Retro-Romantic San Diego Wedding: Rachel + Anthony

hotel wedding

Rachel + Anthony exchanged their vows at a killer little space – the mid-century boutique Pearl Hotel in San Diego – with a gorge celebration designed + planned by Lace & Likes more reminiscent of an intimate cocktail party than a wedding. These two (who have been together for nine years and are still madly in love!) wanted their day to be fun + laid back, like they are when they’re together. There’s just so much to love that we don’t know where to begin, but if you’re anything like us, we’re willing to bet you’ll notice the gorge florals by Siren Floral Co and the fun, mismatched bridesmaids dresses right away. Here are a few words from the lovely Rachel, before we dive right into the photo goodness captured by Studio Castillero:

My parents were a huge part of our inspiration because our wedding date is their anniversary. They have been together for 33 years and counting. Our wedding was more of a cocktail party instead of a traditional wedding, which was exactly how we wanted it. A simple, yet romantic ceremony, followed by cocktail hour which then lead into a gourmet buffet dinner. We didn’t have the usual assigned seating. It was an intimate space where it made people involved with dancing and getting to know one another. It was simply perfect in our eyes…

wedding dress

white bouquets

bride

strappy wedding dress

ballerina bun bride

Wasn’t Rachel a total babe in her top knot + custom Big Day Dress? And her ‘maids in their mismatched neutrals are just the prettiest!

mixed dress bridesmaids

white whimsical bouquet

pearl hotel

The sweetest-ever little bouts by Siren Floral Co!

bouts on a tray

groomsmen

bow tie groom

This is what it’s all about, right?!

ceremony kiss

pearl hotel bride and groom

pearl hotel bride and groom

pearl hotel bride and groom

pearl hotel bride and groom

pearl hotel bride and groom

pearl hotel bride and groom

pearl hotel bride and groom

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

I would have to say when Anthony and I finally got a moment to ourselves during dinner. We were both making our rounds saying “hi and thank you” to our guests. Rachael our coordinator saw both of us and realized we had not had dinner yet, so she pulled both of us away from everyone and sat us down near the photobooth. She asked us what we both wanted and brought us our plates. We ate dinner on the floor but for some reason it stuck in my head how we laughed and talked about how happy we were at that moment.

brass candlesticks

green garland runner

green garland runner

flower cake

i do cake topper

pearl hotel wedding

bride and groom entrance

first dance

first dance

Our Musical Choices

Processional: Bloom – Paper Kites

Recessional: Electric Feel – MGMT

First Dance: You are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontange

bride flower crown

pearl hotel

And don’t miss Rachel + Anthony’s fun wedding film by Max and Molly Films and Austin Hendrix Productions!

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

It’s super important to have an amazing team behind you on your wedding day. It really does help relieve stress. Without our dream team our day wouldn’t have been as perfect as it was. Make sure whoever you choose to help with your big day that they are fun, and willing to go the extra mile. Our peps went above and beyond what we could have ever imagined.

Try to enjoy all the planning mayhem that will go on. Please, no that no matter how organized and on top of things you are things will go wrong. It’s just the nature of the beast. All said and done your day will be perfect even if things went wrong during the planning process. Have fun, it’s a once in a lifetime experience.

photography: Studio Castillero // venue name: The Pearl Hotel, San Diego, California // event design: Lace & Likes // planning: Lace & Likes // florals: Siren Floral Co // wedding dress: Custom by Big Day Dress // bride's shoes: Sara Jessica Parker // hair stylist: Tina Platt at Strategy Salon // makeup artist: Tara Vasquez at Make-up Forever // groom attire: Custom // catering: The Pearl Hotel // cake: Hey There, Cupcake // music: Austin Hendrix Productions // photobooth: Amigo Booth // videography: Max and Molly Films and Austin Hendrix Productions // invitations: bride, custom stamp with thick cardstock and paper source // rentals: The Pearl Hotel

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