July 8, 2019

Our Fairmont Grand Del Mar Wedding Part One | Published on Martha Stewart Weddings

The day is finally here!! I can share the wonderfully exciting news that Martha Stewart Weddings published David’s and my Fairmont Grand Del Mar wedding. We had to wait until today to publicly share photos and I can barely contain myself. Since I’m sharing so many, I’ve split the wedding into part one and part two.

Groom in a black tux smiling at Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings 

How We Met

For those who don’t know how we met: David and I met online through OkCupid in 2012. I was finishing up college in Alabama and was moving to the DC area for graduate school in International Relations. He and I chatted for a few weeks while I was in the process of moving. Our first date was the final of three online dates I went on in DC. We met in Dupont Circle for beer and pizza and the location served as one of our signature cocktail names at the wedding. David and I spent every weekend together afterwards and the rest is history.

Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Colorful wedding invitations.. Coral wedding invitation with venue sketch illustration in white ink, soft yellow envelope with pink floral envelope liner, and calligraphy fruit for escort cards. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bride's oval engagement ring on a miniature blue oak louis armchair styled with dried fruits, and fresh pink flowers. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bride's french blue velvet heels from Michael Kors styled with dried fruits, and fresh pink flowers. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Yellow, pink, and blue Mrs Boxes with bride's rings and earrings styled with blue ribbon, dried fruits, and fresh pink flowers. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bride in a Robed with Love robe with bridesmaids and bridesman popping champagne
Bride in a Robed with Love robe with bridesmaids and bridesman popping champagne
Bride in a Robed with Love robe with bridesmaids and bridesman popping champagneGroom getting ready for his wedding
Best man getting ready for wedding
Groomsman getting ready for the wedding
 

How We Chose the Fairmont Grand Del Mar

David and I chose the Fairmont Grand Del Mar as it was the closest thing we could get to Europe in San Diego. The Fairmont has gorgeous Mediterranean pink walls, Cyprus trees, and exquisite architecture. As a photographer, a variety of portrait opportunities was hugely important to me in choosing our venue. We also wanted to pick a location that would truly wow our guests. Lastly, being entirely al-fresco topped our venue priorities list, as we wanted guests to experience the sunset and evening under the open skies.

Fairmont Grand del Mar Aria lawn wedding published on Martha Stewart WeddingsMarchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings

Bridesmaids and bridesman helping bride into her Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bride putting on velvet blue sandal heels wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bride putting on earrings wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bride putting on velvet blue sandal heels wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bridesmaids in mix match mauve and blush dresses and bridesman in in black tux with mauve bowtie with Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings 

How We Made Our Wedding Represent Our Values

Since I’ve photographed over 80 weddings and David has assisted me on many of those, we wanted a different experience for our own day that didn’t feel like a repeat of everything we’ve ever seen before. As we are not religious or sentimental and have spent enough time witnessing other people’s ceremonies, we opted to skip a public ceremony to have a private courthouse ceremony by ourselves prior to the wedding day. Guests honestly didn’t miss it at all and loved that they were able to get straight to celebrating our love and mingling with each other.

Groom in a black tux waiting during first look for Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Groom in a black tux smiling during first look at Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Groom in a black tux smiling during first look at Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart WeddingsGroom in a black tux smiling during first look at Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Groom in a black tux walking with bride wearing a colorful Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Groom in a black tux smiling during first look at Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Groom in a black tux walking with bride wearing a colorful Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart WeddingsGroom in a black tux walking with bride wearing a colorful Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings 
Additionally, I had always known I would not wear white on my wedding day. Although I adore my brides’ ivory gowns, I am more of a fan of either black or colorful frocks for myself. My colorful Marchesa gown was the perfect unique touch for our colorful day.

Groom in a black tux smiling at Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings

Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bride with bold eyemakeup wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Groom in a black tux walking with bride wearing a colorful Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart WeddingsGroom in a black tuxedo with a pink and green boutonniere with a tiny succulent. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bride's dutch braid updo for a non-traditional non-bridal wedding day look. Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Groom in a black tuxedo with a pink and green boutonniere with a tiny succulent. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Groom in a black tuxedo with a pink and green boutonniere with a tiny succulent. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart WeddingsGroom in a black tux smiling at Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings 

For my bridal party, I couldn’t have imagined it without including my best male friend. Chris made the perfect bridesman/man of honor and I am thoroughly a fan of breaking tradition of all female bridal parties to include a close guy friend. As a fan of non-matching bridesmaid gowns, I told my bridesmaids to choose any long gown they wanted. I showed them a visual representation of the color palette as well as a few suggested options and then they sent me their choices for me to review. It worked out so well and both ended up choosing two different blush gowns. For my bridesman, I chose a black tuxedo with a blush bowtie to distinguish him from David’s groomsmen, which was such a fun touch for his outfit! David’s groomsmen rented classic black tuxedos through the Black Tux for their outfits. For them, I selected the Davis outfit which had a peak lapel jacket.

Groom and groomsmen in black tuxedos with bridesmaids in mix match pink gowns and Groom in a black tux walking with bride wearing a colorful Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques on the Aria Lawn for bridal party portraits. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart WeddingsGroom and groomsmen in black tuxedos on the Aria Lawn for bridal party portraits. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings

Groom and groomsmen in black tuxedos on the Aria Lawn for bridal party portraits. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Groom and groomsmen in black tuxedos with bridesmaids in mix match pink gowns and Groom in a black tux walking with bride wearing a colorful Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques on the Aria Lawn for bridal party portraits. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Groom and groomsmen in black tuxedos with bridesmaids in mix match pink gowns and Groom in a black tux walking with bride wearing a colorful Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques on the Aria Lawn for bridal party portraits. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Groom and groomsmen in black tuxedos on the Aria Lawn for bridal party portraits. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Groom and groomsmen in black tuxedos on the Aria Lawn for bridal party portraits. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bridesmaids in mix match mauve and blush dresses and bridesman in in black tux with mauve bowtie with Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bridesmaids in mix match mauve and blush dresses and bridesman in in black tux with mauve bowtie with Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bridesman in blush bowtie and black tux with Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bridesman in blush bowtie and black tux with Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bridesmaid in blush dress with Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bridesmaid in blush dress with Bride wearing a Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Large bridal bouquet of mostly pink tones roses, peonies, ranunculus, and sweet peas with long bright pink and blush and mauve silk ribbons. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings
Bridesmaids in mix match pink dresses with bridesman in black tux and pink bowtie. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart WeddingsGroom in a black tux walking up grand staircase with bride wearing a colorful Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart WeddingsGroom in a black tux walking up grand staircase with bride wearing a colorful Marchesa blue and pink floral long sleeve couture gown with floral appliques. Fairmont Grand del Mar wedding published on Martha Stewart Weddings 

The Guest Experience

Our cocktail hour took place on the Manchester Terrace. We requested this space since it overlooks the reception lawn, giving guests a peek of what was to come! Watermelon and feta cubes, strawberry and brie grilled cheese sandwiches, and short rib croquettes with truffle aioli were served along with a selection of wines and strawberry-mint water.

Groom and bride during cocktail hour on the Manchester Terrace at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar

short rib croquettes with truffle aioli for wedding cocktail hour
Groom and his brother during cocktail hour on the Manchester Terrace at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
Watermelon and feta cubes for wedding cocktail hour
cocktail hour on the Manchester Terrace at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
cocktail hour on the Manchester Terrace at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
cocktail hour on the Manchester Terrace at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
cocktail hour on the Manchester Terrace at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
cocktail hour on the Manchester Terrace at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
cocktail hour on the Manchester Terrace at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
cocktail hour on the Manchester Terrace at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar
 
Part Two comes Thursday and will share all of the reception details and moments.

cocktail hour on the Manchester Terrace at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar

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Wow, your wedding was GORGEOUS! I have been trying sooo hard to track down this dress. I see in another comment you already sold it, but do you happen to have any new leads on where one might be? Thank you!

Unfortunately they will not make it anymore and it is so hard to find it second hand, you’ll need to find an alternative. See this for inspo: https://youtu.be/dREEv1qBTuU

Let me know if you want to sell your wedding dress to me ;) I am looking for it everywhere! Gorgeous wedding

I am in LOVE with your beautiful wedding! I love your venue, flower’s and most of all your gorgeous dress!! You have such great style and taste!

Love you both so much and proud as always!

Gram

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