The details were meticulously planned, the decor was stunning, the dress was lovely, and Janell & Matt were bursting with emotion as their big day finally arrived! Late last year, the folks at Bridal Insider started planning this year’s San Diego Ultimate Wedding contest, to be held at the gorgeous Mt. Woodson castle. Janell and Matt won the contest by submitting their love story and why they deserved to win this all-inclusive wedding package. High-quality wedding vendors from all over San Diego were asked by Courtney Tibbets (After the Engagement) to help her to achieve her vision of a delightful “Brilliantly Beautiful Brunch”-themed wedding for this happy couple.
While the overall vision for their day was absolutely inspired, all those pretty details will be posted here in a separate post; today, our focus will be on the happy couple, Janell and Matt.
Speaking of which, if you missed their engagement session down at Mission Beach, go take a look-see!
Janell was so excited to get into her dress! She and her ladies were excitedly laughing and giggling about their big Vegas weekend while preparing to see Matt up on the altar. They were all so amazed at how lucky they were for the gorgeous 80 degree day in January (as were we!).
Shooting around the Amy Strong Castle at Mt. Woodson was such a pleasure… so many cool little hallways and staircases that show off the old and beautiful architecture. Photographing a gorgeous bride like Janell in this old-world locale was a blast!
Janell is such a cutie! LOVE the birdcage veil.
While Betsy was playing with the ladies, I headed on over to the Groom’s Room to be with Matt and his gents. They wore light-grey suits with pale-yellow ties that matched the brunch-theme perfectly. Matt looked SHARP on his big day! His anxiety was palpable… SO ready to join his lovely bride on their new path together.
What’s a Groom’s Room without a little toast of Crown?
It was raining down here in San Diego on the days preceding Matt and Janell’s big day… but on the day of their nuptials, the sun made its glorious return! Beautiful light all. Day. Long. Love that!
Janell’s father and step-father were both so incredibly proud to be walking her down the aisle.
And Matt, as expected, was simply blown away as his bride-to-be rounded the corner!
One of our favorite people on the planet was there to officiate the bonds of marriage for Janell and Matt. Bethel Nathan (Ceremonies by Bethel) always takes so much time to ensure that each and every couple she marries receives a unique and meaningful ceremony. She really makes every wedding so special!
Of course, part of Bethel’s special touch is adding some personal stories that the couple share about their relationship. Lots of laughter ensued!
Always love those couple minutes right after the ceremony… MARRIED!!!
Time for the party! Courtney did such a wonderful job in creating a beautiful day for Janell and Matt (more to come on the impressive details in our next post, stay tuned!).
We love to see it when couples are surrounded by emotionally supportive friends and family. Everyone looked on with teary eyes and big smiles!
I love best man toasts. I love the whole “I love you, man” feelings that come out during a friend’s toast to another. I’ve been known to really well up.
This toast was no different, with the added bonus of hysterical laughter as well! I mean really, how many toasts begin with a spot-on impression of whale song?!? You heard me. It was awesome!
See? I’m not the only one who gets emotional over a meaningful and heartwarming toast.
Oh, the laughter and tears of joy that comes out during the parent dances!
OK. We had to share just ONE of Courtney’s fab details here. See that cake? Yup. It’s shaped like a stack of flapjacks. How cute is THAT?!?
And so, the party begins, thanks to Bill Calhoun with Bill Calhoun Mobile Music…
The dance floor really got bangin’ when Bill played Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, one of many road trip songs enjoyed by everyone present. Even the moms were singing at the tops of their lungs!
“MAMAAAAAAAAAA….ooooooooooh,
Didn’t mean to make you cry,
If I’m not back again this time tomorrow,
Carry ooooon, carry on as if nothing really matters…”
Raaawwwr!
I love shooting dance floors. It’s always so much fun to anticipate dance moves with certain songs! One of my faves, of course, is “Shout!”
“A little bit softer now…”
Matt and Janell, we both wish you a lifetime of Love and Luck (though I don’t think you guys really need the luck part). You make a great couple, and we can’t wait to hear all about your experiences together as Husband and Wife!
To all our loyal readers… Part Two of Matt and Janell’s Ultimate San Diego Wedding will be posted in a few days so that you can see all the loveliness! <3
Janell and Matt’s fantastic vendors who donated their services and time to this extraordinary event: Photographers: La Vida Creations Photography • Ceremony Venue: Mt. Woodson Amy Strong Castle • Reception Venue: Mt. Woodson Amy Strong Castle • Event Design and Planning: Courtney with After the Engagement • Catering: Personal Touch Dining • Cinematography: Side by Side Cinema • Rentals and Linens: Party Production Rentals • Officiant- Bethel Nathan, Ceremonies by Bethel • Rehearsal Dinner- Carmel Mountain Ranch Country Club • Florist – Exquisite Blooms • DJ- Bill Calhoun Mobile Music DJ • Live musician- Nick Weiss • Stationery and Paperie- Nic.Roc.Designs • Limo service – Elite Image Limo • Tux rentals- Friar Tux Shop • Bridesmaids ‘Necklaces- KChicDesigns • Bride’s and Mother’s Hair and Makeup – Marisa Von Sheere • Bridesmaid’s Makeup- Gerine Coronado • Bridesmaid’s Hair- Rebecca Hainline • Bridesmaid’s Dresses- Nordstrom • Documenting Photographer – Evan Bishop • Honeymoon – PS Riviera • Favors- SoBelle • Photobooth : Jasper with After the Engagement • Boudoir – Modern Boudoir by Allie Lindsey Photography • Cake- Hey There, Cupcake • Donuts- Sensational Treats • Cake Balls- Cake Ball Love • Mini trifles- Sumi’s Oven • Cookies- The Cookie Chew • Candy buffet- A Candy Store • Chocolate photobooth props- Tailored Sweets • Sponsored by Bridal Insider and Star 94.1
by Jeff
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