They Worked at The Venue Where They Held Their Boho Beach Fall Wedding

Dave & Brie

October 8, 2023

Brie and Dave tied the knot at Parker’s Garage on October 8, 2023.

Their Story

Brie and Dave technically met when she was about four years old and he was seven.

“He was in my brother’s grade and played traveling baseball with him for quite a few years,” says Brie. But they didn’t have much interaction throughout school.

The summer after Brie’s senior year of high school, the pair kept ending up at the same bars, beaches and parties.

“I honestly didn’t think much of it until I was back from school for Thanksgiving break and he reached out,” says Brie. “We went on a date and the rest is basically history.”

“He has never been anything but respectful, kind and loving,” says Brie.

“I never really pictured finding the love of my life at such a young age (I was 18 when we went on our first date), but we’ve managed to give each other this special kind of support and love that has allowed us to grow into our own, alongside one another.”

The Proposal

Brie had told Dave that she had no interest in marriage from day one. They lived together for years and eventually bought a house together.

“I’ve slowly turned into a softy and found myself wanting that party and celebration with our friends and family,” says Brie.

On November 29, 2022, eleven years to the day from their first date, they were on a boat with their beloved dog, Indo. They went to “one of our favorite little islands nestled between the mainland and the island to watch the sunset,” says Brie about Dave’s LBI proposal.

“It was intimate and perfect. Just us and the dog out on the water.”

Details of the Day

The couple wanted a modern, boho fall vibe to tie in their love for all things nature and local.

“Dave works for the marine field station at Stockton and we really bonded over our love for nature and the ocean,” says Brie. “We incorporated local fall blooms such as golden rods and marsh or pampas grass.”

Their dog, Indo, who they adopted 10 years ago was included in the day as well.

Choosing the Venue

During the summer of 2012 the couple worked together at The Boathouse, which is now Parker’s Garage & Oyster Saloon. Brie is now the general manager of Parker’s.

“Aside from the building holding a special place in both of our hearts as somewhere we once worked together, I’ve been involved in countless weddings at the venue over the years,” says Brie.

Brie knew that Parker’s food, staff and ambience would meet her high expectations.

“The entirety of the event being waterfront on the bay with unobstructed views and a killer sunset was just the icing on the cake,” she says.

Their wedding coordinator, Brianna Mehl, alongside the front of house staff, go above and beyond to make sure every detail is perfect,” says Brie. Executive chef Kyle Baddorf and chef Mike Campanelli are culinary geniuses in the kitchen.

Then there’s the raw bar. “I work six days a week and six months out of the year and I will never tire of the dishes they put out,” says Brie.

Advice for Other Couples

“It’s so easy to get caught up in everyone else’s desires and visions,” says Brie. “While it’s nice to make those who are helping make the day feel seen and heard, it’s your day—do what makes you happy.”

“Set a budget and stick to it,” she says. “Don’t put yourself into debt over one day. The day is ultimately about celebrating your love, your wedding will be beautiful because it is a celebration, not how much money you spend.”