BAHIA RESORT HOTEL, MISSION BAY
I’ve officially become obsessed with elopements, and I’ve become even more obsessed with elegant beach elopements like the one I photographed recently at the Bahia Hotel and Resort in Mission Bay. I shot two elopements last year, one at the San Diego Central Library and one on Coronado Beach. Each of them were so unique and both were absolutely gorgeous! I might also be partial to elopements, because my husband and I eloped in 2017!
I was so excited to photograph this stunning beach elopement editorial! The florals, the tones, and that Galia Lahav gown all spoke to me on deep levels. It really made me realize just how much I love photographing elopements and just how luxury they can really be. I think elopements are perfect for the couple who wants to make their wedding spectacular, but they don’t necessarily want it to be a grand affair. They are for the couples who crave intimate moments. The couples who want the beach all to themselves, who love to wander barefoot on the shore. The ones who want to declare their love in front of only their precious few.
The average cost of a wedding is about $30,000, and as a result elopements are really trending right now. With such a high price tag it’s no wonder that couples are choosing to cut costs in favor of something smaller. I think the important thing to keep in mind is that you don’t have to sacrifice luxury for simplicity. This elegant beach elopement editorial for instance, proves just that!
HOW TO PLAN THE PERFECT ELOPEMENT
Firstly, hire a great planner to help you orchestrate the elopement of your dreams. Secondly, choose your must haves and prioritize those first. Thirdly and most importantly, don’t lose sight of why you are doing this in the first place. Celebrating your love is the most important thing! Think about choosing a location or destination that holds special meaning to the two of you. Do you both love the beach? A seaside elopement might be perfect for the two of you. Was your first date a hike in the mountains or a trip to the desert? There are so many ways to create something special and true to you!
Above all, plan something you will be excited about! For example, maybe you’re both craft cocktail aficionados, think about hiring a craft cocktail service to make special drinks named after you. Similarly, maybe you both love Palm Springs and can incorporate a mid-century modern vibe to your wedding invitations. In addition to fun wedding details, think about what type of vibe you’re going for. In other words, do you want something romantic, bohemian, or elegant? Do you want an al fresco reception on the sand, or do you want to celebrate in an intimate indoor venue? The possibilities are endless!
On the other hand, maybe you just want it to be the two of you, and that’s perfectly fine too! In short, your wedding day is the celebration of you both and it’s entirely what you make it. Maybe you’ve never considered an elopement before because you didn’t think you could have your dream wedding. I’m here to show you that yes, you can! Scroll down to see my favorites from this perfect day!
The Dream Team:
PHOTOGRAPHY | Vanessa Rose Photography | VENUE | Bahia Hotel and Resort | FLORALS | Evergreen Flower Co. | STYLIST | Jade Magnolia | LINENS | La Tavola Fine Linen | PAPER GOODS | Fete and Quill | BRIDE | Caitlin Shey Spears | GROOM | Corey Martin | TABLETOP | Borrowed Blu | CHAIRS | Bright Event Rentals | HOST PHOTOGRAPHER | D’arcy Benincosa | GOWN | Galia Lahav | SUIT | Patrick James | RINGS | Everett Fine Jewelry | HAIR + MAKEUP | Soiree Beauty Concierge | STYLING MATS | JRD Artshop | CAKE | Jade Magnolia | FILM LAB | PhotoVision Prints
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