La Jolla Wedding from I Do Weddings & Events
There are around 9 million reasons that I love this glorious La Jolla wedding, but I'll start with the obvious: it's soooo pretty. The kind of pretty that is styled to perfection by Melissa Barrad of I Do Weddings & Events, captured in beautiful images by Tyler Branch Photo and held against the stunning backdrop that is the Martin Johnson House. It's one take-your-breath-away moment after another sprinkled with some of the most heartwarming details around. And that, my friends, is just the beginning of all of the fabulousness. See for yourself right here.
From the Bride... We were so blessed to have such a beautiful celebration with all of our loved ones' support. The day just felt like bliss as we prepared to walk down the aisle and commit our lives to one another. There truly were so many special moments that were created that day. Tai and I wanted to soak in every moment and really worked on focusing and being present to enjoy it all! The preparation and planning was all worth it, as in the end we had a stress free and just overall joyous day where we became one.
The planning of the event was a labor of love. My husband Tai was so amazing at researching and hiring vendors with me and he really did put so much time into the planning process. He saw the wedding day as "our wedding day" and really willingly provided more help than I could have ever asked for - I am so grateful to have a true teammate for life! Of course my Mom was an amazing rockstar, too as we brainstormed and crafted all the personal touches for the big day! And so many personal touches there were!
On the morning of the wedding day I remember waking up and feeling so calm and happy, as I knew when I placed my feet on the floor the day was going to take off and by that evening I would be married to the most amazing man in the world! As the morning moved on my bridesmaids made their way into my room and the groomsmen made their way into Tai's. We all enjoyed getting ready! As the guys played dice and shared stories, the ladies were being pampered in coordinating outfits! I had gifted my bridesmaids each a cover-up monogrammed with their initials for the getting ready process as well as bracelets made from silver spoons to wear for the wedding. Tai's groomsmen received cufflinks, and each cufflink gift was unique as Tai chose something that reminds him of that friend. The groomsmen also received hand-stamped shirt stays (made by Tai himself) as well as coordinating ties, of course!
There are so many happy memories from our day... With my Mom walking me down the aisle my gaze met Tai's and we both had tears falling from our eyes. I knew that the moment had begun - our wedding! It was so special to have my Mom walk me down the aisle and while we all missed my Dad, he was remembered with a picture and an engraving on a beautiful locket tied around my bouquet. I absolutely felt his presence and joy during our ceremony and happy occasion. Tai and I both gave tributes to our Moms during our wedding ceremony and it was such a special moment for both us, as well as our Moms (I sure do think it was a pleasant surprise for them!). We really wanted to recognize and acknowledge them for all the love they have given us through the years and for helping to shape us into the people we are today - perfect matches for one another! We also had our Grandparents bless our rings during the ceremony. They each said a prayer for us and gave us sound advice. Together they share over 100 years of marriage and wisdom - That is pretty incredible! Our officiant did such a beautiful job intertwining our vows and our story and really held everyone captivated and in the moment. We shared our love for each other as the birds sang, wind blew, sun shined and ocean soothed us into the occasion. Once we were pronounced Husband and Wife a flurry of joyous bells rang and rose petals were tossed as we walked back down the aisle with tears rolling down our faces and we happily began our life as one. As we spent time enjoying a private moment to ourselves our guests made themselves at home with cocktails in hand and appetizers being passed. Through the cocktail hour friends and family were prompted to share their advice on love, travels and help make us a 'bucket list!' all written in books in which we hand made and wrapped with coordinating graphic yellow and gray fabrics. The evening made its way into dusk and we had an incredible bright pink sunset as guests were seated to enjoy their dinner.
There were many smiles and much laughter all around as we celebrated on the cliff side amongst the torrey pine trees, ocean and stars. God truly created the most beautiful and perfect day for us - It was a dream start to our marriage and we look forward to enjoying life with all its pleasures and surprises together as husband and wife!
Photography: Tyler Branch Photo | Wedding Consultant + Reception Florals: Melissa Barrad of I Do Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Rae Florae | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Martin Johnson House | Officiant: Deborah Young | Ceremony + Reception Music: Choice Entertainment | Cinematography: Campbellicious | Caterer/Baker: The French Gourmet | Rehearsal Dinner: Table 926 | Make-Up: Tiffany Monday (Samantha Muleady) | Hair: Andrew Whitcomb | Getting Ready Suite: The Grande Colonial Hotel | Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca | Sash: Custom Design | Earrings: Nadri | Garter: Etsy (BridesBoutik) + Embelished with Grandmother + Great Grandmother's Necklaces | Shoes: Glint | Groom Suit: Banana Republic | Bridesmaids Dresses: Watters + WTOO, Falcon | Silver Cuffs: Bridal Party gift, handmade bracelets from silver spoons
The planning of the event was a labor of love. My husband Tai was so amazing at researching and hiring vendors with me and he really did put so much time into the planning process. He saw the wedding day as "our wedding day" and really willingly provided more help than I could have ever asked for - I am so grateful to have a true teammate for life! Of course my Mom was an amazing rockstar, too as we brainstormed and crafted all the personal touches for the big day! And so many personal touches there were!
On the morning of the wedding day I remember waking up and feeling so calm and happy, as I knew when I placed my feet on the floor the day was going to take off and by that evening I would be married to the most amazing man in the world! As the morning moved on my bridesmaids made their way into my room and the groomsmen made their way into Tai's. We all enjoyed getting ready! As the guys played dice and shared stories, the ladies were being pampered in coordinating outfits! I had gifted my bridesmaids each a cover-up monogrammed with their initials for the getting ready process as well as bracelets made from silver spoons to wear for the wedding. Tai's groomsmen received cufflinks, and each cufflink gift was unique as Tai chose something that reminds him of that friend. The groomsmen also received hand-stamped shirt stays (made by Tai himself) as well as coordinating ties, of course!
There are so many happy memories from our day... With my Mom walking me down the aisle my gaze met Tai's and we both had tears falling from our eyes. I knew that the moment had begun - our wedding! It was so special to have my Mom walk me down the aisle and while we all missed my Dad, he was remembered with a picture and an engraving on a beautiful locket tied around my bouquet. I absolutely felt his presence and joy during our ceremony and happy occasion. Tai and I both gave tributes to our Moms during our wedding ceremony and it was such a special moment for both us, as well as our Moms (I sure do think it was a pleasant surprise for them!). We really wanted to recognize and acknowledge them for all the love they have given us through the years and for helping to shape us into the people we are today - perfect matches for one another! We also had our Grandparents bless our rings during the ceremony. They each said a prayer for us and gave us sound advice. Together they share over 100 years of marriage and wisdom - That is pretty incredible! Our officiant did such a beautiful job intertwining our vows and our story and really held everyone captivated and in the moment. We shared our love for each other as the birds sang, wind blew, sun shined and ocean soothed us into the occasion. Once we were pronounced Husband and Wife a flurry of joyous bells rang and rose petals were tossed as we walked back down the aisle with tears rolling down our faces and we happily began our life as one. As we spent time enjoying a private moment to ourselves our guests made themselves at home with cocktails in hand and appetizers being passed. Through the cocktail hour friends and family were prompted to share their advice on love, travels and help make us a 'bucket list!' all written in books in which we hand made and wrapped with coordinating graphic yellow and gray fabrics. The evening made its way into dusk and we had an incredible bright pink sunset as guests were seated to enjoy their dinner.
There were many smiles and much laughter all around as we celebrated on the cliff side amongst the torrey pine trees, ocean and stars. God truly created the most beautiful and perfect day for us - It was a dream start to our marriage and we look forward to enjoying life with all its pleasures and surprises together as husband and wife!
Photography: Tyler Branch Photo | Wedding Consultant + Reception Florals: Melissa Barrad of I Do Weddings & Events | Floral Design: Rae Florae | Ceremony + Reception Venue: Martin Johnson House | Officiant: Deborah Young | Ceremony + Reception Music: Choice Entertainment | Cinematography: Campbellicious | Caterer/Baker: The French Gourmet | Rehearsal Dinner: Table 926 | Make-Up: Tiffany Monday (Samantha Muleady) | Hair: Andrew Whitcomb | Getting Ready Suite: The Grande Colonial Hotel | Wedding Dress: Paloma Blanca | Sash: Custom Design | Earrings: Nadri | Garter: Etsy (BridesBoutik) + Embelished with Grandmother + Great Grandmother's Necklaces | Shoes: Glint | Groom Suit: Banana Republic | Bridesmaids Dresses: Watters + WTOO, Falcon | Silver Cuffs: Bridal Party gift, handmade bracelets from silver spoons