La Jolla Wedding Venues: An Intimate Woman’s Club Wedding

What did you envision your wedding being prior to planning?

Prior to planning, we didn’t have a grand vision for our big day. We did not have any Pinterest Boards, or wedding magazine clippings prior to our engagement. We only knew that our wedding needed to be near the ocean and preferably in a garden setting. So when we found the La Jolla Women’s Club as a La Jolla wedding venue it brought a sense of peace over both of us. This is really when a vision started to form. 

Color Palette and Vision

Our color palette was anchored by shades of pink, with complimenting hues of orange and yellow. We felt these colors would look flattering amongst the lush green grounds of the La Jolla Women’s Club. The style we envisioned was a classic and romantic garden party. Much of what we liked mixed both French and British elements. And our love for Simplicity grounded every decision we made. 

What unique elements or DIY details did you include?

There were two unique elements that added to our intimate ceremony. My Father gave me away prior to the wedding, during the first look. Then after giggling with anticipation and unable to contain our excitement to be married; the first unique element occurred. My husband and I walked hand in hand together down the aisle. It was a very sweet moment for both of us, as we walked together into the next Chapter of our lives.

One DIY detail we included in our day, was our favor. We each wrote Thank You’s to every guest. Each card was different and expressed our gratitude for helping us to get to where we were as individuals. Without those that surrounded and supported us, we couldn’t have dreamed of the love we shared for one another. It was a unique touch that we felt our guest would cherish.

What was your favorite moment?

My favorite moment was walking down the aisle with my soon to be husband. We loved getting to hold each other’s hand and feel that sense of anticipation together. There was also something so powerful in displaying this sense of unity in our relationship and that together we walk into this marriage.

Looking back now, there were a few moments that stand out. The most prominent moment was the entire sense of calm we both felt. We did our best to not make our day a production. It was instead a sweet and simple day that we were able to share together and with our loved ones. Some La Jolla wedding venues can feel more corporate, and are made for larger gatherings. However, with an intimate wedding, we both appreciated that we were able to not only talk with each of our guests, but also enjoy both the garden and beach settings.

Personally, as the Bride, I enjoyed having fun at the local dive bar following our wedding in my wedding dress. It was such a blast to have a few drinks with our friends and let loose. It also doesn’t hurt to have complete strangers honk their horns and congratulate you on a momentous occasion. 

Let’s touch on all the pretty things!

Florals

I was very grateful to have a wonderful florist, Kim Sisti, of Sisti&Co. With only a few images I discovered online, she hit it out of the park. Throughout the process, I had a difficult time explaining what I was looking for, but Kim was able to create the vision I had. Ultimately, I was looking for colors that would pop in contrast to the lush green grounds of our La Jolla wedding venue.

Gown

The gown was one of my non-negotiables so-to-speak. It was the one thing that I really had envisioned throughout the process. What I envisioned was classic, clean, and had long sleeves. Ultimately, anything Pronovias. My dress was a combination of the Pronovias XEIC Bodice in crepe, with bateau neckline with long sleeves and rounded back & a custom designed ballgown skirt fitted at the waist and made with hundreds of layers of soft tulle. 

As an artist, I’ve always had a vision of what I wanted. Fast forward to a few appointments and countless tissues, my Fairy Godmother appeared. Jade Bridal in Chicago, IL was an absolute dream to work with. Instead of telling me that the dress didn’t exist Jade Bridal created the dress of my dreams. I should mention that I purchased my dress on the phone, never stepped foot in her store or had ever met designer Winni before purchasing my dress. Insane? Maybe, but I hadn’t felt more confident at that moment over the phone, than in the countless hours spent in a Bridal Shop. 

Favors

My husband and I took our time in selecting the perfect favor for our guests. Originally, we tossed around the idea of lavender sachets or coffee, but neither felt right. Ultimately, we decided on five Jordan Almonds for their classic flare and because they signify five wishes for the bride and groom: health, wealth, happiness, fertility, and longevity. In addition to this, our guests also received individualized Thank You letters that expressed our gratitude for their love, support, and significance in shaping us as individuals. 

Cake

This was the one thing that wasn’t a need for both of us. We thought we would change things up and go with something different and classic. We decided on a croquembouche. It was a hit. A croquembouche is a French dessert of choux pastry piled one on top of each other, and enrobed in caramel. Since our wedding day fell on National Donut Day, we, of course, included donuts on our dessert table!

Music

Whenever guests talk about our wedding there are two things they continue to talk about: both the music and food were very memorable. We choose to go with live music for our intimate ceremony and cocktail reception. We couldn’t be more in agreement as her voice set a magical mood throughout the day. 

Food

While we were restricted to select a vendor based on the venues preselected vendors, we were very thankful. Wild Thyme Catering hit it out of the part with their filling passed horderves of Chicken-n-Waffles, Strawberry Burrata Crostini, Short Rib Parfait, Butternut Squash Empanadas, and Cubano Bites. My mouth is watering remembering these tasty bites. It was the perfect amount of food for an afternoon cocktail wedding. 

What is one piece of advice that you could give brides-to-be?

Be strong in your sense of self and own what makes you two unique as a couple and individuals. If something causes you to stress, it shouldn’t. Every decision we made was one that made us feel happy and assured. If we felt stressed – we would walk away. At the end of the day it’s about your love for each other.

Photography: Shelly Anderson

La Jolla Wedding Ceremony Venue: La Jolla Woman’s Club

Event Planning and Florals: Sisti&Co.

Stationary: Sundae Printables

Rentals: Concepts Event Design

Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen

MUAH: Juna Beauty

Catering: The Wild Thyme

Band: Shea Givens

Wedding Dress: Pronovias

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