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Tori St. John & Jason Welch

Married December 6, 2024 at Ridgecrest

Though they weren’t looking for love, love was definitely looking for them! One swipe on Hinge led to a connection that was anything but ordinary. Below, Tori and Jason share their love story and the journey that led them to Stroudsmoor.

Tell us how and when you met each other. What was your first impression of one another, and at what moment did you know you’d be together forever?

We met on Hinge at a time when neither of us was looking for a serious relationship. It was meant to be casual, but from the moment we met, something just clicked. My first impression of him was pure perfection—he was everything I didn’t know I was looking for. His first thought about me? That he had completely lucked out. Our first date felt effortless and natural, unlike anything we’d experienced before. By the end of the night, we both knew deep down this wasn’t just another date—it was the beginning of something truly special, something meant to last forever.

Tell us about the proposal, share some pics, and show us your ring!

The proposal was beyond amazing and everything I could have dreamed of. Jason secretly planned a trip to my favorite zoo, which is about two hours away. Knowing how much I love penguins, he went above and beyond, arranging a special package with the owners so we could feed them up close. I was in absolute heaven!
 
To throw me off, his sister came along for what I thought was just a fun day. While I was completely focused on feeding and loving the penguins, Jason was behind me, down on one knee, holding a sign that said, “Marry Me.” The sign even had little painted penguin footprints on it—so thoughtful and so perfect.
 
When I turned around, I was floored. He had picked out the most beautiful ring, and in that moment, I was overwhelmed with love. I couldn’t say “yes” fast enough! It was magical, personal, and everything I had ever hoped for.

What led you to Stroudsmoor Country Inn? What inspired you to celebrate your wedding with us?

Stroudsmoor Country Inn felt like the perfect choice for our wedding because everything was so beautifully personalized. From the moment we started planning, our incredible wedding coordinator, Malia, fully understood my vision and brought it to life with such care and attention to detail. She went above and beyond to ensure that every aspect of our day would be absolutely amazing—and it truly was. The combination of their breathtaking venue and Malia’s dedication made it an easy decision to celebrate our special day at Stroudsmoor.

What is the one menu item that sticks out above all else from your wedding celebration? What about your favorite décor detail?

The seafood croquette appetizer was absolutely to die for! We both loved it so much, and Malia made sure it was a standout feature of our wedding day menu—it was a total hit.
 
As for the décor, it was truly above and beyond anything we could have imagined. The Christmas tree centerpieces were stunning and perfectly complemented the lights, wreaths, and the gorgeous giant Christmas tree in the cocktail hour space. Every detail captured the magic of the season and brought my vision of a dreamy winter wedding to life. It was absolutely unforgettable!

What made your Wedding Journey with us most memorable?

It’s hard to pick just one thing, but Malia and Belkis made our wedding journey truly unforgettable. Their dedication, attention to detail, and unwavering support ensured that our day was nothing short of perfection. They went above and beyond to make everything seamless and stress-free, allowing us to fully enjoy every moment. Even looking back now, I wouldn’t change a single thing—it was absolutely perfect from start to finish, thanks to them.

What is one hope you have in celebrating your first anniversary?

By the time our first anniversary comes around, we’ll have welcomed our first baby into the world—a milestone we’re so excited to share together. Our biggest hope is that our love continues to grow even deeper, and that we look back on this incredible year with gratitude and joy. Celebrating our anniversary as a family of three will make it all the more special!

Vendors and Services Provided

PhotographerLove Allegra Photography
EntertainmentMuch Music DJ
FloralsStroudsmoor Floral & Décor Team

Cake

Stroudsmoor Bakery & Café

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