Kate and Jackson Durham’s love story began at UC Berkeley, where a friendship built over Econ study sessions slowly turned into something more. “I shared my coveted handwritten notes with very few people—but Jackson was one of the lucky ones,” Kate laughs.
Five years into dating, Jackson proposed in June 2023 in a place that already held deep meaning for them, Lake Tahoe. What Kate thought was a casual family trip quickly turned into something more. “I was completely oblivious,” she says. “I just thought we were heading to one of our favorite spots.” On a quiet evening before dinner, Jackson led her to the dock. “After a long lakeside chat watching the sunset, he got down on one knee . . . I was overcome with joy—both tears and laughter.” When she turned around, both of their families were there waiting. “We spent the rest of the night popping bubbly and celebrating with our favorite people.”
Once engaged, the couple chose to get married in Carmel, California. “[It’s] a place I grew up visiting with my grandparents and one Texas-born Jackson quickly fell in love with,” Kate shares. The ceremony took place at the historic Carmel Mission Basilica.
For the reception, they selected the Mission Ranch Hotel, drawn to its relaxed, coastal charm. “We felt like it represented us best—timeless but welcoming,” she says. With the help of her mom—and no formal planner until month-of coordinator It’s Simply Addy—Kate brought their vision to life. “We made every decision together. Honestly, we never disagreed once—we were sad when the planning ended.” (But it didn’t stop there, the mother-daughter team started Three Swans Events shortly post-wedding.)
The day’s aesthetic landed somewhere between “California Classic” and a modern garden party. Florals by Laughin Gal Floral blended seamlessly with the natural landscape, featuring locally grown blooms in greens, whites, lavender, and soft neutrals. “We wanted everything to feel like it belonged in the setting,” Kate explains. Layered linens, brass accents, and candlelight created a warm, inviting atmosphere. Paper goods by Pink Champagne Designs complemented the overall aesthetic, while custom watercolor details by Kate’s sister and maid of honor, Maggie Swanson, added a personal, artistic touch. “The goal was to make the day feel authentically us—and it really did.”
Fashion played a deeply personal role throughout the weekend. For the rehearsal dinner, Kate wore a custom dress made by her grandmother using her mother’s wedding dress. “I felt like a modern-day Grace Kelly,” she says.
Her dream wedding dress came to life in the form of a Monique Lhuillier lace look “The moment I put it on, my sister said, ‘This is THE dress,’” Kate remembers. She paired it with Emmy London heels and meaningful heirlooms, including her mother’s diamond cross necklace. “I wanted everything to feel classic but still like me.” With the help of Blush Makeup Studio, her beauty look reflected that vision. Jackson complemented her perfectly in a custom Loro Piana tuxedo, finished with his father’s cufflinks.
One of the most special details? The bridesmaids’ dresses, all handmade by Kate’s grandmother. “She created each one to be unique but cohesive,” the bride shares. “They turned out even better than I imagined.”
On July 20, 2024, the couple said, “I do,” in a 3:00 pm Catholic Mass. The entire day was beautifully captured by The Ganeys, whose timeless photography approach documented every meaningful moment. “Even though we had done a first look, the emotions were still so high,” Kate says. A standout moment came just after exchanging rings: “Jackson kept staring at his hand and whispered, ‘This is so cool.’ I couldn’t agree more.”
The celebration continued with a surprise twist—guests were led from the ceremony to the reception by the University of California Marching Band, a nod to their Berkeley roots. “It was such a fun, unexpected moment,” Kate recalls. “The energy was unreal.”
Cocktail hour featured local bites and signature drinks, while dinner included filet, halibut, and ravioli paired with Monterey wines. Their cake by Edith Meyer Wedding Cakes added a sweet finish before the dance floor opened.
With music by Cover Me Badd, the night quickly turned into a full celebration. “The dance floor was packed the entire time,” Kate says. Their first dance to “It Must Be Love” by Alan Jackson reflected their shared love of country music. “We took lessons and laughed the whole way through.”
After changing into a beaded mini dress, Kate danced the night away before the couple made their exit through a tunnel of bubbles into Jackson’s F-150. “It felt very us—traditional at the core, but a little adventurous and a lot of fun,” she shares.
They ended the night at a local bar with friends and family. “Even my grandma stayed out past midnight!” Kate exclaims.
For their honeymoon, Kate and Jackson traveled to Kokomo Private Island in Fiji. “It was the perfect way to unwind,” she says. “We spent our days walking on the beach, snorkeling, and just reflecting on everything. It felt like a dream.”
Looking back, it was the intention behind every detail that made the day so meaningful. “It’s rare for everything to turn out exactly how you imagined,” Kate says. “But this truly did.”
