Gorgeous bride Hillary envisioned something elegant and outdoors when she first started planning her wedding to Aaron. "I love classic and clean. The rose garden at RANCHO BERNARDO INN was perfect and the reception took place outdoors in a beautiful patio setting with hanging lanterns and string lights. It felt elegant, super romantic, but relaxed, which is exactly what I wanted." San Diego wedding photographers DEAR LOVERS were on hand to capture all the festivities which were spread over a weekend so their friends and family could enjoy more time with them. With planning by EVENTS BY TALISSA and florals by COMPASS FLORAL the end result is a classy and timeless affair.
HOW DID YOU MEET? We met through mutual friends while out celebrating Hillary's sister's 21st birthday in Newport Beach, CA. We actually grew up in the same town but because we went to different schools we never really knew each other until after college in 2012. My parents still live only minutes away from Aaron's dad and childhood home.
TELL US ABOUT YOUR PROPOSAL: June 1st, 2017 is when Aaron proposed, after dating for 5 years. We were on our way to Sedona for a wedding and on the way they decided to stop at the Grand Canyon. We chose to set up a nice little picnic with some wine and cheese and Aaron had his camera so he said "lets get some pictures together" and he sets up the camera on the tripod which they do on most of their trips. So Aaron asked me to sit down so he could "test the camera angle" what I didn't know is that when he was testing the angle he hit record and then out of pure shock I watched as he walked over got down on one knee overlooking the Grand Canyon and he poured his heart out for me… and he asked me to Marry him. Of course I said Yes!
TELL US ABOUT FINDING YOUR WEDDING DRESS: Finding my wedding dress was such a difficult decision because I loved just about everything I tried on! I went shopping with my sisters and my mom to a few different stores. Ultimately we kept comparing each dress I tried to one (THE one in the end). It is a classic, fitted and strapless silhouette made of silk crepe with gorgeous lace detailing in the back and a stunning lace train by ENZOANI that I purchased at Panache Bridal in Costa Mesa. Topped it all off with a cathedral silk tulle veil.
DESCRIBE YOUR WEDDING FLOWERS: My wedding flowers were in one word: PERFECT. They were a mix of white and greens keeping with my elegant, classic, and clean vision. Taya of Compass Floral incorporated my favourite white roses with trailing loose greenery. We had beautiful blush and ivory florals tucked into green garland on farm tables. She also added many candles in different vases to play up the romance even more. It was truly magical!
FAVOURITE DETAIL OF THE DAY: Our signature cocktails! Everyone started the cocktail hour with cocktails that were a representation of the bride (Rose on a Hill) and the groom (the Kentucky DONKey). Mine was a mix of tequila, grapefruit, and peach schnapps, while Aaron's was a whiskey mule.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OUT TO A COUPLE PLANNING THEIR WEDDING? Choose the vendors that are most important to you first! I booked our photography and florist nearly one year in advance. Also, I recommend a planner; Talissa was amazing and kept me on track and helped make the often stressful process of planning so much better! And don't forget about why you're getting married; it is easy to get lost in everyone else's dreams; stay true to your vision!
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT? Our first dance was incredible! You finally get to be together just the two of you and it's just the best.
TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOUR HONEYMOON: We went to Kauai and then to Bora Bora. Originally we planned just Bora Bora (the ultimate idea of a honeymoon!) but our flight had a stop in Kauai, so we decided to stay there for a bit before! Both destinations were incredibly relaxing with gorgeous views… but the over-the-water bungalow in Bora Bora was truly the best week of our lives! It was something we had been looking forward to throughout the engagement and it was worth it!
IS THERE ANYTHING YOU WOULD CHANGE OR DO DIFFERENTLY? NO WAY!
We hope you enjoyed this gorgeous Southern California wedding! Be sure to check-out more of San Diego wedding photographers, DEAR LOVERS! "We find film to be the most beautiful medium to capture your memories in the most timeless way; it’s soft, calm, natural tones make love feel evermore real. We love traveling and find ourselves in new and inviting places regularly, and we would love nothing more than to witness you begin the sweetest chapter of your lives." They are recommended Southern California photographers in our vendor guide and have a passion for capturing your story.
