Kimberly and David King first crossed paths on Hinge, instantly hit it off. “David was the first person I matched with. He struck up a conversation immediately, and it felt like I had known him for years,” Kimmy says. They quickly realized they shared several mutual friends, and after many texts and FaceTimes they shared an official first date.
Two years later, as David finished up his MBA at The University of Texas, he planned a celebratory trip to Napa—or so Kimmy thought. “We looked at several locations and ultimately landed on Napa with us, our parents, and some of our siblings’ families,” she says. “It always brings a smile to my face because during the planning process, I felt like my parents had essentially invited themselves on the trip, but David didn’t seem to mind, and since they’re passionate about the wine country, I let it pass. . . Little did I know, they were in on the plan all along!” On the very first day of the trip, David dropped to one knee at the Napa Valley Reserve. “A photographer emerged from the garden, and the winery had arranged an incredible lunch for us. I’m still amazed that I didn’t suspect a thing!”
Ultimately, David and Kimmy decided to return to the site of their engagement for their wedding. “We toured a few venues and ended up falling in love with Beaulieu Garden after driving down the breathtaking tree-lined street and seeing the sunken rose garden,” Kimmy recalls. “The grounds had a Southern vibe, and we wanted to pull that into our overall aesthetic. We wanted the vibe to be a summer garden party with traditional Southern elements.”
Camden Mobley of Shannon Leahy Events brought Kimmy’s vision to life, while Mesh by Alex and Sterling Stripes crafted a bespoke invitation suite in the eye of her aesthetic. Carolyn Shuler Bettin of Shuler Studio designed a custom wedding monogram that added a personalized touch.
“I wanted to feel comfortable, confident and be able to dance!” Kimmy says of her wedding wardrobe. She ultimately fell in love with a strapless Reem Acra dress—one her mother and sister insisted she try on—and finished off the look with loose curls courtesy of TEAM. Stylist Cynthia Cook Smith helped curate the weekend’s remaining looks, and on the day-of, stylist Jamie Cole was on hand to ensure everything ran smoothly. As for the groom, he looked dapper in a tuxedo and shoes by Del Toro.
On July 15, 2023, little ones preceded the bride in Nicki Macfarlane styles, bridesmaids lined the aisle in matching Saloni looks, and Kimmy walked arm-in-arm with her father to “There She Goes” by The La’s. The ceremony itself was laid back and anything but traditional, according to the bride. “Jon, one of David’s close friends, officiated our wedding,” she notes. “He kept things light and comical. I think the whole ceremony was about 15 minutes! We said our vows to each other in private the next day while eating leftover wedding cake in bed!”
As for the reception, the couple planned to evoke the feeling of an intimate dinner party at a best friend’s house—warm and welcoming. Paula Le Duc’s spring pea ravioli made its way around as an amuse bouche before everyone was seated for filet mignon accompanied by mascarpone whipped potatoes and a tarragon butter. To top it all off guests indulged in olive oil and guava wedding cake by Flour and Bloom. Afterward, the newlyweds posed for a few golden hour portraits in a vintage Mercedes. Lacie Hansen captured the moment perfectly.
“We danced the night away to CityLuxe, an Élan Artists band. They were amazing and had everyone on their feet,” the bride remembers. When asked of her favorite reception moment, Kimmy’s answer was clear: “The espresso martini bar! We both love them and make them regularly, so it was only fitting that we served them at the reception.”
As Napa Valley County enforces a strict 10 p.m. cutoff for music and outdoor gatherings, everyone traveled to La Calenda for the after. “Given our favorite food is Tex-Mex, and staying true to our Texan roots, we chose to host the after-party a Mexican restaurant in Yountville,” Jimmy shares. The celebration, fueled by chilled tequila and salsa, carried on until the early morning hours.
