For this Bride and Groom, finding a venue that was familiar and meaningful to them was a top priority. They found it in the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, where both the Bride’s aunt and grandmother were married. Incorporating shabby-chic beachy elements, I Do Weddings executed Brett and Jake’s elegant beach theme to perfection. See all the pretty from heidi-o-photo in The Vault!
From heidi-o-photo…Brett & Jake live in San Francisco, Jake is a software engineer, and Brett works in alternative health care and is a yoga instructor.
Brett’s grandma lives in San Diego and has been a member of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club for years and generously suggested that Brett & Jake marry there. They had a lovely, but HOT, beach ceremony officiated by one of their closest friends. To cool off, straight from saying their vows, they walked out into the ocean and hung out knee-deep in the waves.
For the reception, the decor was natural- with driftwood, and stones. Each table had a theme of an earthly element.
From The Bride… Jake and I met at a party in San Francisco, where I actually didn’t know anyone. My girlfriend who invited me ended up not coming at the last minute, so I didn’t know a single person there. I remember I enjoyed chatting with Jake, and we saw each other a few times in the following weeks. It wasn’t until a full year later that we reconnected and went to lunch near our offices and started dating for real.
Jake proposed at Alamere Falls near Bolinas, CA. We love to hike and this particular trail was special to us as we went on a great backpacking trip there at the beginning of our relationship. That being said, I was completely surprised when he got down on one knee at the beach at pulled out a ring. We had plans to go to his friend’s birthday later that night. I was a sweaty mess. I just didn’t see it coming at all. He did so many sneaky things to make sure I was totally surprised (including sneaking our tripod and nice camera into his backpack so we could take photos right after). Of course, I was thrilled.
Both my aunt and grandmother were married at the La Jolla Beach Club. I have memories of spending time there for as long as I can remember. For me, it was important to get married someplace that felt familiar, and I love the timeless feel of the club. I thought the view of cliffs on the distance would make for beautiful wedding photos. I also hoped that getting married on a beach would keep everything casual (which it did, especially when it turned out to be unexpectedly 98 degrees in October and everyone got in the ocean the moment we finished our vows).
We wanted an elegant beach theme with shabby-chic elements including burlap, lace, mason jars, beachy décor and shells. The florals for my bouquet were eucalyptus, succulents, babies breath, and pale apricot roses. For our ceremony we had a three-post bamboo arch draped with fabric, driftwood and greenery, hydrangeas, china mums and babies breath.
I’m really into yoga and teach online, so we had one of my favorite yoga teacher’s conduct our ceremony. We tried to weave our interests into the décor and had tables named after the chakras (energy centers in yoga) and mountains (Jake’s hiking-obsessed). I also spent a large portion of my wedding morning meditating and getting centered. I think this is something more brides should consider incorporating into their wedding week to stay Zen! (I have a free meditation resource for brides here).
G-Sharp Entertainment did both our ceremony and reception music and we absolutely fell in love with Greg. No one ever stopped dancing at our wedding! He saved the day multiple times (like when the venue’s mike for our vows suddenly broke) and he threw an unforgettable party for all our family and friends. I also loved my floral bouquet by I Do Weddings. And of course Heidi, who did such an amazing job with our photos.
We love all the candid shots of us with all of our friends in the water. Everyone bee-lined to the ocean the moment we finished our vows due to the crazy heat. These pictures are so fun, sporadic and joy-filled. I never thought I’d be wading in the water in my gown on my October wedding day. It’s crazy how much you plan for your wedding day, and then the day still has the opportunity to surprise you.
Photography: heidi-o-photo | Cake: Sweet Cheeks Baking Company | Hair + Makeup: Three Ways Beautiful | DJ: G Sharp Entertainment | Venue: La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club | Floral Design + Coordination: I Do Weddings & Events