REAL WEDDING

  • Photography By:

    The Grovers Photography

    KELSEY MANKER AND FRANK INGRISELLI

    September 9, 2017. Los Olivos, California

    Kelsey Manker and Frank Ingriselli met in college when a mutual friend set them up on a “marathon blind date.” The date was part of a fraternity event, which was a seven-hour affair with cocktails, dinner, and a sports bar.

    While that night didn’t necessarily inspire thoughts of romance, the two bonded over a shared interest in football, and Frank invited Kelsey to the USC tailgate the next day. With upcoming semesters abroad and the impending long-distance, the two weren’t sure if things would last; but as they got to know each other more, their love and care for one another deepened. 

    “THE NIGHT WAS FILLED WITH HEARTFELT SPEECHES AND DANCING THE NIGHT AWAY.” KELSEY MANKER

    During their first year of dating, Frank would describe Kelsey as caring, thoughtful, patient, family-oriented, truthful, and beautiful. “I love the way I catch her looking at me when I’m doing anything, because there is always love in her eyes,” he says. “I love watching her with her family, because I can see the love they have for each other.

    I love seeing her interact with my family, because it shows me that both sides are accepting and loving of one another. I love how excited Jambo – our dog – gets when we come home. But most of all, I love the quiet moments when we are next to each other and all I can think of is how lucky I am to have this woman in my life.”

    When Kelsey was in graduate school at Cornell University, Frank flew down to Orange County to ask her parents for her hand in marriage. After receiving an emphatic “Yes,” he began planning the perfect engagement in France. Nine months later, the couple set off on a trip to Burgundy, and Frank proposed in a scenic vineyard with the view of the medieval town in the background. The following day, they enjoyed wine tasting at the winery that produces wine from the vineyard in which their proposal took place, and their home now stocks over 100 bottles of the wine they sampled so they can enjoy it for years to come.

    With Kelsey and Frank still being in a long-distance relationship and in the middle of a cross-state move, the wedding planning process was headed by their planner Lindsay. “Lindsay served as equal parts visionary, designer, project manager, and cheerleader,” says Kelsey. “She became so much a part of our lives and cared so much for us, that we knew she would do everything to make our day special and meaningful – which she absolutely did!” 

    When the big day arrived, the bride was filled with excitement and anticipation as she enjoyed getting ready with her mother, grandmother, and bridesmaids. “Nothing will ever compare to walking down the aisle with my father to Frank,” she says. “The rest of the night was filled with heartfelt speeches and dancing the night away.”

    After a beautiful wedding that reflected the ambiance of an elegant winery, the newlyweds jetted off for a European honeymoon in Paris, Rome, and Venice. Of course, their favorite part was being able to call each other “husband” and “wife” – titles that quickly transitioned into “husby” and “wifey.”


    WEDDING TALENT

    Planner and Event Design: Bliss Productions, San Clemente, CA; Wedding Dress: Essence of Australia; Groom’s Attire: Emporio Armani; Engagement Ring: Custom


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