“Pablo passionately talked about his love for coffee, his dog Luna, and his fascination with chemistry, which immediately charmed me,” remembers Jennica Kahkejian of her first date at a cozy coffee shop with Pablo Andres Unzueta. “Our connection was instant, built on shared interests and an easy, natural flow of conversation.” 

Though Pablo was five minutes late – “It might not sound like much, but when you’re dating a doctor, punctuality is everything,” smiles Pablo –  Jennica thankfully didn’t hold it against him since he immediately felt a connection: “Her wit and ambition were a captivating mix, and I was immediately drawn in.” 

Following a surprise rooftop proposal while visiting Chicago, which included flying in Jennica’s mom and sister to celebrate, the couple soon began planning their nuptials. Though they reside in Palo Alto, Jennica and Pablo chose to get married in Southern California to ensure their closest friends and family could attend. 

“Our priority was to create a seamless, stress-free experience for everyone, making convenience and accessibility key in our decision,” shares the bride. “This allowed us to focus fully on celebrating with the people we love most, without the added complexities of travel or logistics.” 

To ensure wedding planning was a “refreshingly stress-free” experience for them as well, the betrothed worked with the mother of the bride and their esteemed wedding planner to bring their vision to life. “We had the pleasure of working with the remarkable Natalie Sofer, and she truly elevated the entire experience,” attests Jennica. “Thanks to her, our wedding day was nothing short of spectacular, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in the joy of the occasion without a single worry!” The groom confirms: “Our planner was a lifesaver.” 

“The pastel blooms and reflective elements created a harmonious and elegant setting, celebrating both our love and the special meaning of spring in our lives.”

On the day of the ceremony, friends and family found their seats on either side of a raised mirrored aisle. Inspired by the enchanting beauty of spring, which holds special significance to the couple as it marks both of their birthdays, “We chose a color scheme that mirrored the delicate and refreshing hues of the season,” explains the bride. 

A gorgeous double-mirrored ceremony arch was adorned with a winding blend of lush, soft florals in shades of blush, apricot, lavender, and periwinkle, and two similarly airy arrangements were placed at the start of the aisle. “The pastel blooms and reflective elements created a harmonious and elegant setting, celebrating both our love and the special meaning of spring in our lives,” adds Jennica. 

Though they had an intimate religious ceremony that honored Catholic traditions one month prior in Santa Barbara, their grand celebration with 160 guests in attendance leaned more nontraditional. The bride walked down the aisle with her godson to fulfill a promise she made to him during their childhood, the couple’s own godmothers officiated the ceremony, and Jennica and Pablo shared handwritten vows. 

“The ceremony was the heart of our wedding,” says Pablo, adding that they were very hands-on in crafting the script with Jennica’s aunt and Pablo’s sister. “They are both incredibly empowering women who have played significant roles in our lives. We wanted to honor them and give them a chance to share their stories of our journeys… It was a deeply personal experience, and it felt wonderful to shape that moment together.” 

In stark contrast to the spring-themed outdoor ceremony, the reception showcased a dramatic, luxurious transformation. The ballroom featured a breathtaking white-and-gold design that exuded sophistication and grandeur. Long, mirror-top golden tables and round varieties strewn with ivory linens were surrounded by modern gilt chairs and topped with towering crystal candelabras and floral arrangements featuring roses and orchids in white and soft green. “The reception hall was something out of a fairy tale,” affirms Pablo. 

A DJ and saxophone player – a surprise gift from the mother of the bride – kept everyone on the dance floor all night long. “It was such a unique touch,” muses Pablo of their perfect day. “For a night, we felt like royalty, surrounded by the warmth and love of our friends and family.”

This real wedding was originally published in the Winter 2025 issue of Inside Weddings magazine. 

To order a copy of the Winter 2025 issue, visit our library of Inside Weddings magazine back issues available for purchase.