organic elegance, while candles along the bar, floor and tables—even filling an entire bookcase—created a soft, romantic glow. “I wanted it to feel like the warm, cozy holiday party we all wish we went to every year,” says Kelsey. In fact, guests slipped their gifts under an array of large-scale Christmas trees, and white reindeer figurines huddled on the dessert table. “Cheesy? Maybe. But I loved it,” she says. The intimate affair continued into the night with live tunes, flowing cocktails and a first dance to “I Got You” by Jack Johnson.

Two days later, Kelsey and Brandon’s story came full circle as they hopped on a plane together as husband and wife, en route to their Hawaiian honeymoon.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY M.K. SADLER.
WRITTEN BY DANIELLE DIMEGLIO.

VENUES Wayfarers Chapel in Palos Verdes for the ceremony, The Loft on Pine in Long Beach for the reception PLANNER Nicole Dines of Carly Rae Weddings FLORIST Primary Petals ENTERTAINMENT Django Foxtrot band, Dart DJ RENTALS Baker Party Rentals, Circa Rentals, Dish Wish, Casa de Perrin GOWN Hayley Paige skirt and bespoke top by Lana Gerimovich of Alis Fashion Design SUIT J.Hilburn STATIONERY Katherine Ross of Script Merchant.