A Timeless Wedding at the Palace Hotel in San Francisco, California

You live in Brentwood? was one of the questions asked during Marla Tellez and Jon Colletti’s first exchange. Although they only lived a few blocks from each other in Los Angeles, it wasn’t until they ventured online that they first met.

With enough persuasion from Marla’s friend, she decided to give the world of online dating a try; but little did she know that it would change her life forever.

For their second date, Jon took Marla to a concert at the Santa Monica Pier. Sitting on a blanket in the sand, listening to music and staring into each other’s eyes, it was a perfect night that led to an unforgettable first kiss. Mere months later, the two returned to that same sandy spot, where Jon surprised Marla with a romantic proposal.

The wedding planning process flew by just as fast as the bride and groom-to-be fell in love. With both Marla and Jon being from the Bay Area, San Francisco provided the ideal location for their dream wedding. Marla, in fact, was born and raised in San Francisco; and her job as a news personality gave her the opportunity to showcase the City by the Bay. Having done several stories at the luxurious and historic Palace Hotel, she always hoped to someday say “I do” at the classic venue.

September 9th was the big day, but the bride and groom had something special planned before reciting their vows. Being avid runners, they decided to take a symbolic nine-mile run together, which took place during a quintessentially foggy San Francisco morning – an experience that turned out to be one of the couple’s most exhilarating and calming runs they’ve ever had. “It gave us the rare opportunity to relish in a quiet moment amongst ourselves before the festivities began,” Marla reflects.

Later that evening, below a panoramic glass ceiling inside the hotel’s Sunset Court, guests gathered for an elegant wedding ceremony. The bride traded her spandex and running shoes for a simple, yet stunning gown and crystal-studded satin heels, as she walked down a sequin aisle toward the love of her life.

The couple envisioned a timeless wedding with the bridal party dressed in black, and the flowers blazing in crimson red. Their chosen color scheme served to enhance the Palace’s lavish Ralston Ballroom, where the reception was held. After the newlyweds had their first dance to “Endless Love,” an all-night dance party commenced to the sounds of the live band, The Fundamentals.

After an incredible celebration with friends and family, the night was capped off with champagne and burgers in the couple’s wedding suite. For the guests, everyone went home with an apropos edible favor – chocolate running shoes with the tagline, “Rich in Love and Miles.”