As wedding bloggers we’re always keeping an eye out for pretty details and decor. Sometimes (and only sometimes, because we love us them details), we like it when a couple takes a more intimate approach. A small gathering with a handful of friends or in this case, an elopement. Just Jennie & Ben + the photographic skills of Joielala is all you need. They married on a Monday evening at Spreckles Pavilion in Balboa Park and wanted their elopement to have a Parisian feel as that’s where Ben proposed. Later, the evening ended with a romantic sailboat ride in San Diego Harbor. Dreamy.
Ahh! We need to own these pretty pink Badgley Mischka shoes!
We knew shortly after our engagement an elopement was right for us. I spent a couple days trying to plan a small gathering but it just kept feeling stressful so that was the end of that. I can honestly say I had so much fun putting together an elopement in a matter of weeks. I talked it over with my parents and luckily they loved the idea of it and were so supportive. A wedding really needs to fit the couple and their families and I felt this was perfect for us. Untraditional and intimate. We decided it had to be everyone or no one because we just could not leave anyone out so it was just the two of us and I loved every minute of it.
All the details were the fun part. The possibilities felt endless. Should we rent a vintage car to drive up the coast? Get married on a rooftop downtown? With the freedom of just us we decided that the Organ Pavilion in Balboa park had the perfect mix of architecture for our ceremony. We had our intimate I do’s and handwritten vows under the pavilion archway and my husband’s guitar teacher played our first dance song. One of the best things about San Diego is the water so sailing seemed like the perfect end to the day. I adore the pictures our photographers captured around the dock and on the boat. We ended the night with champagne and a picnic dinner watching the sunset. I don’t think I could have dreamt a better day.
Gorgeous couple aren’t they? Congratulations Jennie + Ben!
Photography: Joielala / Dress: Ted Baker / Shoes: Badgley Mischka / Veil: made by bride / Make-up: Vicky with Clean Slate / Hair: JennieJBeauty / Purse: Vintage / Flowers: made by bride / Cake stand: Bountiful in Venice, CA / Macaroons: Bread & Cie Bakery / Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss / Shoes: Allen Edmonds / Guitarist: Paper Moon Music / Hotel: Hotel Solamar / Boat rental: Harbor Yahct Club
