We decided in December of 2023 that we wanted to get married. There was no proposal--Christine would have hated that-- just a mutual decision that after over six years together it was the right moment for us. So we picked out a ring together for Christine and a new Omega for Adam and that was that. (We promise it was more romantic than it sounds!)

Many of you reading this probably never knew we were engaged because to us that seemed like a silly thing for two people who had been raising kids and dogs together for some time to declare. We knew that you'd all be thrilled for us, but we are sorry we did not tell you sooner!

When it came time to decide how to get married, we talked about a big wedding, small wedding, and the courthouse. A big wedding would not have been us--Christine hates being the center of attention, Adam dislikes crowds-- and that the Fairfax County courthouse is an abundantly lame venue. Small wedding it was then!

You might be wondering why a couple from Northern Virginia got married in California. Over the past seven years together, we have spent a great deal of time traveling; our most frequented destination together has been Southern California, particularly San Diego. Adam lived there as a Marine and stayed for a number of years following and been the perfect tour guide of the area from Carlsbad to Oceanside to Coronado.

Christine has always been happy to tag along and learn new things--like the red-light camera leaving the airport, the carne asada fries at Colima's, and the gorgeous California sunsets.

We truly love it there and the wedding decision was a sentimental one.

On an early trip to San Diego, Adam took Christine to Coronado for the first time. We had breakfast at Clayton's, then went to the beach where we did our usual routine of Adam begging Christine to get into the ocean, Christine saying 'no' repeatedly because she was scared, Adam assuring her that sharks will not nibble her, and she finally relented and relaxed.

From the water, we could see the Hotel del Coronado, a historic gem mostly known for its Victorian charm and the film "Some Like it Hot". Christine said she'd like to someday stay in that hotel; Adam agreed and added, "we should get married there."

It was the first time we had ever talked about getting married, and though it was unexpected, we liked how it felt! As we floated in the ocean, we talked about what it would be like to be there with our families and Adam's kids and how it would be our speed to have a lowkey wedding and let the California sunshine, the charm of the resort, and the gorgeous sunset do the heavy lifting for us when we were ready.

...and six years later, we finally were.

So at 4:30PM on Saturday, November 2nd we were married on the dunes of Coronado beach, followed by a champagne toast on our beachfront patio surrounded by close family. We took a stroll through the resort as bride and groom for more photos and met our guests for an exceptional dinner at Serea, at the Hotel Del. The reception was full of LEGO, trivia, caviar, cocktails in fish-shaped glasses, seafood, and red velvet cake with our beloved mountain dogs on top. (Check out the photos here!)

When it was all over, we sat by the fire on our patio and reflected on how thankful we are for the love and support of our family that made the trip and for the rest of you that we carried in our thoughts and heart on our special day.

Lots of Love,

Christine and Adam Boucher