Cleveland Guardians pitcher Shane Bieber and Kinlike and Telt Skincare Founder Kara Maxine first met while attending college at UCSB. After five years together, Shane proposed in San Francisco. Kara was in the car with her sister and brother-in-law, on the way to what she believed was a waterside dinner. As they drove up one of San Francisco’s signature hills, she spotted Shane. A picnic had been set up, and overlooking the city, he dropped to one knee. “I loved it because it was private, and beautiful but not too over the top,” she says. “The most special moment.”
Once engaged, the two toured several wedding venues, trying to remain open-minded until they came across Hevadu Vineyard Estate. “It felt like us,” Kara says. Horses roamed the property, and a pond surrounded by greenery set the scene.
To bring the weekend to life, the couple turned to Lily & Leigh for planning and Jana Williams to capture the day on film. The Hubs Films was behind the videography. Floral design was led by Bloom Box Designs, whose arrangements echoed the natural setting of the estate. Day-of details were designed by Luxe Marie Stationery.
“I wanted something different,” Kara says of her wedding dress search. “Now, did I ever think I’d pick the one that I did? No,” she answers. While at The White Dress in Corona Del Mar, a sales associate brought in a Rita Vinieris dress Kara hadn’t considered. At first, she wasn’t sure why it had even been pulled. “My mom nearly fell out of her chair and then started crying too. I couldn’t believe their reaction. It was just a bit out there and nothing I had expected to choose. The longer I kept it on, the more beautiful I felt.”
For her second look, she changed into a design by Vivienne Westwood. Beauty by Melina and Dominique Lerma applied her bridal beauty look.
The ceremony took place on January 21, 2023. Kara’s parents walked her down the aisle, and she and Shane exchanged personal vows. She described the moment as emotional and dreamlike. The officiant was Kara’s mother’s best friend of more than 30 years. “We loved all her stories and sentiments,” the bride recalls.
Unmatched Lighting and pieces from Adore Folklore, Signature Party Rentals, Catalog Atelier, and Theoni Collection shaped the reception space. Grady Spencer and The Work performed live and the newlyweds shared their first dance to “Nothing Is Bad.”
“We really cared about the food and the music,” Kara says of the celebration. For dinner, guests moved between steak, seafood, and pasta stations all catered by Good Gracious! Events. “The better time our guests had only made us happier. We wanted them to feel special.”
DJ Austin Boyd kept the dance floor full through the end of the night. “Not a bad song was played,” Kara says. “We all shut down the dance floor.” When the final song played, guests gathered to see Kara and Shane off. “As much as we wanted to continue the party at the Surfrider Hotel —we took the time to really relish the day together. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.”
The next morning, they hosted a rooftop brunch at the Surfrider, giving everyone a chance to gather again and reflect on the night before. “That was the best choice because it helped us continue the celebrations,” Kara says.
The following day, the couple spent time in Malibu before heading to Laguna Beach for a short stay at the Montage. Then they flew to Anguilla for five days, followed by a helicopter ride to St. Barths to complete their honeymoon.
