In a celebration steeped in personal significance and vibrant aesthetics, former *Days of Our Lives* star Emily O’Brien wed her partner Ken Barnett on August 1st, 2023, at Calipaso Villa & Winery in Paso Robles, California. The couple exchanged vows in front of 150 family members and close friends during an event characterised by a vintage summer garden party theme.
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The journey to their chosen venue was fraught with last-minute complications. The couple’s original plan was to marry in San Luis Obispo, overlooking the sea. However, a surprise cancellation from their chosen venue sparked a sense of panic in the couple, whose friends and family had already made travel arrangements from Europe. “Our wedding planner, Sara Elizabeth Lloyd, steered us through the chaos, and it was sheer luck that we found Calipaso after realising they had just had an unexpected cancellation,” Emily explained.
Their wedding decor was steeped in a carefully curated aesthetic, rich with colour and personal touches. To replace a traditional guestbook, attendees were encouraged to pen their well-wishes on vintage postcards, which were then dropped into an antique letterbox. Cocktail napkins showcased quotes from classic romance novels, while the table name cards were creatively crafted into old-fashioned matchboxes, which also served as mementos for guests.
Adding to the vintage theme, the invitations were designed by a friend, recreating an old book containing a prologue narrating the couple’s love story. Both the couple’s attire and the guests’ outfits aligned seamlessly with the overall vision; fascinators, lace umbrellas, and pastel suits adorned the attendees, creating an elegant garden atmosphere.
After a romantic welcome party at a local Mexican restaurant, the couple’s wedding ceremony commenced. Emily wore a remarkable dress that held tremendous family significance, originally belonging to Ken’s grandmother, Carlene. The dress had a rich history, having been worn by generations of women in Ken’s family, which infused the occasion with an array of emotions. “I could feel the energy of all those beautiful marriages when I first tried it on,” Emily recalled, acknowledging the dress’s journey through time.
The groom, Ken, chose a striking bespoke suit inspired by Robert Redford’s iconic look from the 1974 film *The Great Gatsby*. Their ceremony was unconventional, featuring a lively entrance where friends danced down the aisle to a performance of “All You Need Is Love” by Emily’s cello teacher. Most memorably, a surprise flash mob performed “To Build a Home” by Patrick Wilson as the couple descended a grand staircase, an event that added a layer of joy and surprise to the ceremony.
The exchange of vows was heartfelt and personal, with both partners unknowingly echoing similar sentiments about their shared experiences in Africa. Their ceremony was officiated by Ken’s uncle, who infused humour and warmth into his personalised script, making the moment even more memorable.
Guests indulged in a gourmet plated dinner featuring options such as Calipaso Cabernet braised short rib and Meyer lemon honey grilled salmon, and desserts were served from a whimsical gelato bike crafted by Ken, who restored an old ice cream bicycle for the event. Rather than a traditional wedding cake, the couple opted for a champagne tower complemented by bite-sized treats, perfectly fitting the light-hearted, celebratory atmosphere.
The day’s pinnacle was marked by a surprise tap dance routine during their first dance, drawing cheers and laughter from their guests. The couple’s meticulous planning and personal touches shone through, creating a joyful celebration that felt authentic to their relationship.
Despite facing various obstacles in planning, including an unexpected heatwave, Emily and Ken reflected on their wedding day with gratitude. “We have never felt so many emotions, support, and pure love. It was absolutely everything we hoped for, and more,” Ken remarked. They expressed their sense of luck in having shared the day with loved ones and remained deeply appreciative of the love that surrounded them throughout the entire event.
As they embark on married life together, Emily O’Brien and Ken Barnett will surely carry the memories of that beautiful day in Paso Robles with them, a testament to their enduring love and the strength of family and friendship.