Aside from the beautiful Southern California venue or the flowers by Floral Occasions awash in blush pink is a day so romantic. A day perfectly described by the Bride below and a day captured by someone who knows how to let that romance shine right through the lens. That someone is Lane Dittoe and you can see even more form the day right here in the full gallery.
From the Bride…Brian and I met at a Halloween party in San Diego. It was a very large party with somewhere near 3,000 people in attendance. At 6’5″ he might have been close to the tallest Beetlejuice ever if you add in the hair, and I had to have a picture. We only had a moment to talk and I couldn’t even see his face through the makeup, but after a bit of perseverance on his part the following week we decided to do dinner. We still both describe that dinner as the greatest conversation of our lives, and there was no looking back. Rather by chance or destiny, the odds of us finding each other were tantamount to a needle in a haystack. That is a big reason why it’s increasingly challenging for me to choose the words that properly capture the most amazing and exciting day of my life. ‘Fairy tale’ just doesn’t seem worthy of describing the moment that was not only a celebration of our love and start of a life together, but also a sort of unveiling to all of our closest family and friends my vision which had taken shape through laughter, tears, fear and joy in the months leading up to our day. Simply put, it’s a moment that I will truly never forget, and for which I am extremely proud and thankful.
As an interior designer I’m usually able to envision what my clients’ spaces can become, and always love watching their reactions when it’s revealed to them for the first time. When my wedding vision became a reality, I felt both the pride of the designer and the sheer awe of someone seeing it for the first time. Simple yet fancy, old yet new, the charming beauty and ideal expression of my style brought me to tears immediately. And none of it would have been possible without the perfect team.
My husband and I found our venue by chance, but knew the minute we saw it that it was our spot. Located in the historic downtown just across the street from the Mission, the Villa San Juan Capistrano takes you back to a different time. While it’s quaint charm and time-worn details made it the perfect back drop to my romantic yet rustic vision. The phenomenal combination of indoor and outdoor space allowed our 100 guests to enjoy the entirety of our ceremony and state-of-the-art sound system fueled reception while providing ample nooks and crannies for my vintage pictures/artifacts, guestbook fingerprint tree, photo booth, various DIY items, candy bar, a couple strategically placed chandeliers and the amazing cake table. To top it off, I was able to work directly with the Villa’s partner restaurant/caterer to develop custom table linens and a tailored appetizer/dinner menu. Since I was able to get ready on-site, I had the luxury of enjoying this amazing venue for the entire day. Watching it unfold from the very first flower placed to our sparkler laced exit into a ’29 Durant limousine, I remember thinking that I couldn’t have asked for a better situation. Michelle and Eric were amazing to work with and I’m truly grateful.
If the venue was my chocolate covered sundae, then my flowers were the cherry on top. Stacey at Floral Occasions is an artist and a joy to work with. She seamlessly incorporated my ideas into her own beautiful style, and was able to enhance the venue and the overall theme without overpowering either. Her attention to detail was evident from the smallest nuances of the centerpieces to the complexity of the flower woven arch above the altar.
At the end of the day, as most brides will tell you, the only downside was that it all went too fast. After such a whirlwind of a day, I feared that my sore-from-smiling cheeks were all I would have to show for it. Luckily I have Lane Dittoe. Finding the right photographer was a priority for me. Though we interviewed several, I knew the minute that I saw his previous work online that he was our guy. From our engagement shoot through the last shot of our special day, Lane was there. He came early, stayed late, fended off my perfectionist’s neurosis, and captured photos that my husband says light up my face every time I see them. And I’m glad he says that, because that’s how I feel when I look at them. The day is over, but looking back at the amazing photos is like looking at the beginning of ‘us’, and it makes me excited about all that is to come.
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Photography: Lane Dittoe Fine Art Wedding Photographs | Floral Design: Floral Occasions | Wedding Planning: DIY, Bride | Cake + Dessert Table: Sweet and Saucy | DJ: Keith Divel | Cinematography: Russell John Films | Vintage Car: Haynes Chauffeuring | Photo Booth: Socre8tive | Hair: Dawn Cameron; Salon Vertigo La Jolla | Make up: Lindsay Bonini | Wedding Dress: Alvina Valenta | Bridesmaids dresses: Amsale