Brandon and Laura’s love story might not have started out like something from a rom-com, but it certainly became one. After connecting on Bumble a few months following Brandon’s father’s passing, they embarked on their first date. Laura wasn’t sure how the date was going to go, but found herself drawn to Brandon through their shared love of film scores and family. Brandon found himself so enamored that he proposed they take a walk, one that turned into a marathon walk from Venice Beach to Santa Monica. Along the way, they shared favorite movies, dissected film scores, and influences, opening up about the deep effect his father had on him. By the end of that day, it was clear that these two shared more than a passion for cinema—they shared a profound connection rooted in empathy, creativity, and storytelling.
Brandon remembers a crucial moment when Laura brought one of his favorite candies, something he’d offhandedly noted on his profile, but a detail that she’d remembered. It struck him as so incredibly intentional. “Usually I’m the one doing that for people, so the fact that she’d done it for me…it was just something else”.
A Wedding Weekend Rooted in Film and Family
Both deeply embedded in the film industry—Laura with NBC’s television group and Brandon as a
seasoned film editor and FX artist—they approached their wedding as more than just a day to celebrate love. Their vision was to craft an immersive experience that honored the films that shaped them while celebrating Laura’s heritage and family traditions.
The Hemet Ramona Bowl was the perfect choice, holding personal resonance for Laura, who, along with her siblings, had previously performed in local historical productions there. The historic venue blended nostalgia, cinematic magic, and family legacy, creating a backdrop that was both visually stunning and deeply meaningful.
A Private Screening Kickoff
The wedding weekend began with a private screening at the Hemet Historic Theater, a nod to the couple’s shared love for movies. Guests gathered to watch The Mummy (1999), one of Brandon and Laura’s favorite films. “We wanted our wedding to celebrate the movies we’ve loved all our lives, and it was a great way to do that with a good movie,” says Laura.
This screening wasn’t just a movie night; it was the opening act to a weekend full of cinematic experiences, immersive theming, and heartfelt personal touches.
The Ramona Bowl Celebration
The following day, the Ramona Bowl became the stage for a truly cinematic celebration. Family and friends helped bring Brandon and Laura’s creative vision to life, transforming the venue into a living movie set. For Laura, this was an incredibly significant wedding as both of her married siblings hadn’t been able to have weddings with most or all of her family present. This was one of the first opportunities in a long while for family to all gather in the same place for a celebration and it was an opportunity they were going to make the most of. For Laura, it had been crucial that family be a huge part of her relationship with any future spouse. Brandon, a fellow film nerd, had of course fit right in.
The details were both designed by the couple, and also set up by them with help from friends and family. It was a collaborative morning for the pair as they set up each table, meticulously curated and themed around a film significant to the couple. Brandon designed intricate shadowboxes for each table, delighting guests and adding layers of interactive detail. The decor was more than aesthetic—it was storytelling. While Brandon got ready in a suite overlooking the reception area, Laura got to really take “behind the scenes” to another level – by getting ready in the backstage area at the main theater. Along with her bridesmaids, she prepped and relaxed, avoiding the almost boiling point temperatures outside that are not uncommon to the Hemet area.
Music played a central role, with a carefully curated movie score playlist underscoring the ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception. From sweeping orchestral themes to iconic cinematic motifs, the music carried guests through each moment, reflecting the couple’s shared love of film.
The dessert and cocktail bar added a playful, magical touch, featuring a Wizarding World-inspired theme. Not to be outdone, Laura’s family also provided lemonade at a whimsical stand right from their home garden. Good food and good company was aplenty at this occasion, overlooked by a slideshow of some of the greatest moments of cinema, displayed for mingling guests to enjoy.
Thoughtful Vendor Dream Team
The success of Brandon and Laura’s wedding was amplified by a team of vendors who helped bring their vision to life:
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Coordinator: @happilyeveradventureco
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Venue: @ramonabowlamphitheatre
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Catering: @lala_tacos1
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Churros: @churrocartsd
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DJ: @taymosleymusic
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Beauty: @_marisbeauty
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Rentals: @guzmanpartyrentalsllc
Each vendor was chosen by the couple to either celebrate local vendors or because they were also huge movie fans who would bring their unique touch to the day.
A Love Story Worth Celebrating
Brandon and Laura’s wedding wasn’t just an event—it was a carefully constructed experience that truly allowed the couple to lean into their roots. From the heartfelt beginnings of their first date to the grand celebration at the Ramona Bowl, their weekend was a tribute to love, film, and family. Every table, shadowbox, and musical choice reflected their personalities and their shared passion for storytelling.
For this couple, the story is just beginning. With a lifetime of shared adventures, cinematic moments, and meaningful storytelling ahead, their love continues to unfold like a perfectly edited film—full of emotion, beauty, and unforgettable scenes.
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