| YGL WEDDINGS
NUPTIALS OF NOTE Brianna Keilar and Fernando Lujan include personal touches in their Las Vegas wedding. BY ERICA MOODY
BRIANNA KEILAR & FERNANDO LUJAN MARRIED DECEMBER 30, 2016
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rianna Keilar knew Fernando Lujan was a catch from the first moment she saw him at a work happy hour. The CNN Washington senior correspondent was so impressed by the National Security Council director for Afghanistan that she tried to set him up with one of her best friends (who later ended up being a bridesmaid at their wedding). Three years after they met, Fernando saw on Facebook that Brianna was single and asked her to dinner at one of her favorite restaurants, Little Serow, where they talked so much, they barely touched the food. When Fernando decided it was time to propose, he enlisted the help of Brianna’s mother, with whom he was very close.Together, they planned an elaborate proposal to take place in her California hometown but when her mother died unexpectedly last May, he changed plans to a private proposal on their terrace during Fourth of July fireworks, with a celebration at Fiola Mare afterwards. He worked
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with a designer in India to create the perfect Ceylon sapphire ring for his bride. Deciding on a wedding location was easy; Brianna knew she’d be traveling to Vegas throughout the presidential campaign since it was in a battleground state. The intimate ceremony for 80 close friends and relatives at the art-filled Gallery at CityCenter and reception at the Mandarin Oriental included many personal touches, and several high-profile guests (including CNN’s Wolf Blitzer and Dana Bash). The wedding was filled with personal touches. One of Brianna’s best friends, Carol Lee, couldn’t make it, but a cardboard cutout version of Lee (in a bridesmaid dress, no less) was there in her stead. A mariachi band led the bridal party into the reception and an Elvis impersonator entertained. A personalized cake topper depicted the groom in a military uniform that replicated Fernando’s ribbons; the save the date cards and invitations were designed by Brianna’s graphic designer cousin, Peita Keilar. And in lieu of wedding favors, a donation was made to the American Cancer Society in honor
of Brianna’s mother and Fernando’s father. The couple’s favorite part was the ceremony, for which they wrote their own vows. “The gallery was so colorful and beautiful and Rev. Linda Venniro gave the most thoughtful sermon,” Brianna says. “She incorporated our family and friends in a very heartfelt way.” After the wedding, they spent a few nights at The Inn at Perry Cabin in St. Michaels, Md. and are planning a longer honeymoon for when Fernando has leave between assignments. DETAILS Wedding Planner: Dennis Silknitter, Silknitter Events Catering: Keri Keep, Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas Bridal Gown: La Petite Robe di Chiara Boni Shoes: +JNNZ $IPP s Groom’s Ensemble: Army dress blues Bridesmaid Dresses: 5BIBSJ s Photos: Andre Niesing, AN Photographer Hair and Makeup: .BLFVQ JO UIF s DJ: Sound Fusion
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Brianna Keilar with “Elvis” and Wolf Blitzer