Real Wedding Series: Maya & Kidder

What do you get when an almost college grad and a Navy Seal walk into a bar? The beginning of a love story.

Two weeks before Maya graduated from Portland State University, she decided to go out to a local bar with some friends before the end of the semester. What she didn't know was that her future husband would walk into that same bar during Fleet Week (where active military ships dock at major cities for one week). After hitting it off, Kidder decided to do karaoke and dedicate "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison to the beautiful girl he just met. (Maybe not the most romantic song you can think of since it was written about a failed love affair... but it worked!). And as fate would have it, the next step in both of their careers would take them to San Diego.

Flash forward to Thanksgiving, where everyone was taking turns saying what they were most thankful for. When it got to Kidder's turn, he couldn't wait any longer and asked Maya on the spot if she would marry him! (Despite originally planning to ask on Christmas).

When Maya and Kidder came for their coordination meeting with the J&M team, we got to know them even better and to hear how they knew each other were the one.

Kidder's Answer: "She does everything with passion! How she loves her job. Her intelligence and her mind. She's gorgeous!"

Maya's Answer: "He's the perfect ying-yang for me! He sees the good in everyone around him. He likes people, and likes to make people laugh. I am so sure that he'll always love me and be there for me."

It is not hard to see why their beautiful wedding at Monteleone Meadows was one of our all-time favorites: because love was at the center. It was such a pleasure being a part of Maya and Kidder's wedding team, and we wish them all of the best as they embark on their next adventure to North Carolina!