After meeting in college and six years together, Shane Richards surprised Sarah Wermers with a proposal, a picnic, and a puppy on Santa Monica Beach. As they headed onto the sand, Sarah saw an elegant setup with an umbrella and pillows ad a sign that read, “Just because I love you.”
That morning, Sarah had joked about getting a golden retriever, as is normal conversation for the two of them, and a few moments later, her dream puppy walked by on a leash. Shane stopped the owner and pointed out its collar to Sarah. Hanging around the pup’s neck was a tag that had, “Hi mom, I love you! Dad has a question for you.” engraved on it. Shane promptly got down on one knee and asked her if he would marry him. After she said yes, she confirmed that the puppy was actually their new dog and was coming home with them as well.
Once engaged, Sarah knew she wanted to get married in her hometown of Rancho Sante Fe, California. “I grew up going to The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe and always dreamed of dancing on their front lawn with my future husband!” the bride exclaims. Aubrey Huffman of Details, Darling masterfully planned all the beautiful moments of the summer day, and Sarah shared her vision: “whimsical garden party with hints of Taylor Swift and Bridgerton.” Sugared Fig Paperie set the tone for the weekend with an English floral-inspired invitation suite.
“I always knew I wanted a big, fairytale dress, similar to what Hilary Duff wore in A Cinderella Story, but also something that was fun, different, and captured the colorful person I am,” Sarah shares of her bridal vision. The Gen Z bride-to-be found her Ines Di Santo wedding gown on TikTok. Once she tried on and twirled in the design to Taylor Swift tunes, she knew it was “the one.”
On the morning-of, Sarah got ready with the glam team from Beauty Bespoken and completed her bridal look with Chanel shoes and a bouquet from Native Poppy.
On August 27, 2022, bridesmaids in pink-hued dresses and groomsmen in light gray suits (and Honey!) promenaded down the aisle before Sarah made her way with her father. Shane’s older brother, Bradley, officiated the light-hearted and sentimental service. Both the bride and groom were emotional and excited throughout their vows and exchanging of the rings. “We both could not stop crying!!” the bride recalls.
Once announced as husband and wife, the newlyweds snuck off to take portraits with Lauren Fair, and guests headed to the cocktail hour. They found their seats under the sailcloth tent via a wall full of personalized sparklers—a nod to the Taylor Swift song, “Sparks Fly.” The reception space was everything the bride had dreamed of with rentals from Bright Event Rentals and Found Rental Co. and the tablescape featuring pieces from Casa de Perrin, Hostess Haven, and BBJ La Tavola.
The new mister and missus made their grand entrance to “What Dreams Are Made Of,” from The Lizzie McGuire Movie. Shane was actually the genius behind this energizing song choice. The two then went into their first dance to “Speechless” by Dan & Shay—all captured on video by SJ Video.
The father of the bride gave a heartfelt speech which made nearly everyone cry, and the father of the groom led a blessing over the meal. Later on, the best men and maids of honor read out their touching toasts to the happy couple.
Dancing followed with the live band, AMFM of Downbeat Agency, who kept everyone on their toes all night long. “One of our favorite parts of the night was ending the reception by singing ‘Love Story’ by Taylor Swift at the top of our lungs!” Sarah remembers.
After the formal reception came to a close, everyone moved inside for the after-party with a deejay and highly appreciated and delicious tacos. Songs by Justin Bieber, One Direction, and ABBA fueled the revelry until the early hours. Two days later, Mr. and Mrs. Richards headed to Tahiti and Bora Bora for their tropical honeymoon. Sarah gushes, “It was all a surprise for me, as Shane planned the entire trip!”
