The dreamiest couple, Katie and Brian, tied the knot at the iconic La Jolla pink hotel-La Valencia!
Their story began in Arlington, Virginia, where they both lived in the same apartment complex. Katie started noticing Brian at the gym, always wearing his Sigma Chi cutoffs. A couple of weeks later, Katie decided to wear her own Sigma Chi shirt, and Brian inevitably "took the bait" as she describes it, and struck up a conversation. They clicked immediately, and not long after that interaction, they headed to their favorite local sushi restaurant for their first official date! Many more dates followed that one, and soon they became inseparable.
After several years, Katie and Brian decided to make the move to Southern California, which began their West Coast adventures. They fell in love with San Diego, where they ultimately got engaged!
When it came to wedding day priorities, they knew that floral and tabletop settings were the most important to them! Katie has always had a deep love for fresh floral, as she grew up with her father always having the most magnificent gardens, that she would admire and pick her own bouquets from. For her wedding floral, she wanted it to feel organic, classic, and beautiful. The couple also wanted tons of candlelight to create a romantic ambiance for their guests. They couldn't wait to share their love with their loved ones in the most gorgeous setting!
Getting Ready: La Valencia Bridal Suite
Both Katie and Brian spent their wedding morning with their closest friends surrounding them, and getting ready together. Katie decided to do a first look with her bridesmaids, who made her feel alllllll the love! Brian's friends helped him look all spiffy for his upcoming first look with his soon to be wife!
First Look: Outside the Veranda Ballroom
Brian's face says it all! You can feel the love radiating from these two lovebirds, and they just could not wait to officially say "I Do!"
Ceremony: The Jardin at La Valencia
The wedding ceremony took place in The Jardin, which offers stunning views of the ocean. Breesa at Blooms Design House created an organic floral arch, that contrasted beautifully with the ocean background. Katie was beaming as soon as she saw Brian down the aisle, as she walked down with her father. Their ceremony was lovely, and the two were ecstatic about officially become husband and wife!
Cocktail Hour: The MED Patio at La Valencia Hotel
While Katie and Brian were taking family photos, guests were invited to the MED Patio to enjoy cocktail hour. They were greeted with yummy appetizers, and a station where they could sign their wine bottle guest book. Since Katie's favorite thing was floral, we decided to do a bud vase seating chart! Each guest was able to take a bud vase with their name and table assignment attached. It turned out gorgeous, and guests loved it, as it doubled as a favor they could take home!
Beach Photos: La Jolla Shore
Who doesn't love romantics on the beach?! Katie and Brian walked right across the street to have some alone time as newlyweds and have these sweet moments captured on the shores of La Jolla. They were later joined by their best friends for some fun bridal party photos!
Reception: The Veranda Ballroom
Now this is where the real party happened! Katie and Brian knew that they wanted to have a large head table with their bridal party instead of a sweetheart table, since they wanted to share all the special moments with them. The two went straight into their first dance after their grand entrance, and it was extra special since they had it choreographed! The rest of the evening was spent listening to heartfelt toasts, eating their favorite dessert from Cravory, laughing and dancing with their guests, and soaking in all the love they felt from everyone and each other on this very special day!
Vendors:
Venue: La Valencia Hotel
Planning: Always Flawless Productions
Photography: Christine Skari Photography
Floral: Blooms Design House
Entertainment: Kicks Band
Cake: Cute Cakes
Dessert: The Cravory
Hair and Makeup: Bridal Artist Agency
Rentals: More Rentals
Officiant: 2Wed4Life
Stationary: Minted