Some weddings hand you an invitation. Ours handed you a movie trailer - something simple, mysterious, and stamped with a premiere date. Guests weren’t told much. Just to wear Black, come to San Diego, and be ready for… something. ;)

The idea began with the little things that defined us, my lifelong love of movies and tacos, her love of travel and affinity for Nothing Bundt Cakes. They became compass points, hinting at a celebration meant to be experienced, not observed.

From there, the branding grew - cinematic, intentional, and teasing. Posters featuring friends and family were released like promotional stills for films “now playing.” The invitations resembled one-sheets, pared down to title, date, and tone. Still, no one knew what they were walking into.

When the day arrived, guests buzzed with curiosity. There was the dress code. The date. But they didn’t know why their invite looked like theater tickets, until they reached the venue - a theater.

They were guided to the last auditorium, met with champagne as they found their seats. The room pulsed with anticipation. Then lights dimmed.

A 25-minute film unfolded - our story through hometown footage, family photos, and the Love that carried us between San Diego and DC. Familiar to some, new to others, personal to all. The film played like a season finale: where we met, who shaped us, and the moments that formed our "Yes".

The screen then shifted to an afrofuturistic reflection pool surrounded by white flowers. And we stepped out, “Queen & Slim,” emerging from side entrances as everyone realized they were inside the ceremony they had been watching.

After the applause, guests moved to The LOT restaurant, its glass walls framing a California sunset. Dinner. Speeches. Bundtlets. A DJ spinning our shared playlist. It felt less like a reception and more like a Life launch party.

The night closed softly, like the credits of a film. This was more than a wedding. It was world-building. Our world, created together.

2.0

#TheBestPartSD