I had the pleasure of working with Anna and Tom last year to bring their wedding vision to life. All day long, these two were embraced by a so many friends and family who showed genuine kindness. You could clearly see the immense love and affection everyone had for them. Their wedding ceremony took place at Founders Chapel, nestled on USD’s campus, and was followed by cocktail hour and reception at the Seabird Hotel in Oceanside, CA. Our bride’s creative vision came alive through rich jeweled tones that perfectly matched the season. Continue scrolling to view all the stunning details of the day!

The day kicked off with the ladies preparing in The Seabird Hotel’s suite, enjoying a stunning view. With a lively group of bridesmaids (there were 13!), there was an abundance of love and laughter. The relaxed atmosphere allowed for some wonderful getting ready shots, making the morning truly special.

Once the girls were ready, they ventured out onto the streets to capture some fabulous shots. The Seabird Hotel, being a newly established gem in Oceanside, offered an array of picturesque locations for photos, including its own charming spots and the captivating backdrop of the surrounding city and coastline. The combination of modern elegance and natural beauty provided an ideal canvas for creating memorable images.

These groomsmen photos are undoubtedly among the most impressive I’ve ever seen! With a big bunch of 13 guys, they made great use of the Seabird Resort’s library for some really classy shots. The library provided an elegant backdrop that perfectly complemented the charisma of the groomsmen, capturing moments of both poise and playfulness. The last photo is giving me “The Last Supper” painting vibes, so cool!

The bond between the bride and her father was truly heartwarming, and I had the privilege of collaborating with him throughout the planning journey as well. Their connection was incredibly meaningful and they cherished the idea of a first look. We made sure this happened right before they walked down the aisle and it meant a lot to them. Seeing their emotional first look was a special moment and showed just how deep their bond is.

USD Founders Chapel is such a stunning place, and the whole campus is just as beautiful. As guests arrived, there was a warm welcome, and you could feel the anticipation building for the events to begin.

The ceremony photos are absolutely breathtaking; picking just a handful was a challenge. The long, dramatic aisle at Founders Chapel adds such an elegant touch, allowing everyone to savor the moment. Anna and Tom couldn’t stop smiling as they were joyfully pronounced husband and wife, receiving heartfelt congratulations all the way up the aisle.

Before heading off to the cocktail hour, the sizable wedding party managed to capture a few photos around USD. This lively group was full of energy and excitement, clearly eager to kick off the celebratory festivities.

After the wedding party had their moment, Anna and Tom had their own special time for photos. Anna’s dress was a highlight – the lace detailing exuded timeless elegance and her headband added a stunning vintage touch. And look at that bouquet! It perfectly captured the essence of fall.

Cocktail hour was filled with tray passed and stationary appetizers and of course, a lot of cocktails! Guests enjoyed themselves and checked out the seating chart to see where reception would take them. We asked our guests to come in black tie attire and they came to impress!

Designing and bringing Anna’s vision to life was an absolute blast. Staying faithful to the cozy ambiance of autumn and those rich jewel tones, it was a joy to put together every element. Our amazing florist carefully crafted each centerpiece and detail. I just loved the use of fruit in the design. Our bride is a nutritionist so this personal detail was a perfect fit.

The reception details are a true reflection of the night’s beauty, capturing the essence of the celebration. The evening commenced with a grand champagne tower to set the reception in motion. A tasty three-course dinner followed, satisfying everyone’s taste buds. As dinner came to an end, heartfelt toasts and a memorable first dance added an extra layer of magic to the event.

The party portion on the evening kicked off with our beautiful bride changing into her 2nd outfit. How fun are these photos! Champagne was poured and cake was cut and guests danced the night away. Not photographed is their late night In-N-Out snack… a San Diego wedding must have!

THE VENDOR TEAM

Planning & Design: Serene Events and Design | Photographer: Ash Gabes Photography | Venue: USD Founders Chapel and The Seabird Resort | Florist: Ramona Floral | Cake: VG Donuts | Videographer: Lauren Scrima | DJ: DJ Preston Foreman | Hair: Brittany Reynolds | Makeup: Kendal Lopez | Linens: BBJ La Tavola | Rentals: More Rentals | Signage: Sun Kissed Native | Stationery: Minted