Destination Catamaran Resort Wedding in San Diego, Ca | Emily and Ryan
Emily and Ryan’s first date was at a swanky bar in Manhattan, where they met for after-work drinks. The two immediately hit it off, and in a blink, their first date had become a years’-long relationship. One evening, as the pair watched the sunset from their Brooklyn terrace, Ryan popped the question! And this East Coast couple began planning a dream West Coast destination wedding! Their intimate, beachside celebration in San Diego, CA, at the Catamaran Resort, was a fairytale ending to the first chapter in their story and an exciting beginning to the next. And I was beyond thrilled that I was there to document it all!
The day began slowly and in total relaxation because they wisely chose to book all-day photography coverage! This new approach to wedding photography—one I absolutely love to offer—gives couples the time to enjoy every moment of the day without worrying moments will be missing from their gallery! As Emily and Ryan got ready for their big day, I took my time capturing all the little details. I used flowers from the florist, Terra Cotta Studio, including the stunning proteas that Emily had picked out, and styling boards from their wedding planner to enhance the photos. Every detail was documented to perfection, from the dust rose ring box to the personalized vow books!
Then, we headed out for the first look. Under the brilliant California sun, Emily and Ryan saw each other in their wedding finery for the first time! After sharing a kiss, we invited the wedding party to join in the fun! We snapped some photos, toasted a few drinks, and then were off to the ceremony.
Their intimate ceremony was held on a lawn next to the beach, with Crown Town Music playing the guitar. Emily’s two maids of honor walked down the aisle wearing dusty rose gowns, and the flower girls each held a magnificent protea flower. Before the wedding, Ryan said he was most excited to see Emily walk down the aisle, and from the look of wonder on his face, it was everything he’d dreamed. Emily mentioned that she was most excited about Ryan’s vows because he “is not usually a man of many words, so this is very outside of his comfort zone. I think that will make whatever he writes even more meaningful.” And she was right! The bridesmaids brushed away tears, and as the sun began to set, Emily and Ryan had their first kiss as man and wife. In unique fashion, they had their first dance right after the ceremony!
The beautiful grounds of the Catamaran were perfect for the beachy photos they chose to travel cross-country for! From the palm-tree-lined paths to the brilliant sunlight glittering through Emily’s gown, their bridal portraits totally captured that “destination wedding” vibe.
Speaking of destination wedding vibes, the reception was precisely that: a simple family dinner held under the stars. The guests sat together at the same table and enjoyed a delicious meal. There were multiple flavors of cake and macaroons by Flour Power for dessert. The atmosphere was relaxed and overflowing with joy. I really enjoyed this small, intimate reception!
The next morning, Emily and Ryan woke up early to enjoy the sunrise together. They’re both early risers, from years of training for marathons together! So, they didn’t mind getting up extra early to put on their wedding finery and enjoy a quiet moment on the dock. These were some of the most beautiful photos from the whole experience! The two of them watched the orange sky awaken on their first day as husband and wife. They even headed into the water together at the end! Talk about the perfect way to end a destination wedding!
Venue : Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa in San Diego, Ca
Coordination : Valentina with V Party & Event
MUAH : Vow Studio 101
Floral Design : Terra Cotta Studio
Bridal Gown : Grace + Ivory
Groom Attire : Indochino
Styling Mat : The Flat Lays Styler
Styling Dish : Marbella Dish
Musician : Matthew Heinecke with Crown Town Music
Bakery : Flour Power
Emily and Ryan’s San Diego wedding showed how an intimate celebration could be a truly beautiful choice for your wedding day! If you’re planning an intimate wedding in San Diego or beyond California, let me know, and we can start planning your wedding photography vision! Check out some California weddings below!
xx,
Jennifer Lourie
