Kevan McDougal
Valerie Bykoff
Kevan McDougal
Valerie Bykoff
June 21, 2025
how we met
it was the height of covid lockdowns in San Diego, but we had been talking on Hinge for a few weeks since we had to postpone our first date due to Kevan having covid over Christmas time (and Valerie working overtime in the ICU). Valerie had recently received one of the first vaccinations, so she felt safer than ever finally being able to meet him. They took a motorcycle ride to bird park, shared a bottle of wine, and enjoyed the sunset while talking until the sun went way down and it began getting cold. it was also a school night.. but it was love at "swipe right".
the proposal
what Valerie thought was their typical weekend trip to their favorite wine region south of the border, Kevan had been planning and organizing for weeks. Kevan proposed on the beach in La Misión after doing some wine tasting in Valle de Guadalupe. Valerie may have been expecting a proposal soon but she did not expect Kevan to fly her family and childhood friends in to celebrate with them. They were all cheering from a nearby beachfront airbnb where a chef was preparing a fabulous dinner for the group: Kevan and Valerie's families, Grace, Clara, and Bryn (Bridesmaids). The surprises didn't stop there. While Valerie thought they could stay in Mexico and do some wine tasting with their families and friends, Kevan was planning an engagement party for the following afternoon, hosted by his parents back in San Diego.
Schedule
Friday, June 20, 2025
Welcome Drinks
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
401 West Ash Street, San Diego, CA 92101
cocktail attire
everyone's welcome! come by to say hi anytime between 7 - 9. we will be hosting beer and wine, cocktails will be available for purchase.
Saturday, June 21, 2025
Wedding
4:00 pm - 11:00 pm
2727 Presidio Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
summer formal attire, colors encouraged! reception will be outdoors, being a sweater if needed!
Wedding Party
Clara Timpe
Matron of Honor
Clara and Val have been friends since 4th grade. they grew up one block away from each other and used to ride their bikes to middle school together. they had a club called the chipmunks club. Clara took fencing lessons, so she's basically a professional sword fighter.
Jamie DeCarolis
Best Man
Jamie and Kevan have been friends since high school football. They lived together for almost 6 years after college at their apartment on Riley Street. Fun fact: 5/6 groomsmen have lived in that apartment over the years. He is kind hearted, loyal and always quick to make you laugh. Jamie has been known to bird watch in his free time and is lactose intolerant but refuses to accept it....
Amanda Green
Bridesmaid
Amanda is Valerie's soon-to-be sister-in-law but she's also been a great friend over the years. they've been on family vacations together, but they also like to go on walks around the neighborhood, get happy hour, and visit the zoo. Amanda was a middle school teacher (yikes) and is now raising a child of her own, Josephine. Amanda is able to teach babies that can't walk how to swim!
Eric Green
Officiant
Eric Green is married to Kevan's lovely sister, Amanda McDougal Green and father to Josephine. Believe it or not, Eric is an even better person than golfer. To put that into context, he shot even par at Torrey Pines... Eric is a die hard padres fan and will always wake up early to catch the Liverpool match across the pond. Valerie and Kevan are honored to have Eric officiate their wedding and cannot imagine anyone else up there with them.
Grace Goodman
Bridesmaid
Grace and Valerie have been friends since middle school. Valerie went on many family vacations with Grace's family growing up. Once the two of them got stuck in Reno and had to visit a junk yard to search for a new wheel. Grace loves tiny dogs and huge cats. Grace is an attorney and she'll beat you in a fight. she can also pick you up.
Taylor Phipps
Groomsman
Taylor and Kevan have been friends since kindergarten. They were inseparable as kids even though Taylor switched schools after 1st grade, but were soon reunited in middle school and high school. Taylor has a massive heart and can recite quotes from movies that nobody really knows or has ever seen. I don't think Taylor has ever let my call go to voicemail. That being said, if you are ever in trouble, he should be your first call....
Chelsea Walkerow
Bridesmaid
Chelsea was Valerie's roommate in graduate school at USD. they became incredibly close over their three years of living together: Valerie has been to thanksgiving at Chelsea's family farm in Georgia. Chelsea grew up in Florida, is a therapist but doesn't want to hear about your problems, and once traveled across the country in a van.
Josh Hamilton
Groomsman
Josh Hamilton and Kevan have been friends since the 3rd grade. Josh had the best backyard growing up. They would build jumps for dirt bikes, do flips on the trampoline, and fish for crawdads in the creek. Josh has a loving dry sense of humor and gives great hugs when you need them. Josh is the only person in the wedding party that may or may not be able to beat Kevan at basketball...
Bryn Thomas
Bridesmaid
Bryn and Valerie have known each other since middle school but became close in high school and beyond. Bryn is an artist by night and social worker in the ER by day. She has many tattoos but the face tat pictured above ain't one. she also has a green thumb and has been able to keep about 50 plants alive somehow. she can also read tarot cards.
Michael Russo
Groomsman
Michael "Boss" Russo and Kevan have been friends since middle school. He lived at Riley St with Jamie and Kevan for a few years while he was attending law school. Michael is tall dark and handsome and at the time of writing this, he is also single (where my ladies at?). Michael is Kevan's favorite person to go to concerts with and has a great taste in music.
Tyler Tong
Groomsman
Tyler and Kevan were in the same fraternity while attending the University of Oregon (Go Ducks). After college he moved down to San Diego from his hometown of Alamo in the Bay Area. Tyler is always generous with his Padres season tickets and will never turn down a round of golf. He prepares all of his friends taxes but no, he is not taking on new clients.
George Coronado
Groomsman
George and Kevan have been friends since freshman football where he was known as Cabezon (big head). George is always willing to get a beer with friends and watch some football; however, if the Cowboys are getting blown out, he may leave the bar early to go home and sulk. George is a sneaker head and is consistently showing Kevan new music.
FAQs
Question
When should I RSVP by? how?
Answer
please rsvp asap but no later than 5/21/25. please see our "rsvp" section of this website to submit your rsvp. there is a space to enter dietary restrictions and and song requests. if we don't hear back from you by the deadline, we will assume you can't make it.
Question
what if I can't make it?
Answer
you will be missed, but we completely understand. Please rsvp "no" as soon as possible so we can plan accordingly.
Question
I can't attend all the events, is that okay?
Answer
of course! come when you can, just don't forget to rsvp "no" to the events you won't be attending.
Question
Is there a dress code?
Answer
to enhance our special day, we encourage you to dress up in summer formal attire. think colorful midi or maxi dresses for ladies and colorful suits for the gentlemen. I've included a vision board below to help guide you: https://pin.it/4GqIt7v1A the reception will be outdoors! we guess it will be 65* later in the evening so bring a sweater if you think this will be chilly for you. we hope for no wind but of course cannot predict and it is unsheltered on top of a hill so it may be breezy.
Question
what is the date, time, and location of the wedding?
Answer
the wedding will take place at the junipero serra museum in presidio park on June 21st, 2025 from 4pm to 11pm. there will be a champagne welcome for those who arrive on time! it may get chilly in the evening (the reception is outdoors).
Question
What time should I arrive at the ceremony?
Answer
please arrive at 4! there will be a champagne welcome for those who arrive on time and the ceremony will begin promptly at 4:30.
Question
what is the wedding day itinerary?
Answer
well i'm so glad you asked. 3:15 and 3:45 shuttles from carte to Junipero Serra Museum 4pm arrival, champagne welcome, find your seats 4:30 ceremony 5-6 cocktail hour with open bar, try passed appetizers 6-8 dinner, speeches, first dances, cake cutting 8-11 dancing, drinking, and desserts! 10:30 and 11pm shuttles back to carte
Question
Can I bring a date?
Answer
unfortunately only those that are listed on your invitation are able to be accommodated. Please leave your children at home, our reception will be a 21+ event.
Question
Are kids welcome?
Answer
we love all your children but we want our reception to be a 21+ event. take the night off & let loose with us.
Question
Are you registered? Where?
Answer
we are so happy you can make it to our wedding your presence is enough. If you feel inclined, we have a few cash funds set up for to make our honeymoon our best trip yet. if you're leaning more traditional, we also added a few items to enhance our home on our zola site! click "registry."
Question
Do you have any hotel recommendations?
Answer
yes! we will be having our block at carte hotel, a hilton property, for the weekend. our welcome drinks event will take place here and the busses will pick up / drop off from here for the wedding. here's the link to book in our block: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=SANCRQQ&groupCode=903&arrivaldate=2025-06-20&departuredate=2025-06-22&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT any issues please reach out to Jackie.Zielinski@hhmhotels.com / 619-432-1434 to book as a part of our block (and get a discounted room!) book by 5/20 if you're marriott loyal, we recommend the marriott bayfront (spring hill suites) which is about 5 blocks from carte and has lovely bay views. if you want a kitchen and breakfast, we recommend the homewood suites or hampton inn. there are also cute boutique hotels around little italy including urban boutique hotel and la pensione. if you're looking for a more affordable option, there's a best western right next door to carte.
Question
is there a hotel block set up?
Answer
yes! our hotel block will be at Carte Hotel in the Little Italy neighborhood of San Diego. book by 5/20 to get in our block at a discounted rate. The welcome drinks event will take place here and the shuttles to the venue will pick up and drop off from here. there are a lot of other options near here as well, we're highlighted some recommendations above. here's the link to book as a part of our hotel block at a discounted rate before 5/20: https://www.hilton.com/en/book/reservation/deeplink/?ctyhocn=SANCRQQ&groupCode=903&arrivaldate=2025-06-20&departuredate=2025-06-22&cid=OM,WW,HILTONLINK,EN,DirectLink&fromId=HILTONLINKDIRECT if you have any issues booking through this link please reach out to natalie.vazquez@hhmhotels.com / 619-432-1434
Question
what is the food and drink situation?
Answer
not to ruin any surprises... there will be an open bar, tray passed appetizers, plated dinner of steak and fish with salad, sides. assorted mini desserts and a three layer cake with 3 different flavors!
Question
I have a food allergy, can I make a special request?
Answer
absolutely! when you rsvp we added a space to let us (our caterers) know about any dietary restrictions.
Question
Is there parking for the ceremony or reception?
Answer
there is a small parking lot at the junipero serra museum, but we encourage everyone to uber or take our shuttle if staying in little italy, especially if you'll be enjoying our open bar ;)
Question
Is there transportation to and from the hotels to the ceremony?
Answer
yes we will be having a 28-person shuttle bus to the venue with two pick up and two drop off times. the pickup times will be 3:15 and 3:45pm and the pickup from the venue will be 10:30 and 11pm.
Question
Are there any other events that I should know about around the wedding?
Answer
we will be having a welcome drinks for everyone to come say hi to us and meet other guests the night before the wedding at carte hotel. it will be directly after our rehearsal dinner (which will just be for immediate family, the wedding party, and their dates) so please don't show up early. welcome drinks will take place from 7-9pm in the wine room (Fonti di Vino) of the carte hotel. we will be hosting beer and wine, and there will be cocktails available for purchase.
Question
we'll be in san diego the whole weekend, anything else you recommend we do while we're in town?
Answer
absolutely. head over to our "recommendations" page for more ideas!
Question
I won't be renting a car, are Uber and Lyft available around town?
Answer
yes! Uber and Lyft are both available from the airport, and to get around town. you're welcome to take an uber to/from the venue if you don't want to ride our shuttle bus or want to be on your own time!
Gallery
Travel
Hotel
Carte Hotel San Diego Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton
hit "view" below to book as a part of our block! rate will be $279 for either king or 2 queen room. please book your rooms asap but no later than 5/21 to get into our room block. if you have any problems with the below link please reach out to Jackie via email at Jackie.Zielinski@hhmhotels.com or via phone at 619-432-1434 she may have to add more rooms into our block
Recommendations
Queenstown Public House
only 0.2 miles from carte they offer brunch, lunch, happy hour, and dinner. they have unique decorations (it's set in a large victorian home) and a patio. it's New Zealand themed
Craft & Commerce
also only 0.2 mi from Carte, Craft and Commerce is a great cocktail bar that has an even better speakeasy inside. they open reservations 30 days in advance for the speakeasy but we've usually been able to get in if you put your name on the waitlist when you arrive.
Isola Pizza Bar
Italian-style thin crust pizza, great happy hour deals
King and Queen Cantina
great margs, lively atmosphere, Mexican food
The Kebab Shop
casual spot for a quick mediterranean bite (try the spicy green sauce)
Portside Pier
has multiple restaurants and bars inside but it's just a beautiful setting on the water. we recommend grabbing a drink on the rooftop bar of Ketch and watching the boats go by.
Civico 1845
Barbusa
our favorite Italian place in a sea of Italian places
Ironside Fish & Oyster
if you're into seafood (oysters) this is your spot
Born and Raised
if you're looking to treat yourself, this is a over-the-top steakhouse. just go look at the build-out or grab a drink at the bar.
Camino Riviera
Tulum themed bar which turns dance club as the night goes on
Nolita Hall
one of our favorite bars. gorgeous place and when a plane flies over (it will) they have a board above the bar which tells you where that plane came from
Kettner Exchange
large, fun bar with a dj. they also have food!
Coco Maya by Miss B's
fun rooftop for brunch, lunch, drinks... fun atmosphere with vaca vibes
Waterfront Park
beautiful park with water features, walk along the harbor
Registry
RSVP
Please enter the first and last name of one member of your party below.
If you're responding for you and a guest (or your family), you'll be able to RSVP for your entire group on the next page.