Before I Do Events is bringing us the loveliest of lovely weddings this morning and we have been chomping at the bit to share it with you since the beautiful images captured by Josh Elliott Photography hit our inboxes. It’s a wedding that has the girly girl in all of us squealing with delight, because between the blush hues and gorgeous blooms you just can’t help but let an eeek! or two. All the lovely details are waiting for your viewing pleasure right here, so be sure to twirl on over – your inner girly girl will thank you.
From the Bride… I began my journey down the aisle with one word: “lovely.” I felt it captured how I wanted to feel, how I wanted to look, and what I wanted from my wedding ambiance. My husband and I have our entire families in two very different places — his in Peru, and mine in Washington DC. We had the challenge of not only bringing our two families together, but also two cultures, two sets of traditions and, not to mention, two languages! From a simple Google search, after months of thought and contemplation, I stumbled upon the most perfect venue to capture our special day. It was a Spanish colonial estate that had an upscale look with charm and warmth. Just one problem — it was across the country. In La Jolla, California, to be exact. In the months to follow the engagement, and even after the wedding, I was frequently asked why I chose California for my wedding. My first response was usually, “Do I even need a reason to go to California? It’s California!” But there were several reasons why this location was so perfect. First, it was the only place I could find, anywhere, that had an intimate yet grand setting with an indoor-outdoor experience and Spanish architecture (which I adore). Secondly, it the perfect crossroads for our two families geographically, and it makes a perfect setting for everyone to slow down enough from their busy lives to spend time getting to know one another. Lastly, Raul and I desperately want to get to California as our final destination, if you will. This might sound a bit strange, but we have been all over the country and have never found a spot like San Diego that we felt was “home.” I’m sure it’s easy falling in love with 90% sunny days, warm weather, friendly people and a laid-back culture, but we really mean it!
I started working with my amazing wedding planner Michele, who I attribute all the glory because my day would not have been so amazing without her. She became like a big sister throughout this past year while taking my vision, making it classier and executing it flawlessly. My theme was an upscale, coastal, Californian wedding with a nod to Peru. She coined the fun phrase a “Coastal Peruvian Bash!” And what a day it was. This day was important to me for so many reasons. Not only was I marrying my best friend, but I was also giving tribute to my dad, George IV, who died from pancreatic cancer a little over a year before the wedding. For every son or daughter who has lost a parent or loved one, these occasions are very delicate. It’s a celebration in and of itself, but it’s also a reminder of who is missing. So Michele had the additional task of incorporating a tribute to him in a way that wasn’t a cliché — something memorable but not painful. Of all the details that we put our hearts and souls into for this wedding, the dessert table “takes the cake.” There were black and white photos of my dad blowing out his candles on his iconic strawberry shortcake, hanging above a glowing table of candles, strawberries, and you guessed it — strawberry shortcakes. Which happens to be my favorite cake as well.
When I look at my photos from my wedding, I can’t help but remember the word I started with – “lovely.” Every inch of detail, every bit of energy spent on making each choice the perfect one, every sleepless night envisioning the details of day was all worth it. It was my dream wedding. And it meant so much more than each detail. It was about our family — past, present, and future. I am so grateful for the people who made this day come together the way it did. It took two different families to bring Raul and me together and a team of first class professionals to make sure everyone thoroughly enjoyed it. Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to everyone who made this day possible!
Wedding Photography: Josh Elliott Photography / Wedding Venue: Darlington House in La Jolla, California / Floral Design: Flowers Annette Gomez / Wedding Coordination: Before I Do Events / Catering: Coast Catering by Barry Layne / Bar: Best Beverage Catering / Desserts: Sweet Cheeks Baking Company / Printing: Worboys Design / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / DJ: Still Listening Productions / Wedding Dress: Alvina Valenta / Bride’s Shoes: Chinese Laundry