Disney Channel Original Movie fans are wondering... Did Marnie and Kal get married in real life? Yes, they did! In the spirit of "spooky season," we're sharing the wedding and honeymoon details of Kimberly J Brown and Daniel Kountz, who played Marnie and Kal in the 2001 movie Halloweentown II: Kalabar's Revenge. Though their relationship was initially strictly professional, the actors did begin dating long after Kimberly starred in the first three films of Halloweentown.
"Daniel and I first met over 20 years ago playing enemies in Disney's Halloweentown II," shares actress Kimberly J Brown of her now husband, Daniel Kountz. "We had a great time working together but didn't have anything romantic between us at all during that time." Fast forward 12 years – during which they remained friends on social media, but didn't see each other in person – and Kimberly reached out to Daniel about being in some comedy sketches for her YouTube channel.
"We realized that something romantic was happening over the course of filming, so I'm very grateful that he said yes to our shoots!" she confirms. On their anniversary, Daniel surprised Kimberly and drove her up to Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles, where they had their first official date and frequent for hiking. "We walked up to the observatory to watch the sunset, and Daniel stopped a couple to 'take our picture' but then he got on one knee and proposed. It was the perfect night," Kimberly remembers.
The Real Wedding of Kimberly J Brown & Daniel Kountz
When it came to planning their wedding day, Kimberly and Daniel hired Kaylen Davidson of Sara Judith Events to orchestrate their dream celebration in just over one year. "She was instrumental in helping us figure out our vision for the day and expertly brought it to life!" affirms Kimberly of the planning process.
"Kimberly and Daniel wanted to find a venue that had a modern touch but kept the Southern California charm at the core, so Spanish Hills Club was the perfect choice!" Kaylen Davidson shares of their wedding location in Camarillo, California. They were married alfresco in front of a beautiful asymmetrical arch embellished with fresh florals and offering picturesque views of the landscape.
During the ceremony, it was important to the couple to take a quiet moment in order to acknowledge their loved ones who were no longer with them, a lovely way to honor late loved ones. Kimberly also surprised her husband-to-be by playing guitar and singing him one of their favorite songs. "Kaylen encouraged us to make the day uniquely our own, especially when trying to decide what wedding traditions we wanted to include in our day," explains Kimberly. "I'm so glad that we did exactly what we wanted to do because it made our day that much more personal and special!"
"Kimberly really loved the idea of soft hues that resembled romance and classic love," Kaylen Davidson of Sara Judith Events shares of the vision, "so we opted to use whites, off whites, and tons of blush pink throughout her florals, linens, and stationery items." Wanting to infuse as much of their personalities and relationship into the décor, the bride notes that a lot of their details had underlying humorous tones – including "an 'Open Bar(k)' sign featuring our dog Luna" sharing that the drinks were on her. "She's just a generous dog like that," smiles Kimberly.
With their guests' experience being top of mind, "finding the right entertainment was one of the decisions I was most nervous about," Kimberly shares. "Daniel and I love music, and I love dancing at weddings, so I really wanted to find someone special who could help our guests have the best time." They were thrilled with their DJ/MC, who also played live piano and saxophone during the events. "Tyler Varnell helped us tailor all of the song and music cues to exactly what we wanted. This made our whole day much more personal and memorable, and our family and friends are still talking about how amazing he was!" shares the bride.
Loved ones were also sent home with custom favors. "I loved their favor choice!" says event planner Kaylen Davidson of Sara Judith Events. "Kimberly likes to support small businesses on Etsy, so we had her favorite candle company, Emmy and Co., do a custom candle for her guests!"
Photos by The Big Affair; Planning & Design by Sara Judith Events; Bridal Gown: Lili Bridals; Floral Design by Tipsy Tulip Designs; Florals provided by Petal Driven; Linens by Party Mosaic; Stationery by More Than Words Fine Papers; Candle Favors by Emmy & Co.; Venue: Spanish Hills Club
Kimberly J Brown & Daniel Kountz's Honeymoon
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Brown & Daniel Kountz
When it came time for their honeymoon, "We really wanted a tropical, white sandy beach type of honeymoon to truly relax and enjoy the Caribbean," shares the bride. As it was their first time in the Caribbean, they decided to stay at Casa de Campo, which is situated on 7,000 acres in La Ramona on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic and offers an array of unique activities.
Complete with an expansive marina, tennis and polo facilities, a world-class shooting center, three championship golf courses –including Pete Dye’s signature Teeth of the Dog® course, the #1 ranked golf course in the Caribbean, gourmet dining options and lively bars, and the 16th-century replica Mediterranean village, Altos de Chavón, the vast property was just what they were looking for. "Truly one of the most beautiful places we've ever been to!" affirms the bride of their choice of destination. "We didn't want to leave!"
Daniel enjoyed playing golf, and Kimberly even learned to swing a golf club on the resort's beautiful driving range. "It's safe to say I don't have a future golfing career, but it's one of my favorite moments from the whole trip... Their golf courses are truly incredible!" The honeymooners also enjoyed driving around the resort in their own golf cart that they decorated, as well as horseback riding, and savoring the amenities of the all-inclusive package featuring casual and gourmet eateries along with nearly unlimited land and water activities.
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Brown & Daniel Kountz
Though the couple says every meal they had was delcious, one of their favorites was at the resort's Altos de Chavon, a historical landmark that has been used in filming films such as The Godfather: Part II and Road House. "The Chilango Taquería in Altos de Chavón has some of the best tacos I've ever had!" Kimberly affirms. Daniel was also in awe that the restaurant was situated on the famed Chavón River. "We felt like we were in a different place completely –like we got to travel back in time and go on an adventure," says Kimberly.
Their other epicurean highlight was the resort's restaurant and beach club on Minitas Beach. "We were outside overlooking the beach in a beautiful cabana watching the sunset as we tried new yummy foods like their yucca fries and paella –highly recommend both. It was the perect, dream honeymoon dinner!"
More than anything, the honeymooners loved that they go tt o enjoy so many different areas and activities, all while staying on property. "We got to hang out on a gorgeous white sandy beach, get massages in their Forbes-ranked spa, and explore their history and culture in Altos de Chavón –all in the same day!" muses the bride. "I honestly wouldn't do anything differently!"
Photo courtesy of Kimberly Brown & Daniel Kountz