While no disrespect to our friends and family, the idea of a celebrity stopping by your wedding is pretty amazing. But then imagine it’s the biggest celeb in the whole, wide world. Not much beats that. As this lucky couple got ready to say their “I do’s” at The Lodge at Torrey Pines, President Obama himself strolled out to finish up his golf game, and what commenced was nothing short of mind blowing. Thanks to The Youngrens, these cuties have photos to remember the moment, though I doubt they’ll be forgetting this anytime soon. See below, pic by pic, every second of this super special celebration.
[iframe http://player.vimeo.com/video/142162446 600 338]
From Erin of The Youngrens… Brian and Stephanie chose the gorgeous boutique hotel, The Lodge at Torrey Pines, here in San Diego for their wedding because all of their friends and family would get the chance to have the perfect San Diego getaway. This hotel overlooks the world famous Torrey Pines golf course, situated right on the water, and many celebrities and golfers have graced the greens here.
When Jeff and I were driving up to the wedding that morning, Jeff casually mentioned that the President was staying at Rancho Valencia, another resort in San Diego that we love to photograph, and we joked that Brian and Stephanie should have chosen THAT as their wedding venue instead. When we arrived at The Lodge, we quickly found out that the President was playing a round of golf just outside. I nodded and smiled thinking, ‘Keep it cool Youngren. Just keep shooting your wedding. This is as close as you’ll get to the leader of the free world.’
When the ceremony time came, the fabulous Kelly Aull of Mint Weddings learned that the President was finishing up his game soon at the 18th hole, which happens to fall right in front of the ceremony site – as in, right behind the altar.
Everyone in the crowd sat hushed in iPhone-ready silence as the golf carts came to a stop, and the Presidential party started getting out to play. Then President Obama raised his hand and greeted the crowd with a giant smile, breaking the silence. We all cheered. Jeff was with Brian and Stephanie, who were tucked away in their suite in the hotel with their families in preparation for the ceremony. They couldn’t go out on their balcony, so they pressed against the window, watching everything unfold below.
Meanwhile, I’m down at the ceremony site where President Obama set up his shot and we watched everyone play the hole and finish the game. He was casual and gracious, smiling the whole time as he addressed the crowd. President Obama then surprised everybody and came to shake everyone’s hands.
Immediately, I switched lenses and starting asking secret service agents as they shoved down the line, “Can we please get a photo with the couple??? Can we please get a photo with the couple???” Brian and Stephanie burst from the hotel, Stephanie sprinting in her navy blue Nina heels and Monique Lhullier gown, their friends and family bust into cheers at seeing them.
President Obama was kind and wonderful. When he shook Brian and Stephanie’s hands, he apologized for delaying the ceremony and then shared some advice with Brian (who is also from Chicago).
The rest of the day was joyful and beautiful. Nothing about this presidential drop-in negatively impacted the day. In fact, the mood became so fun, laid back, and celebratory, that it was one of the most joyful weddings we’ve ever been at – ever. We easily made up the timeline with the cocktail hour, we were able to get better sunset photos, and in the end, things didn’t run late at all. It was a life moment that none of us will ever forget.
Photography: The Youngrens | Videography: SJ Videography | Event Planning: Mint Weddings | Floral Design: Adorations Botanical Artistry | Wedding Dress: Monique Lhuillier | Cake: Michele Coulon Dessertier | Shoes: Nina | Make Up: Jh Artistry | DJ: Vario Weddings | Venue: The Lodge at Torrey Pines | Vendor: Moments To Remember