La Jolla, I love you. This beautiful seaside town on the west coast was truly made for weddings. Weddings that I will never tire of and this one is has completely captivated me this afternoon. It might be the breathtaking florals from Isari Flower Studio, the lovely invites from Julie Song Ink or the charming grounds of Estancia. Either way, Studio Castillero will have me coming back to this gallery all weekend long.

From the Bride… Jonathan and I are exact opposites, and not many people understand our relationship. Yet, we are best friends and planning our wedding was an unforgettable experience. Our engagement and wedding was a bit of a traveling adventure. Jonathan proposed to me in Charleston, South Carolina and while we always thought we would be married in Atlanta, we decided to move our wedding across country to San Diego, California. Jonathan grew up in La Jolla and his father still resides there. It was a perfect opportunity to have a lovely Californian wedding. We chose the beautiful Estancia in La Jolla as our venue, and our wedding planning journey began from there.

I wanted a simplistic, romantic vintage garden wedding. I came across Style Me Pretty and found all my vendors there. This wedding would not have been what it was without Style Me Pretty. I wanted to put together the best vendor team that I could, since planning a wedding from across the country was going to prove to be difficult.

Tam with her team at Isari Flower Studio and Event Design provided so much of the inspiration for my wedding and brought my ideas to life. She was the first vendor I met with and she completely understood my concept. Since my concept was so clean and simple, the flowers were going to be the focal point of this wedding. Her studio is a beautiful, inspirational workspace that one must see to believe.

Our photographers, Rachel and Rico with Studio Castillero are fantastic, so understandably Jonathan and I fell in love with their work and they captured every wonderful moment of our wedding.

My wedding coordinator, Mandilee from Swann Soirees was an absolute necessity in planning our wedding. Her constant communication and guidance carried us through the wedding planning process. Brenna Meyers from Estancia and Mandilee teamed up and made me feel like I was in the best of hands. Having them there made me feel a sense of calm. The marvelous 10.11 make-up team provided the beautifying session that my bridesmaids and I will never forget!

Julie Song Ink, provided all of our beautiful paper creations. The amazing Third Coast Jazz Band serenaded our guests throughout dinner. Jonathan and I love the sound of live music, so we wanted to share this with our guests. The delectable cake and cupcakes were by Sweet Cheeks Bakery. Need I say more? It was beyond scrumptious!

Jonathan and I wanted our wedding to be an intimate celebration of just our closest family and friends. We had 40 of our loved ones there and it was truly wonderful. I wanted our reception to feel like an intimate dinner, and everyone could feel the support and love in that beautiful garden under the market lights. We did not want the night to end. Jonathan and I still talk about our wedding and I believe we will for many years to come. Thank you to our wonderful vendor team for helping to make our beautiful day come to life and for the lifetime of memories!

Wedding Photography: Studio Castillero | Wedding Venue: Estancia, La Jolla, California | Floral + Event Design: Isari Flower Studio | Wedding Coordination: Mandilee of Swann Soirees | Wedding Cake: Sweet Cheeks Baking |Invitations + Paper Goods: Julie Song Ink | Band:  Third Coast Jazz Band

For more information on how Little Black Book Members are chosen click here.

Looking for the perfect way to kick off your weekend?  Well, you’ve found it.  A Scripps Seaside Forum wedding with a decidedly modern feel and enough personal details to leave a smile on your face that will last until Monday… I promise you.  It’s the sweet stylings of I Do…Weddings & Events paired with a breathtaking San Diego backdrop and a stunning bride and groom who seriously couldn’t be happier. And the gallery of gorgeous captured by Susannah Gill?  Beyond perfection.  Join me there for more.

From I Do…Weddings & Events… Rachel and Mike were married on September 9, 2012, and were inspired by a neutral palette of green, tan and white. The Scripps Forum located on the University of California at San Diego’s campus directly on the beach, is where the ceremony and reception were held. It was the perfect place for their friends and family to gather, as the couple, as well as most of their guests were visiting from the East Coast. Rachel and Mike really wanted a balance of formal and casual, and wanted a fun and festive atmosphere that was both rustic and organic. They also wanted to rely on the natural beauty of the space—as they loved the modern feel of the building, succulents and wood used throughout their décor and touches of galvanized metal. The view of the ocean was breathtaking.

During the planning process, Rachel and Mike made the move to La Jolla. We felt very lucky to have them here as we made final preparations, and saw all of their personal touches come together. They collected mementos from childhood and their courtship, and made an incredible display. Images were strung on twine, and swagged from two ladders. The family of the bride also has an incredible garden. From it, they gathered herbs and berries to create some amazing jams for guests to take home. Guests oohed and aahed over flavors like Lemony Peach and Blackberry Lemon Basil. The Bride and Groom were beaming in every single photo. It was a truly incredible celebration!

Wedding Photography: Susannah Gill | Wedding Venue: Scripps Seaside Forum in San Diego, California | Wedding Coordination: Lindsay Cross from I Do…Weddings & Events | Officiant: Judge Jerry Jessop | Floral Design: Melissa Barrad from I Do…Weddings & Events | Catering: Coat Catering | Wedding Cake: Sweet Cheeks Baking Company | Beverage Service: Giuseppe Catering | Ceremony Music: Bill Hartwell, friend | DJ: Tim Altbaum Productions | Rentals: Concepts Event Design

For more information on how Little Black Book Members are chosen click here.

DIY weddings hold a very, very special place in my heart.  Maybe it’s because I am decidedly non-crafty and I find myself in a constant state of awe at what all of you DIYers can accomplish… or maybe it’s that each and every detail created is done so with sooo much love and attention.  My guess?  It’s a sweet combination of both that has me so obsessed.  And when it comes to this darling Fallbrook affair, it’s all of the above, plus a stunning location and an entire gallery of pretty captured by Lovely Leaf Studio that tickles my fancy.  See it all right here.

From Lovely Leaf Studio… Lorraine and Peter wanted to create a fabulous celebration for their friends and family at their family’s Boutique Vineyard in Fallbrook California.  They wanted their special day to feel warm and full of love so the theme of their big day was shabby chic with rustic touches. Every element of the wedding was created by the family. Lorraine’s mom provided all the decor for the big day which included custom table decor, ceremony arch, and every floral element. The theme to the reception was farm to table, seasonal fresh food prepared on site by chefs. With vintage rentals and twinkly lights, the look Lorraine and Peter wanted was complete.

Wedding Photography: Lovely Leaf Studio | Wedding Venue: Family Vineyard in Fallbrook, California | Floral Design + Decor: Mother of the Bride | Catering: Jon Tebault + Ryan Griffin | Tables + Chairs: Archive Rentals | Wedding Stationery: Forget-Me-Knot Paperie | Wedding Dress: Lazaro via Mon Amie Bridal Salon | Wedding Rings: Family Heirlooms | Bride’s Shoes: Rag & Bone via Barneys New York

For more information on how Little Black Book Members are chosen click here.