Natalia and Jeff got married on a beautiful spring day at Darlington House in La Jolla, CA. I absolutely love this San Diego wedding venue because it is so unique from all the others. Darlington House, nestled in La Jolla’s picturesque coastal neighborhood, is a venue steeped in history and beauty. With its historic architecture, vibrant tiled patios, and lush gardens, it has become a sought-after destination for romantic events in Southern California. The classic design and Mediterranean charm of the venue offer a timeless backdrop for weddings and special occasions, making Darlington House a captivating and memorable setting for celebrations.

Natalia’s love for earthy tones and textures guided our design journey, resulting in a captivating blend of lush greenery and rustic stone elements. Working with Natalia, Jeff and their family and friends was an absolute delight! Everyone was so kind and fun. I invite you to join us in reliving the magic of their special day, filled with heartfelt moments and exquisite details that made their Darlington House wedding a true testament to love!

Darlington House boasts cozy bridal and groom suites, each adorned with historic wallpapers and an abundance of charm. The bridal suite, in particular, served as a haven where the ladies prepared for the day ahead. They shared special, intimate moments and our photographer captured every detail, from their attire to the intricate beauty of their invitation suite, ensuring these memories were beautifully preserved.

Of course, we can’t forget about the gentlemen! They were looking absolutely dapper in their tailored suits. Before the festivities commenced, they cracked open a few beers and then ventured outside to capture some photos. Against the backdrop of Darlington House’s charming surroundings, the groom and his groomsmen radiated confidence and charisma, creating memories that will undoubtedly stand the test of time.

Natalia and Jeff’s first look was a truly unforgettable moment. The love and emotion that radiated between them were touching. In this intimate part of the day, they exchanged personal vows, sharing promises that were deeply meaningful to them. It was a quiet and heartfelt moment that allowed them to connect before the wedding festivities began.

The wedding party looked classy and their choice to have a first look was practical and smart. Doing this meant they could get most of their photos taken care of before the wedding ceremony. As a result, they had more time to be fully present with their guests during the cocktail hour and beyond. This allowed them to enjoy the celebration without worrying about rushing through photos while everyone else was enjoying drinks and appetizers.

Originally, we planned to have the ceremony at the lower patios of the venue, but due to our larger guest count, we ended up having it in the rose garden. It turned out to be a beautiful decision. Our talented florist created a gorgeous hanging floral installation and we had lovely floral markers lining the aisle. The ceremony was heartfelt and I especially cherish the photos of the bride with her father walking down the aisle.

Cocktail hour was a blast with tasty appetizers and plenty of cocktails to go around. A custom seating chart hung from the venue’s gates in the cocktail hour patio, making it easy for everyone to find their spots. The welcome table was a beautiful setup, featuring photos of the couple, a polaroid guest book, and lots of beautiful flowers and candles. It created a cozy and inviting atmosphere, setting the stage for the rest of the evening.

The real star of the show, though, was the couple’s adorable dog, Bohdi. Not only did Bohdi play a special part in the ceremony, but he also stuck around for cocktail hour, where he became the center of attention. With his friendly demeanor and irresistible charm, guests couldn’t resist showering him with pets and scratches.

The couple’s walk down to the nearby beach, with the charming La Jolla houses as a backdrop, added an extra layer of beauty to their portraits. It was wonderful to have easy access to the beach from Darlington House, providing a variety of picturesque settings for capturing their love. The quaint La Jolla houses served as a delightful addition, enhancing the overall aesthetic of their wedding photos.

Natalia’s love for earthy tones and greenery inspired our choice of decor. We went with greenery centerpieces, garlands, and lots of candles to create a cozy and romantic atmosphere. The textured linens added a nice touch to the table settings. For the place cards, we used custom calligraphy stones with guests’ names on them, which added a personal and rustic element to the overall decor. It was a design that truly matched Natalia’s style and made the celebration feel warm and inviting. Also, I was totally obsessed with their sweetheart table! We repurposed our ceremony florals here and it turned out perfect.

Natalia and Jeff’s first dance was just perfect. They truly looked like they were having a great time and it was a wonderful way to kick off the reception.

The reception was a blast, with plenty of funny toasts and champagne. Dessert was a treat with ice cream cones, churros and cupcakes, satisfying everyone’s sweet tooth. And, of course, there was a lot of dancing, keeping the energy high and the celebration going strong.

THE VENDOR TEAM

Planning & Design: Serene Events and Design | Photographer: Petula Pea Photography | Florist: Esprit Floral Co. | Catering: Coast Catering | Rentals: Crown Rentals | Dog Sitter: Beloved Pet Sitting | DJ: DJ Preston Foreman | Stationery & Signage: Sun Kissed Native | Venue: Darlington House | Videography: Kelly Collective Films