Say “Congrats” to Jeff and Lynn!
This fun-loving couple brought their family and friends to San Diego for a weekend of fun, sun, and marriage last week! It was just a GORGEOUS day down on the beach near the the Hotel Del Coronado, where Amy Vargas’ stellar team (Lindsay and Kelsey from First Comes Love) had arranged the chairs and placed the aisle runner down for Jeff and Lynn’s ceremony. But I’m getting a little ahead of myself here…
The day began with Jeff and Lynn over at the U.S. Grant Hotel downtwon in the Gaslamp for their First Look, so let’s start there.
As we arrived, Lynn was getting into her lovely dress with the gals. It was all laughter and smiles in the room. Super relaxed, calm, but excited for the big day!
The light on the west side of the Grant was just perfect: sunlight from the buildings across the street reflected nicely onto this little stretch of less-trafficked sidewalk. It was at this moment that our groom (Jeff) and I (also Jeff) started chatting about local restaurants, brewhouses and bars. We talked about the fact that both of us prefer smaller places with more character to the larger chains of establishments that you can find anywhere. In fact, I said: “Yeah. Betsy and I hang around more in our neighborhood (uptown) versus a place like, you know, like The Yardhouse. And sure enough, Jeff (groom) pointed out to me the source of the light that was pouring in so nicely to our spot: The Yardhouse is literally right across the street. So funny that we noticed the light and its direction, but completely disregarded what the actual source was!
OK. Enough babble about light.Time for Jeff and Lynn to see each other for the very first time on their wedding day! Lynn did this really cute “sneaky-sneaky-tip-toe” up to Jeff as she waved to downtown drivers. Just having fun with each other and the day.
SURPRISE!!
It was so great to see Jeff and Lynn embrace, laugh, and have a great time during their first look! They really just “let go”, even in the heart of downtown San Diego. Love that!
After playing around for a bit at the U.S. Grant, we all ran down to the beach near the Hotel Del Coronado for the ceremony!
LOVED the ukulele player! I think we saw that hat at a Buffett show once…
You know what makes a ceremony beautiful? A deep and meaningful service provided by a professional officiant. Bethel Nathan is such a dear friend of ours, and we are always so excited to hear her voice as we shoot! Bethel has a knack for writing ceremonies that are unique to each couple; she highlights the couple’s love for each other, their history and stories, their commitment to each other, and wraps it all up with a little bit of humor. We are always so very impressed with Bethel and what she adds to the day!
Awwwwww! Love these moments.
Thank you, Lindsay (First Comes Love), for releasing the single seagull at just the right time! Kidding, of course. Betsy always seems to find that one bird doing a flyby…patience
Laughter…
…and tender moments make for the perfect ceremony!
Nothing better than those spontaneous “WE DID IT!!!” moments right after the ceremony!
Great form!
The Crystal Ballroom at the Grant is so rich and luxurious! Beautiful Czech chandeliers, hand-painted ceiling, fully-restored travertine floor… the Grant did an incredible job in restoring this room and First Comes Love created such a lovely look and feel for the intimate dinner reception.
Jeff and Lynn’s first dance together as husband and wife was a perfectly-choreographed rhumba…and they KILLED it. It was a total surprise for all their guests which was so great.
That list that Lynn’s dad is holding during his toast includes all the things that he loves about his daughter. Adorable!
Not only does Lynn’s dad have a way with words, but he also has some pretty fantastic dance moves!
And Jeff’s mom was beaming with such a proud smile all day.
Why yes… that IS Jeff doing the “Here comes the airplane” with a bite of cake!
Jeff and Lynn, thank you both for inviting us to share your special day with you! We have had so much fun getting to know you both, and we can’t wait to visit you someday in Chicago for a ballgame at Wrigley!
Jeff and Lynn’s fantastic vendors:
Photographers: La Vida Creations Photography
Coordination: Lindsay with First Comes Love
Event Design: Lindsay with First Comes Love
Ceremony Venue: Coronado Beach
Reception Venue: The U.S. Grant
Officiant: Ceremonies by Bethel
Catering: The U.S. Grant
DJ: Joe Comstock with JMC Events
Florist: Adorations
Wedding Cake: Babycakes
Hair/Makeup: MAGIC Beauty Team
by Jeff
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