Romantic San Diego Beach Elopement: Marissa + Brian

shipwrecked elopement

If the planning of a traditional wedding starts to get out of hand + stress you out, take a big, deep breath and remember what it’s all about, like Marissa + Brian did! They ended up going with “shipwrecked” themed elopement and celebrated on the sands of one of SoCal’s prettiest beaches in La Jolla. For them, having a good time was the top priority, and they knew if they were enjoying themselves, and their intimate group of guests were too, the day would automatically be a success! Here’s a bit more from them about why they decided to elope.

We started planning a more traditional wedding. 75 guests quickly turned to 100, and that quickly turned to 150. We found ourselves answering questions about colors and cakes and garters….and realized we had lost what the day was truly about. We dropped everything and decided to elope with just our closest friends and family. We wanted the day to be about our love and the people who celebrate our love with us. We didn’t want to follow a schedule, or to do something just because “that’s what you do at weddings.” We will forever think that’s the best decision we’ve ever made. Never have we felt so much love for each other, and so much love shared with our friends and family.  It was truly a day to celebrate that.

Bravo to Lauren Sharon Vintage Rentals and Design for styling such a romantic beach-side affair and thanks to Kristen Booth for sharing these lovely images with us today!

ring in a shell

kissing booth backdrop

nautical beach decor

nautical shell bouquet

shipwrecked ceremony on the beach

shipwrecked ceremony on the beach

shipwrecked ceremony on the beach

shipwrecked ceremony on the beach

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Marissa: The most memorable part of the day were our vows. I think since we only had our closest friends and family sharing the day with us, we felt more comfortable sharing personal vows. And it was almost like our guests were sharing the vows right there with us, since all of our guests had been there every step of the way throughout our relationship. (Honorable mention: My dad ran down PCH to flag down an ice cream truck...so clutch.)

Brian: When our officiant, Ned, told me "she is on her way". Just the feeling of knowing my true love was coming to meet me and we could dedicate our lives to each other. I remember every sense heightened...the ocean, the wind, our family.

shipwrecked ceremony on the beach

shipwrecked ceremony on the beach

shipwrecked ceremony on the beach

shipwrecked ceremony on the beach

shipwrecked ceremony on the beach

wedding party

wedding party

M’s uber cool shell + moss bouquet was a DIY!

bridesmaids

wedding party

bridesmaids

wedding party

shipwrecked elopement

shipwrecked tablescape

shipwrecked tablescape

shipwrecked tablescape

shipwrecked elopement

shipwrecked elopement

shipwrecked elopement

shipwrecked elopement

shipwrecked elopement

shipwrecked elopement

shipwrecked elopement

shipwrecked elopement

And we LOVE her unique gown, which she scored at Macy’s! For an incredibly similar and equally beautiful option, we adore BHLDN’s Flora Gown!

shipwrecked elopement

shipwrecked elopement

shipwrecked elopement

shipwrecked elopement

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Our advice to couples planning an elopement...don't feel guilty. The day is about the two of you and your love, so make it about that! And the day goes by so fast as it is, might as well enjoy every minute of it!

photography: Kristen Booth // event design: Lauren Sharon Vintage Rentals and Design // florals: DIY // wedding dress: Macy's // hair stylist: BlowPop La Jolla // makeup artist: BlowPop La Jolla // groom attire: Express Men // videography: Lucid Videography // catering: Not So Fast! Food Truck // location: Windansea Beach

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