Across a crowded fundraiser, Debbie Entin and Brett Garner locked eyes. He was attending the Big Brothers/Big Sisters event that she had worked to organize and, once they began talking, Debbie and Brett both knew there would be many more conversations to come. Only six months into their relationship, while vacationing with family and friends on a cruise, Brett asked Debbie if she’d like to have a private dinner with him so they could be alone. Awaiting her that night in the ship’s grand suite were dozens of roses and a pianist playing just for the couple as they enjoyed a gourmet feast. After dessert, Brett invited Debbie onto the balcony and with the stars reflecting off the Caribbean ocean, he asked his soulmate, Debbie, to become his wife.

As they say in real estate, “location, location, location” was the main factor in Debbie and Brett’s decision to hold their wedding at the Montage resort in Laguna Beach. There, the oceanfront ceremony that they wanted was available, as well as top of the line service, for their 285 guests. Debbie chose a cranberry color for her bridesmaid dresses and the floral décor of their wedding was built around this central shade. At the entrance to the ceremony, a garden gate and archway dressed in peach, lavender and light pink flowers were installed with the floral displays continuing alongside the aisle. Their chuppah was also covered in coordinating arrangements securing its dramatic fabric structure. The crowning piece was a chandelier suspended from its center, glowing with candles and accented with more flowers. Each of their eleven bridesmaids carried a bouquet in a different shade of pink, including cymbidium orchids and mini calla lilies, which the groomsmen wore to match.

The most important thing to Debbie and Brett was that their wedding be very upbeat with continuous music playing all night long. From the ten-piece orchestra during their ceremony, to the cocktail hour’s Caribbean trio to their energetic reception band, there was not a moment without a unique soundtrack. Debbie and her bridesmaids even provided some musical entertainment when they sat Brett down in a chair in the middle of the dance floor and surprised him with their own rendition of “Summer Loving” from the musical Grease.

Together, the couple made another surprise tribute, this time to Debbie’s parents, who had celebrated their own 35th wedding anniversary just five days before their daughter’s wedding. Debbie and Brett spoke to their long and loving relationship as one they hoped to have themselves and then signaled the band to play Dr. and Mrs. Entin’s favorite song by Frank Sinatra.

After a four-course dinner was served at clever square tables with alternating short and tall centerpieces, a custom monogrammed wedding cake was presented, along with a candy bar for guests to create sweet favors for the trip home. A sign wishing “Have a Sweet Life” beckoned guests to fill their bags with such treats as nonpareils, Jordan almonds and jelly beans, just in case they possibly left Debbie and Brett’s celebration hungry.

While the creative details made their wedding beautiful, “We had great friends and family that really made our night special!” admits the couple, adding “The people made the party!” With their joyous memories still fresh in their hearts, Debbie and Brett left for a three week European honeymoon which not only included adventures on land, but a first chance to cruise together as husband and wife.