Christine Fischer and Joseph DePillo are college sweethearts who started dating during their senior year at Pepperdine University. It was their senior policy professor who predicted that they would be “wedding number 31” of his students and, if they were to be married, then he expected an invitation. “I blush even thinking about that moment,” Christine says. “In the end, Dr. Seshan was right and made the trek to San Diego to attend our wedding with his wife of 52 years.”
Having fallen in love with skiing, Joe planned a weekend getaway to Vail, Colorado. Since skiing isn’t exactly Christine’s favorite activity, a proposal was the last thing on her mind. During their last night there, they were having a nice dinner at Beaver Creek, and Joe snuck off with his friend to “find a fire pit.” When Christine walked out, it had just started snowing.
AN ICE SKATING RINK RIMMED WITH SPECTATORS AND A MAN STANDING IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ICE WITH A PATH LINED WITH ROSE PETALS AND CANDLES.
From a distance, she saw an ice skating rink rimmed with spectators and a man standing in the middle of the ice. “There was a path lined with rose petals and candles, and I instantly burst into tears,” she shares. “Joe said the most beautiful things, got down on one knee, and asked me to be his forever.”
The couple soon began planning their dream wedding at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar. With its grand ballroom, beautiful onsite chapel, exceptional service and delicious food, they both knew it was the perfect place to celebrate their love with family and friends.
Christine’s wedding vision was to host a glamorous and unforgettable event filled with details that would leave a lasting impression. She has always loved the color purple, and chose a palette of blush, lavender, fuchsia and gold for the décor. Her wedding dress was also important, as she wanted it to set the tone for the entire wedding, so she opted for an Eve of Milady ball gown.
When the big day arrived, the bride was overwhelmed with emotion as she made her way down the aisle, as it was a moment she had always dreamt about. Instead of a getaway car, the newlyweds were whisked away on a decorated golf cart after the ceremony. Guests then enjoyed a cocktail hour, during which two signature drinks were served–the “Christini” and the “Sloppy Joe.”
The reception was filled with personal touches. A five-tier wedding cake was suspended from the ceiling with crystal strands and a floral base, while a groom’s cake was designed in the shape of a BMW M5, modeled after Joe’s car. Customized napkins were provided, as well as gold flats for their female guests, who were happy to kick their heels off and dance along to the James Gang Band. The couple had their first dance to “At Last” by Etta James, and a DJ arrived at 11pm for the after party celebration.
The night ended in style with hand rolled cigars and scotch on the outdoor terrace, and an array of sliders and snacks for a late night munchies.
WEDDING TALENT
Location: Fairmont Grand Del Mar, San Diego, CA; Planner: Victoria Weddings and Events, San Diego, CA; Floral Design: Blush Botanicals, San Diego, CA; Wedding Dress: Eve of Milady
