Tara + Dustin share a love for the ocean, so they knew from day one that they would be married on the beach. They also wanted a place where friends and family could gather together and “kick it” for several days – a place that fostered togetherness to offset the typical craziness that often occurs during the wedding week. Tara found Levyland Estate in Carlsbad, California when perusing a wedding blog, and knew immediately that it was the perfect spot. They kept things simple as they wanted their wedding day to be a simple, small gathering of their closest friends + family celebrating their marriage.
Here’s what Tara had to say about how they met + their love for one another: “Dustin and I met at our best friends’ wedding, which is really the best way to meet someone in my opinion! :) He truly is one of the most remarkable human beings I’ve ever know. He is thoroughly genuine and honest and is man of his word. He has this fun and goofy side, and always finds a way to put a smile on my face when I’m taking life way too seriously or being a tad dramatic (girls NEVER do that, right?!) . Plus, he’s tall and extremely handsome – Total package :)”
Thanks to Braedon Photography for the photos and congrats to Tara + Dustin!
How gorgeous is the back detail of her Claire Pettibone dress!!?? In major love…
Oh man, where to begin? I really enjoyed the entire day, and I was soooo surprisingly relaxed! My bridesmaids and I started the day off with an early morning yoga class - I had an instructor come to the house, and it was the perfect balance of relaxation and fun with my favorite gals. Can't imagine starting my day off any other way.
Another favorite moment was during the ceremony when Dustin read a poem to me that he had written. This man does not often express himself verbally, especially in front of a crowd - so this was such a treat for me. I don't think there was a dry eye on the beach! He had everyone laughing and crying all at the same time. Lastly, I loved taking the sunset pictures right after the ceremony. We were freezing but it was gorgeous and a really special time for Dustin and I before we had to head to the reception. Way to go, Braedon!
I loved that we had a whole week at Levyland with our families and friends – it was an incredible week, from cooking large dinners at the house together, to watching the dads put up white lights in all of the trees, to the massive Costco trip. I also loved the entire feel of our wedding. At the end of the day, we both agreed it was EXACTLY what we wanted. Neither of us were overly stressed and we were able to enjoy everything. I loved the flowers, the decorations, the food was bomb, Braedon’s pictures are AMAZING and we have a beautiful wedding video – can’t really ask for anything else!
photography: Braedon Photography // venue name: Levyland Estate, Carlsbad, California // event design: a lot of DIY + Kelsie // wedding dress: Claire Pettibone // hairpiece: Elizabeth McMahon from Maddie Lu's // bride's shoes: Christian Louboutin // hair stylist: Erin Luce - Unveiled Bridal Beauty // makeup artist: Erin Luce - Unveiled Bridal Beauty // groom attire: Hugo Boss // videography: Chris Berkenkamp // paper goods: Bride's mom // catering: 220 Catering // cake: San Diego Desserts // grooms shoes: To Boot New York // grooms tie: handmade by Christopher Wales out of Denver, CO // event planner: Kelsie Hopkins, Bloomin Bride Designs // florist: Kelsie Hopkins, Bloomin Bride Designs
Love this! That dress is amazing :)
The back of that dress is amazing!
Wow! do I wish I lived in California. I enjoyed the beach pictures
Love her smiles and the beach atmosphere!!
love love love the bouquet and bout!!!
We love everything about this wedding. The Claire Pettibone dress is exquisite, the location is gorgeous!
So in love with the bride’s dress, the bridesmaids’ dresses, the shoes, HER hair! This is so beautiful, thanks for sharing!
Wow I love the bride’s hair and wedding dress, she looks like a Greek goddess. Her make up is light yet she stills looks radiant on her wedding. Congratulations!
gorgeous wedding dress and very nicely captured photos of the wedding moments
Where did they groomsmen get their suspenders?
The color scheme fits perfectly with the theme!
I really loved your wedding!!!!!!!! it reminded me of this jewelry web site, Alueh, i’m kinda obssessing about lately hahaha i used them for my wedding that was also at the beach
I love her dress… and I’m a dude! (ps. yes, I am straight with a wife and family I love.) .. pps. liking the bow tie as well. .. o heck, loving their whole style and how you can feel their personalities in what they wore and the decor… awesome wedding!