Krystal and Chris – Before They Said I Do!
It’s been one year since America watched fitness coach Krystal Nielson and sales trainer Chris Randone fall madly in love on Bachelor in Paradise. In early June, the pair said “I Do!” surrounded by a small group of family and friends at the Vidanta Hotel in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico – the exact site of their first date. Bachelor Nation will recognize some familiar faces, including Jared Haibon, Ashley Iaconetti and Becca Kufrin. The new Mr. and Mrs. told People Magazine: “We are so excited to start this new chapter of our lives together. We will have each other’s backs forever.”
And even though you’re going to have to wait until the August 5th premiere of Bachelor in Paradise to get a peek at their nuptials, we do have a treat for you – a behind the scenes look into their May 2nd engagement party!
This couple wanted an elegant, whimsical and private locale for their intimate fairytale celebration, and Ethereal Gardens was the ideal backdrop. In addition to the thousands of twinkling lights and breathtaking photo opportunities, Ethereal is a certified organic garden – a perfect fit for the couple, who are notorious fitness and health gurus.
Krystal and her treasured ladies arrived into our Ivy Villa, where they popped champagne, snapped selfies, and did final touches on their hair and makeup. Meanwhile, Chris and his groomsmen enjoyed cocktails and vintage monopoly in the Distillery. Before their friends and family arrived, the bride-and-groom-to-be snuck away for a private sunset photo session. Krystal was radiant in her white feathery gown, and Chris’ tan suit complimented the look perfectly!
The overall aesthetic of the evening was a mix of rustic elegance. Our design team brought Chris and Krystal’s vision to life, setting up photo opportunities all over the venue. They brought their skills and exquisite attention to detail to every aspect of the event, from handwritten menus and signs to creating a floral wall to adding fresh greenery from our property to the bars and tables.
As guests arrived, they were greeted by our valet service and directed to our vintage Ethereal Barn for cocktail hour. On the menu? Glitter (Hers), which was a tequila Paloma with a splash of rose, giving it a sparkling effervescent effect. Goose (His) mixed Grey Goose vodka (of course!) with freshly squeezed lime and muddled mint from our garden. Guests were even given a secret code to tell our bartenders to spike their drinks – “Moose Knuckle!” They snapped photos in front of a 10-foot-tall suspended macrame backdrop, sipped drinks next to an antique piano, and enjoyed the sweeping vista views of the California hillside. 
Chris and Krystal worked closely with our Chef to handcraft a menu that catered to their specific tastes and healthy lifestyles. Their 50 guests dined on buffalo cauliflower bites, gluten free arugula and balsamic glazed pizza, peaches topped with creme fraiche and honey, andouille sausage kabobs, and freshly made butternut squash ravioli. Guests also enjoyed baked goods from the couples’ favorite bakery in San Diego’s Little Italy, and roasted s’mores over a roaring fire pit.
If there’s one word to describe these two, it’s fun! The couple wanted their guests to have a great time – which, of course, meant incorporating some activities! According to Chris, “Games are everything!” Friends and family tested their knowledge of the couple with trivia, answering questions like “where did we get engaged?” and “what is our song?” Guests also played cornhole and giant jenga under a canopy of lights on our lawn as the sun went down behind the hills.
Krystal and Chris entered our beautiful Marquis building amidst thunderous cheers, and thanked their guests, many of whom had travelled long distances to share the day with them. DJ Mojo kicked off the dancing portion of the evening with “We Found Love ft. Calvin Harris,” by Rihanna, which is their song! They danced the night away next to our fireplace underneath sparkling chandeliers. The group ended the evening by singing along to classic Backstreet Boys, then boarded a party bus to continue the celebration – the party actually kicked off their bachelor & bachelorette party weekends!
Everything came together so seamlessly, the couple told E! News, that some of their guests thought that they were going to say “I Do!” that night! “The venue really blew our minds away with how they put it together. It was very enchanting” said the blushing bride. Congratulations to the new Mr. and Mrs. – we wish you a lifetime of happiness!
Photos: Be Studios