YMCA Love at the Beach!

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The Couple

Analicia & Neeko’s wedding was a beautiful celebration filled with personal touches. The couple chose to tie the knot at Camp Surf in the beautiful town of Imperial Beach, California. The camp was dressed up in prettiness making it an incredible location for this amazing day. The venue was special to the couple because the mother of the bride worked at the camp for 20 years, the bride worked as a counselor and the bride’s parents live just across the street. 

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The Morning

The wedding day began at Pier South Resort for the ladies while the gentlemen prepared at the home of the bride’s parents.

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The bride and her father were able to share a precious first look together prior to the couple’s first look at the family’s home! Then everyone enjoyed some family time before the festivities.

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The Ceremony

Analicia arrived in style! She and her father entered the ceremony from a large vintage limo that kicked off the start of an amazing celebration.

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The processional included family, friends, and the couple’s Officiant, Lauren, who has been Analicia’s best friend since kindergarten. The ceremony was intimate with the couple reading their own handwritten vows. The ceremony was stunning with the sun peeking through the clouds over the large lawn where the couple said their “I do’s”. 

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Cocktail Hour

After the ceremony, guests were ushered to the charming patio area adorned with romantic market lighting and a stunning view of the Pacific ocean. The belly bar tables were dressed with candles which complimented the patios romantic feel. The bar was curated from two wine barrels and a wooden door tabletop. A wheelbarrow filled with ice kept the drinks cold as guests poured their beverages into the cutest mason jars.  The cocktail hour included a great appetizer spread which included egg rolls that the guests loved! An outdoor fireplace helped to keep guests warm on the chilly, winter day. 

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The Design

Dinner was held inside the camp dining hall that was completely transformed for the wedding! It was styled with market lighting above as well as an array of floral and candles dressing the tables below.

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The sweetheart table was adorned with a beautiful draped arch backdrop and lanterns arranged on the ground in front of the table.  A vintage rug was underneath the table and brought together the decorative floral, lanterns, and signage. 

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The guest tables were covered with greenery, bright floral in beautiful gold lanterns, and fresh fruit including persimmons and grapefruits.

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The guestbook table was accented with a lovely vintage typewriter as well as signage created by one of the bridesmaids, Erika.  The seating chart was a door on which table assignments were hung among pictures of the couple – including pictures of them as children which were fun for guests to view. 

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The Dinner

Before guests left the patio were treated to an absolutely breathtaking sunset and the grand entrance kicked off the night to a fun start! The bridal party entered, creating a tunnel for the newlyweds to go through. Then, the couple snuck away as the bridal party rounded up all the guests to create a giant circle on the dance floor before the couple returned to do their first dance in the middle of all their friends and family.  It was perfectly choreographed!

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After the first dance, guests enjoyed a full salad bar as well as, a hosted bar which included the signature drink “Something Blue,” a margarita with blue curaçao. During dinner, the couple greeted their tables while a slideshow played of childhood photos, couple photos and also, as a surprise –  photos of all of the guests! As dinner was wrapping up, the bride’s father and brother played their guitars as her father serenaded the couple. This was such a heartfelt and touching moment that had guests in tears. Following the performance, toasts were given by the Maid of Honor, Bridesmaid and Father Of The Bride. Toasts were concluded with a thank you from the groom which he delivered in FOUR different languages that guests spoke! Analicia danced with her father and Neeko danced with his mother to a song in Mandarin.  Then, the dance floor opened up for guests to enjoy!

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The desserts for the reception were cupcakes and a cake made by the Maid of Honor’s aunt.  The florals on the cake were incredible and it was topped with a cute gold topper that said “yay”! There were also churros out on the patio being made to order which were a huge hit.

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Analicia & Neeko LOVE coffee so they opted to give guests bags of coffee beans as favors which were displayed on a table by the fireplace with a cute sign that said “Love is Brewing”.

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The couple’s grand exit began on the road leading out of the venue which was lined with guests on both sides to cheer the couple on as they hopped on a surrey bike. The surrey bike was decorated with floral and the classic just married sign on the back with tin cans jingling behind them as they drove off through the luminary-lit path into the night!

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Thank you Analicia and Neeko for allowing us to come alongside for your incredible day!

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Vendor Line Up:

Coordination: At Your Side Planning

Venue: YMCA Camp Surf

DJ: Dancing DJ Productions

Officiant: Lauren Collins

Photo: Mandi Lynn Photo

Florist: Tiny Victories

Caterer: Joseph Breedlove

Beauty: Roxy & Daniela- The Roxy Experience

Rentals: Platinum Event Rentals

Transportation: Vintage Limo

I Dos! On Coronado Island

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Wedding Ceremony

The intimate wedding of Eunice and Allan was celebrated in one of the prettiest areas of California – Coronado Island! These military love birds started their day with exchanging their vows at the NASNI Main Chapel on the North Island military base with their bridal party which included two adorable flower girls and ring bearers .

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The chapel was charming and made the wedding ceremony so beautiful. Music for the ceremony was provided by the couple’s close friend Tom Reich and was officiated by Will Christians. After sealing their vows with a kiss the couple exited the chapel in style by walking under a sword arch created y groomsmen in uniform; a military tradition that looked fabulous!

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Continue reading

Gorgeous Bahia Wedding!

It was a gorgeous and sunny day in San Diego. The Bahia was designed beautifully for Bryan and Diana’s perfect wedding day. When we met Bryan and Diana, we immediately adored them and were so excited to help them plan their wedding! Not only did they have a gorgeous location, but a beautiful love story to go with it!

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The breathtaking floral by Artistic Florals adorned the property and nothing was left untouched. Diana looked gorgeous! Beauty by L n L Makeup did a fabulous job with the entire bridal party.  At Your Side Planning was honored to coordinate such a special day for this lovely couple. Continue reading

Vintage Inspired Wedding

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The Vintage inspired wedding of Rosemary and Tim was one of the cutest weddings we’ve coordinated this year.  When we met with the bride, we fell in love with the design.  Vintage, girly inspired is what came to mind and it was even more beautiful when the day arrived. The flowers were a mix of pink and yellow pieces placed in vintage containers collected by the bride.  The guests enjoyed the outdoor ceremony site on the lawn overlooking the Pendleton golf course.  The bride arrived in style in a deep blue vintage vehicle which pulled up to the golf course!  The ceremony was beautiful and intimate. After the ceremony, the couple had a blast during their photoshoot together!  Guests were given a bundtini cake favor laced in a vintage inspired box and signed a “guest book” that was a plate.  This was important to the bride as she would be able to utilize this plate again while cooking and seeing all the wishes her guests left for the couple.  Inside the room, the design was very adorable.  Tables were adorned with pink and yellow floral, lace and the cake table included bundt cakes!  The card box was an adorable wooden box with lace and signage.  The couple joined their guests and had a fabulous sweetheart table with signage and lace.  Our favorite part of the evening was the “first dance” which included the couple’s dance, moving into parent dances (together) then the couple’s daughter joining the couple for the last 30 seconds of the song!  It was wonderful!

At Your Side Planning Website

Thank you Vendors!

Third Bloom

Nothing Bundt Cakes Del Mar

Daniel Frazier Photography + Richard Gonzales

DJ Astir

Lotus Den Hair Studio

The History of the White Wedding Dress!

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In 1840, Queen Victoria wore what people describe as a “flamboyant white gown”.  In those days, wearing white clothing signified that you were wealthy and could afford to purchase a dress that you may never wear again.  Wedding dresses were all different colors, shapes, and styles.  Most women wore dresses that they could slightly alter and wear again.  Another famous white wedding dress that presented itself after Queen Victoria was a knee-length white wedding dress designed by the infamous Coco Chanel.  Even so, women still just wore what they would afford, and still only those that came from wealth had the means to wear an elaborate gown on their wedding day.  The white wedding dress tradition is still very, relatively new.  Queen Victoria may have been the first in 1840 but the tradition didn’t really set in and take off until about 1950.  Now most people can’t dream of a wearing a wedding dress that is any other color than white.
However, there are always those that want to start their own traditions and such, so if you’re thinking about wedding in a gown other than white, here’s an old folklore that may help you decide what color to go with.

All photos courtesy of Shadowcatcher Imagery

At Your Side Planning website

 

Balboa Park Spanish Inspired Prado Wedding

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Paulina and Oscar’s wedding was so many things!  Fun, exciting, beautiful, stylish, big and extravagent!  The day was absolutely spectacular! The wedding ceremony was held at the Saint Francis Chapel with the reception at the Prado’s Grand Ballroom at Balboa Park in San Diego. The Saint Francis Chapel is designed with a Spanish Colonial feel, a perfect touch for their Spanish ceremony. Photographer, Tim Hardy, and videographer, Zeke Torres, captured every moment of this couple’s beautiful day. The bride looked just breathtaking. Following the ceremony, guests enjoyed cocktail hour at the Prado with fine drinks, delectable hor’dourves, a mariachi band, and a photo booth provided by A Mobile Photo Booth. The reception was truly beautiful! A table filled with indulging cupcakes from Sprinkles, tall floral centerpieces and purple uplighting surrounding the walls provided a very elegant and stylish feel. Family and friends were definitely an important element to make this wedding unforgettable. Guests received custom hand beaded rosaries and personalized slippers (imported from Mexico City) were provided for all the ladies to ensure comfy feet for an endless night of dancing! Paulina and Oscar had the best of both worlds by having a live band and a DJ provide the music for their special event. The couple shared their first dance together to “Baby I Love Your Way” performed by Kalifornia band,with DJ Christian Ruelas, to back them up. Friends and family soon gathered around to party the night away! We are truly delighted to have had this opportunity to be part of the couple’s wedding day. Thank you Paulina and Oscar for this wonderful experience!  We LOVED helping create the wedding of your dreams and we know that you had an amazing honeymoon in Europe!!

At Your Side Planning Website

Vendor Thank Yous: The Prado, Mobile Photo Booth, Tim Hardy Photography, Zeke Torres Videography, Mariachi Zapopan, and St. Francis Chapel.

Special thanks to Tim Hardy Photography who provided all these amazing photos! Tim Hardy is a fabulous photographer in San Diego who is well known in the wedding and event industry.  Tim often shoots for Riviera magazine.  If you need a wedding photographer, we highly recommend Tim Hardy Photography.   His website is shotbyhardy.com

 

Toss Bouquet

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In researching history for wedding receptions in Europe, we discovered some great facts!  One item that we found intersting was the history of the toss bouquet.  Today the toss bouquet is a miniature version of the bridal bouquet and it is tossed to a crowd of single women.  The woman who catches the bouquet is believed to be the next one to marry!  In 14th Century Europe it was believed that no one was luckier than a bride on her wedding day.  In hopes to leave the affair with some type of lucky charm, women would tear at the bride’s wedding dress to take a piece as a keepsake in hopes to capture some of her luck and be the next to marry.  Over a period of time and many torn wedding dresses, the tradition of the bride throwing one of her shoes came about, which then evolved into the traditional bouquet toss that we all know and love. Although the toss bouquet tradition is taking a new form, it is still a memorable part of the reception.  One of our favorite things we have seen at weddings today is the bouquet being presented to someone closest to the bride’s heart such as her mother!  Whichever route you decide to go for your big day, your bouquet will be a part of your wedding you will never forget.

Bouquet by Isari Flower Studio

Photography by Flavio of Leaf Photography

Main Site for At Your Side Planning

Out of Africa Wedding

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Christina Horton and Tony Ortiz met when they were only 6 years old!  Their family were close friends so they’d see one another during the summer and some holidays.  Years went by before Christina realized Tony was “the one” for her!  We were so excited when we were chosen as their wedding planners! The wedding of Christina and Tony was a beautiful Out of Africa styled evening.  The guests entered to a grand and gorgeous ballroom for the ceremony. It was decorated in fine seating, exotic trees and lush floral in a color palette of orange, burgundy, eggplant and yellow. The bride’s bouquet was lavished with feathers and animal print ribbon.  The bride was stunning and glowed in her beautiful dress from The Limited.  The ceremony besides teary yet joyful guests included a beautifully adorned broom which the mother of the groom created for the jumping of the broom ceremony.  Following the ceremony guests enjoyed a patio cocktail hour lavished with African inspired elements and appetizers.  Leopard print elements were incorporated within the pillows, the frames, the food trays, votives and more! The black lounge furniture from Tavola Chasie completed the style. Once the reception began, the guests walked into a transformed room with gorgeous centerpieces, amber lighting and 4 delicious food stations.  Authentic Flavors created a customized African influenced cuisine which included vegan and non vegan options.  The dessert table included vegan and non vegan cupcakes, vegan tarts, dark chocolate covered strawberries (hanging on manzanita trees)  and an assortment of popcorn!  Favors were African soaps.  Even the children’s table included safari toys and binoculars. Everything for Christina and Tony’s wedding was just breathtaking! Their one of a kind theme and style shined through in every part of the day.

 

Thank you vendors!

Photography: Desiree Rohles

Videography: Side by Side

Floral: Barliz Flowers

Catering: Authentic Flavors

Officiant: Craig Does Weddings

DJ: MY DJs

Venue: El Cortez

Beverage: Best Beverage

Main site for At Your Side Planning

Coronado + The Abbey. Red + Black Wedding Fun!

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The wedding of Michelle and Nick was gorgeous and they were one of our favorite couples for 2011!  The ceremony was held at Centennial Park in Coronado where guests were able to view the spectacular view of downtown San Diego.

The reception was held at The Abbey in San Diego with a color palette of red and black with some great uplighting that was  provided by Excellent Designs as well as the linens.

The wedding was officated by their close friend Justin who might we add, was so helpful during this special day!.  The Grove Bakery created the delicious cake.

Music for the reception was provided by DJ Impakt & DJ Mahjestik who are also cousins of the bride and also work for Z90… yes the reception was definitely a blast!  The bride looked extra gorgeous thanks to  Michelle Mucho who styled the brides hair and Valerie Vonprisk who provided the makeup artistry.

Transportation was Pacific Limousine.  Gobo Lighting was by Music Phreek.  The Photobooth was by one of our favorites – Lovely Photobooth! These incredible  photos were taken by Brian of  ABM Wedding Photography.   Thank you Nick and Michelle for allowing us to be part of your wedding day!

Main Website for At Your Side Planning in San Diego

Chucks at Weddings!

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Many are unaware of the latest trend in weddings, but Chuck Taylors are becoming a new fashion statement in the industry. Today, more and more future brides and grooms are leaning towards the direction of nontraditional weddings, and instead adding their own style and flare to the celebration. To others, Chuck Taylors are merely associated with athletics, however these “never out of style” All Star sneakers are easily customizable with their bright and flashy colors and various patterns.

Nobody wants a grumpy bridal party, that’s why the new trend for wearing formal shoes is all about feeling comfortable, and the new trend for wearing casual shoes is about having style–all of which is offered for every look if you decide to wear Chucks regardless of the attire. Chuck are cute, unique, and a fun way to add a pop of color and a twist of personality to weddings. More and more weddings are featuring Chucks, and because they’re not only comfortable and trendy, they’re also stylish and practically impossible to pass up!

All photos provided by One Love Photography

Main website for At Your Side Planning Site

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