Kyle and Melissa’s San Diego wedding was a stunning celebration in the late spring, featuring three breathtaking venues that captured a European vibe. The day began at the exquisite Westgate Hotel, a Parisian-style gem in downtown San Diego. This historic hotel, adorned with chandeliers, European-inspired artwork, and elegant interior design, provided a perfect backdrop for their preparations.
Their ceremony took place at the magnificent Immaculata Church on USD’s campus. With its grand and intricate design, the church offered an impressive setting, and the long aisle made for a dramatic bridal entrance.
The festivities continued at Monserate Winery, where the couple hosted their cocktail hour and reception. Nestled in their Tuscan Estate with lovely stone architecture and rolling vineyards, it perfectly embodied the charm of the Tuscan hillsides. Each venue was thoughtfully chosen, creating a day that was as intentional as it was beautiful. Follow along for more enchanting details of their special day!
The Westgate Hotel, with its beautiful rooms, provided the perfect backdrop for Kyle and Melissa’s getting ready photos. The bride’s dress, featuring long lace sleeves and an elegant train, fit the European vibe perfectly and looked absolutely stunning on her. Meanwhile, the groomsmen gathered in their room, preparing for the big day. The photographer captured detailed shots of the groom adjusting his tie and cufflinks, preserving those small yet significant moments. The morning at the Westgate Hotel set a beautiful and elegant tone for the rest of Kyle and Melissa’s wedding day, with each moment meticulously captured against the backdrop of this Parisian-style haven.
After getting ready, the bride stepped out into the elegant hallways of the Westgate Hotel. Our amazing photographer captured her in her element, taking in the morning and the exciting feels of the day. Melissa looked radiant, her long lace sleeves and train trailing beautifully behind her as she moved. This serene moment was perfectly framed by the hotel’s opulent decor. She then hopped into a private classic car, a timeless touch, to head to the church.
Meanwhile, the groomsmen made their way to the hotel lobby, where a grand staircase provided a stunning backdrop. Their group shot on the staircase gave a regal feel and captured the moment beautifully.
The wedding ceremony at the Immaculata Church was truly special. The excitement was present as guests took their seats and the bridal party began their walk down the aisle. The design and detail of the church added an extra layer of elegance to the proceedings. Kyle and Melissa were all smiles as they were announced husband and wife, a moment of pure joy captured perfectly by our photographer.
With the vows exchanged and the ceremony concluded, it was time to take the celebration to Monserate Winery. The anticipation for the festivities to continue was high, and everyone was eager to head to the Tuscan-inspired venue for the cocktail hour and reception.
Monserate Winery is one of our favorite San Diego wedding venues. Not only do we love their beautiful event spaces, but we love the team there. The wedding party kicked off the celebrations while taking photos at the wedding venue. Kyle and Melissa snuck away for some portraits of their own, capturing the romantic and editorial essence of their love story. Their happiness and connection shone through, creating timeless memories.
Cocktail hour was filled with beautiful details, reflecting the couple’s impeccable taste and the thoughtful planning that went into every aspect of the day. Guests mingled in elegant attire, adding to the sophisticated ambiance. A hanging linen welcome sign and a carefully curated welcome table greeted everyone, setting the tone for the evening. The selfie mirror was a hit, offering a fun and interactive way for guests to capture the joy of the moment.
Cocktails were raised in a cheerful toast, and conversations buzzed with excitement for the rest of the evening. Each detail, from the décor to the interactive elements, was special to both the couple and their guests, creating an atmosphere of warmth and celebration that carried through the night.
As the sun began to set over the hills, the couple took the opportunity to capture some stunning sunset portraits. The serene vineyard setting, combined with the golden late-afternoon light, made these shots truly magical. The transition from the outdoor cocktail hour to the indoor celebration was seamless, filled with anticipation for the evening’s festivities. This magical sunset moment added an extra touch of enchantment to an already unforgettable day.
The reception at Monserate Winery was a feast for the eyes, filled with exquisite details that highlighted the venue’s charm. The stunning reception room, adorned with wine barrels and stone accents, created a rustic yet elegant ambiance. Guest tables were beautifully set with lush floral arrangements and flickering candles, adding a touch of romance to the evening.
The cake, a delicate two-tier creation adorned with buttercream blooms, was as delicious as it was visually appealing. After a romantic dinner, the energy shifted to the dance floor, where the couple and their guests danced the night away in celebration. The film shots captured by our incredible photographer added a classic and timeless quality to the evening, preserving the joy and elegance of Kyle and Melissa’s special day in the most beautiful way.
THE VENDOR TEAM
Planning & Design: Serene Events and Design | Photographer: Karina Santos Photo | Wedding Venue: Monserate Winery | Ceremony Venue: Immaculata Church | Getting Ready Venue: The Westgate Hotel | Florist: Pilar Floral | Makeup: Makeup With Fran | Hair: Curly Camille | Cake: LILA Cake Shop | Ice Cream: Wanderlust Creamery | Boba: Boba and Bites | Live Music: Jess Lynn Ann Music | DJ & Emcee: Ray On The Mic | Photo Booth: GDG Photo Booth | Videographer: The Raconteur Collective | Classic Car: SD Vintage Rides
A Wedding Day Inspired by European Elegance
August 2, 2024