Natalie & Dennis | La Valencia, La Jolla Wedding

October 16, 2023

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It was the perfect day! The sun veiled in light clouds and the breeze flowing through on a warm summer day, Natalie & Dennis were getting ready at the iconic La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, California. Walking around the grounds, you could hear giggles coming from the bridal suite and a getting ready playlist featuring an array of 90’s, early 2000’s, and current popular music to add to the excitement. After so much time long distance, this was the day everyone had been waiting for: The day Natalie & Dennis would become husband and wife!

Getting Ready

Stepping into the room, bridesmaids were in head to toe glam and sporting silky, blush robes with feather detailed sleeves. They all looked red-carpet ready! Our bride was sitting in the hair and makeup chair with her talented glam squad, Camille and Valerie. Blush delicately swept across her cheeks and each curl carefully placed, Natalie could not have looked more stunning in her corset outfit and “I Do!” slippers. She was simply a vision! The ladies and the mothers of the bride and groom hopped on the bed to share a champagne cheers and celebrate their girl, and it was time to get dressed!

We’ve known since we met the couple that Natalie’s dress would be nothing short of perfect, and it did not disappoint! Her mom helped her get zipped in and then took a few moments to revel in her daughter. A few tears slipped from both their eyes as they soaked it all in and shared a warm embrace.

Over in the groom’s suite, the guys were dressed to the nines in their navy uniforms. As we walked to the front of the venue to put on those final touches and make a cheers to our groom, guests from the hotel and locals walking by whispered about how amazing the gentlemen looked.

The groomsmen made a toast to Dennis on his big day and enjoyed a drink with no shortage of laughs. His best man and dad helped him with his jacket and bow tie, ensuring that he was ceremony-ready. They were truly such a fun group!

The First Look & Ceremony

On the balcony, Dennis took his place to see his bride for the first time. Her train gracefully flowing behind her, Natalie tapped him on his shoulder and he turned around to meet her with a huge smile. Quietly taking it in, he spun her around and shared a kiss. It was so sweet!

After portraits, it was time for our ceremony. The precessional featured excited grins and happy tears before all the guests turned to watch Natalie and her dad walk down the aisle, the view of the ocean behind them. They exchanged vows and rings, promising forever together and sealed it with their first kiss as a married couple. As they headed up the stairs hand in hand, Natalie threw her bouquet up, blissfully happy!

Portraits & Reception

After some alone time, the new Morrals hopped on a pink golf cart with us to ride down to the beach to capture their newlywed romantics. The clouds softly diffusing the light, the two of them looked like they had walked out of a magazine. The birds flew overhead and seals nearby splashed in the waves. As Dennis picked Natalie up, you couldn’t help but feel so excited for them. What a perfect start to their marriage!

After heading back to the venue, it was time for grand entrances. Once the wedding party had entered, our couple came through a sword arch and were asked to kiss to pass through. It was very cool and all the guests were loving it! The couple shared their first dance and enjoyed a delicious dinner before hopping back on the dance floor for the parent dances. There was so much joy in Natalie’s dad and Dennis’s mom’s eyes as they looked at their child. Those tender moments are always so touching! Dennis’s sister, Phillis, our Best Man, and the Father of the Bride all gave speeches about how lovely these two are together and sharing fun, old memories. Using a sword, they cut their cake and the dance floor opened. Their guests were having such a fun time twirling and singing or heading out to the bar area where strung lights created a gorgeous ambiance for conversations. It truly was a beautiful evening!

To the Couple:

Natalie and Dennis, we are truly overjoyed for you! You are both so classy, kind, and wonderful people, and your day was such a reflection of how well you love those around you. What a blessing to get to be there and capture it for you! We wish you all the best in marriage together and from one previously long distance couple to another, enjoy every second finally being close! It only gets better and better!

– Hayes & Bree