La Jolla Wedding Celebration at the Scripps Seaside Forum in San Diego, California
East Coasters know how to party.
You haven’t seen a wedding celebration like this one. Mark my words. Not only do Bernadette and John have an incredible amount of love for each other, but they have a huge, loving support system as well. Family and friends from all over the country gathered in San Diego to watch this beautiful couple finally tie the knot. Many of their guests traveled from the east coast and boy oh boy, do those folks know how to party.
The weekend started off with a bang at Bernadette and John’s rehearsal dinner at the La Jolla Shores Hotel. Friends and family gathered in the courtyard for beer, cocktails, and an upscale taco night. I highly recommend hiring your photographer for both the wedding day and pre-wedding events. Not only are their special moments to be captured, but it was also a fantastic opportunity to introduce your photographer to your wedding guests before the big day.
The next morning, I returned to the hotel to meet my second shooter and photograph all those pre-wedding jitters and preparation details. I use the word “jitters” lightly because both Bernadette and John seemed as cool as cucumbers. I don’t think there was a doubt in their mind that they had found their person. Larissa, my second shooter, stayed with the groom and best man while I stayed with the bride and her ladies. Make up was done, hair was sprayed, snacks were eaten, and laughs were had. Everything was perfect - Bernadette was one of the most beautiful brides in existence.
Before we knew it, it was time for the first look. Larissa and I coordinated in the hotel courtyard where the rehearsal dinner took place the night before. The key to finding the perfect first look spot is obviously beautiful surroundings as well as open shade lighting to eliminate funky shadows and bring a nice glow to the skin. John was in place and ready to see his bride but there were still some final touches that needed to be made! “Hurry up Bern!” was heard from down below. Don’t worry John, it’ll be worth the wait.
The dress was on and shoes were strapped. Bernadette, the mother of the bride, the maid of honor, the videographer, and me headed down the hall to the elevator to meet John. We triple checked that the groom’s eyes were closed and gave Bernadette the go-ahead. Tap tap on the shoulder and John turned around. This man’s face LIT UP when he saw the love of his life. It was truly a magical moment that was also shared with immediate family members. We took some family portraits and then left for the venue!
The ceremony was at the Scripps Seaside Forum in La Jolla, located conveniently down the street from the hotel. Imagine stellar ocean views and exquisite architecture. Not too shabby. Guests began to take their seats as the bride and groom had one final glass of champagne before walking down the aisle. First entered the officiant, then the maid of honor and best man. The groom followed with his mother on his arm. With a kiss on the cheek, they parted and John patiently waited for his bride to join him. Finally, everyone stood and watched Bernadette walk down the aisle with her father.
Tears were shed, both from joy and from missing those who could not attend. As the sun began to set, vows and rings were exchanged. Soon, the knot was officially tied and it was time to kiss the bride! Back down the aisle they went where they were greeted with celebratory hugs. While we were off taking bride and groom portraits, loved ones chatted, enjoyed the appetizers, and got in line at the bar. Bernadette and John had alerted me months in advance that many of their guests were from the East Coast and may be tough to wrangle. Well, I certainly love a challenge. I didn’t know my voice could get so loud! I got the job done and hope I made the bride and groom proud.
It was time to TURN UP. Guests found their tables and the DJ made the grand entrance announcement. The room erupted in applause as Bernadette and John bursted through the sliding doors and began running around giving everyone high-fives. It was hard to tell who was the most excited to be there. The newlyweds went right into their first dance and looking around the room, ear-to-ear smiles were plastered across everyone’s faces. One of my personal favorite moments was when Bernadette spun John like a pretty ballerina. So good. The real tear jerker of every wedding, at least for me, is the mother-son and father-daughter dances and this time was no exception. It is always difficult for me to see through the viewfinder during these dances because of my leaking eyeballs!
Now I thought the vows were good, but the toasts were even better. Each speech was so touching and funny and revealing. We all knew more about this couple going out than we did going in. The best man and maid of honor always shed light on what the bride and groom were like as single people compared to when they finally met their forever and it is fascinating. John was the eternal bachelor, but in comes Bernadette and the rest was history. Speeches like these are also why you should absolutely budget for a videographer! Those words deserve to be replayed over and over and over again.
The wedding weekend wrapped up with cocktails and a massive dance party. Everyone tore up the dance floor, but one gentleman in particular had THE moves. He leaped and twirled and got the energy up to almost dangerous levels. I would guess that his talents are not being best utilized at his day job at JP Morgan. Just sayin’. Here are some highlights:
Mr. JP Morgan was carried as a backpack on another man’s back.
One of Bernadette’s best girl friends swapped shoes with another man.
The numerous dance tunnels.
Two amazingly awesome girls did the worm in unison.
A young Woody Harrison loosened his tie, added some sunglasses, and whipped out his vape.
Good vibes all around I tell ya. We concluded the evening with one final photo with EVERYONE in it (the final image in the gallery below). I highly recommend doing this at your own wedding - all I need is a stool.
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