Santa & Kevin’s San Diego Wedding

 

 

Congratulations to Santa and Kevin, who got married in gorgeous San Diego, California last weekend! We met for their engagement photos in 2019 (I can’t believe it had been that long!). We connected instantly, and I absolutely loved photographing them. I was over the moon when Santa reached out, asking if I would consider going to San Diego for their 2022 wedding.

I had only ever been to Los Angeles because a few friends live there. San Diego had always been on my list, and this was my opportunity to shoot in a spectacular place with gorgeous hills, huge succulents, and oceanside vistas.

When I arrived, locals welcomed me and warned me about “June gloom,” which is the season with the most clouds in southern California. I looked around, perplexed, because the weather was that of the most gorgeous day in Vermont. Luckily on their wedding day, Santa and Kevin had bluebird skies. They married inside of the Immaculata Church, and then held their reception at their family’s property further out of town.

The setup for the reception was jaw-dropping. Santa’s uncle had constructed a lattice structure to hold the white draping clothes that blew gently in the breeze. The temperature was perfect– not too hot, perfectly sunny, and with a warm wind. White and pink florals surrounded the verdant reception area, which was adorned with pink linens on the farmhouse-style tables. Food and cocktails were flowing all night.

Two amazing parts of the reception stood out to me. One was that there were traditional Mexican dances performed, as well as a mariachi and brass band. The entertainment for the night was spot-on, and guests were dancing and clapping all night.

Another key highlight was the FOOD. Santa’s mother, aunt, and sisters all helped to make a gorgeous taco station, and Santa’s mom churned out delicious tacos all evening. I happily went for seconds.

Santa’s mother had also altered Santa’s veil, adding beading and hemming her garments. Her talent amazed me.

Santa and Kevin had been waiting for this day for years. They fell in love in Burlington, Vermont, and it was so wonderful to see them celebrate in the place where Santa grew up. This couple is so special to me, and I swear that their wedding day went by the in the blink of an eye for everyone, including me. My cheeks hurt from smiling during the reception. Santa and Kevin are incredibly sweet to each other, and their gentle way of communicating always creates a calm and happy vibe.

I fell in love with San Diego. I can’t wait to go back!

 

Thank you, Santa and Kevin. You are truly the best! XO!

 

San Diego, California Wedding Vendor Team

Dress/Suit: Designer and Place of purchase: Santa: Madeleine’s Daughter Bridal. Kevin: Suit Supply

Florist: Alona Chase- Chic Flowers Insta: chic.flowers

Rings: Princess Bride Diamonds Insta:princessbridediamonds

Shoes: Santa Dolce Vita. Kevin: Allen Edmund 

Ceremony Venue: Immaculata Parish 

Reception Venue: Private Home Valley Center, CA 

Rentals: Wonder Events insta: wonder.eventrentals

Wedding Planner / Coordinator: Sam Van Herpe Insta: samplansevents and Simply Elegant Group Insta: simplyelegantxo

DJ/ Entertainment Services: Mariachi Independencia De Samuel Duran and Banda Fortaleza la_fortaleza_oficial

Videographer: Samantha McBee Insta: ssmcbee

Cake: Cute Cakes Bakery and Cafe Insta: cutecakes