Updated: May 21, 2021
Today I'm excited to be sharing all the tropical details from Kristen and Andy's Catamaran Hotel wedding in San Diego, CA. During our initial consultation, Kristen not only told me ALL about her dream wedding (which I was soooo on board with), but also about the challenges she was facing in her personal life. Her health had recently taken a turn for the worse and she was suddenly in extreme pain and not able to walk; quite an unexpected change for a bubbly former cheerleader in her twenties! What amazed me most during our call (and through the entire planning process) was her upbeat personality and positive attitude. Never once did I hear her complain, and her attitude definitely made me re-evaluate my own mentality on life. After hanging up the phone from our initial consultation, I remember seriously hoping that they would book because I could not wait to work with her and bring her vision to life!
Through the entire planning process, Kristen and Andy were seriously a dream to work with. They knew what they wanted, but were also open to ideas through the process, which made the design process a blast! They 100% trusted in me and the process, and that made for such a smooth planning process.
When it came to the aesthetics, Kristen definitely had a visions of a bright, bold and tropical wedding. After getting to know Kristen, this did not surprise me one bit and was the perfect choice for her and Andy. When in came to the color scheme, we stuck with bright pinks, oranges and yellows and accented with waxy greens and pops of gold.
On the wedding day, Kristen looked absolutely stunning in her elegant ballgown. What made this dress even more impressive, was that it transformed into a slimmer silhouette for the reception. If you ask me, there isn't much better than having 2 dresses in one! After Kristen was dressed, she opted to do a first look with her bridesmaids. This was such a special moment and the looks on their faces were priceless!
Ceremony:
The ceremony was a very special time of day for Kristen and Andy. Not only was this going to be the first time they saw each other on the wedding day, but Kristen was actually able to walk down the aisle. In order to prepare for this day, she did a LOT of physical therapy and her being able to walk down the aisle was a huge accomplishment.
Cocktail Hour
After the ceremony ended, guests were able to relax enjoy the gorgeous ocean scenery during cocktail hour. And, of course, they were greeted with delicious appetizers, cocktails and infused water. The best part? The infused water station also doubled at their place card display. Kristen and Andy opted for a tropical backdrop and individual dried coconuts cups for each of their guests. This was such a fun and interactive station that also proved to be a stunning focal point of the day!
While guests were enjoying their drinks, Kristen and Andy snuck away for some some gorgeous photos.
Reception:
Once cocktail hour was over, guests were escorted inside the Catamaran Resort for an elegant 5 course plated wedding dinner. As guests entered the ballroom, they were welcomed by a tropical oasis filled with bright floral, candles and modern neon signs. As guests sat down for dinner, they were surprised by an adorable slideshow that Andy put together; a slideshow that documented their relationship and Kristen's recovery up to the wedding day. I honestly don't think there were many dry eyes in the house after that show.
Once dinner ended, the night concluded with a fun 'shoe game,' a cake cutting and dancing the night away to the live band!
Venue: The Catamaran Resort and Spa
Planning: Always Flawless Productions
Photographer: Cavin Elizabeth Photography
Florist: AHR Floral
Stationery: By Invitation Only
Neon Sign & Table Numbers: Shop Narwall
Cake: Jenny Wenny Cakes
Music: The Lucky Devils
Beauty: XO Beauty
Menswear: Men's Wearhouse
Band: Lucky Devils Band
Need some extra guidance along the way? We've got you covered with our Ultimate Wedding Planning Guide! Be sure to grab your copy below.