Relaxed Al Fresco Wedding in San Diego with a heartfelt story

There's nothing like a beautiful outdoor wedding and when you throw in that magical Californian light the result is simply stunning. Southern California wedding photographer CAVIN ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY captured Taylor and Ian's relaxed celebration at the DEL MAR COUNTRY CLUB in San Diego. Full of elegant details, there is also a heartfelt story behind the beaming smiles.

As told by CAVIN, "The week that Taylor and Ian were engaged, Taylor underwent surgery to remove skin cancer on her chest. She was left with a scar on her collarbone that she initially had a strong dislike for. Many people asked her how she was going to cover her scar with her gown. Instead, Taylor chose the sweetheart GALIA LAHAV gown she fell in love with and learned to embrace her scar as part of her story and body. Her strength and courage, not only in becoming a cancer survivor, but also in her confidence to bear a scar that many would cover, is incredibly inspiring. Her beauty runs deep, inside and out.

Bridesmaids wore light blue gowns with varying necklines and carried bouquets full of white roses and greenery by COMPASS FLORAL. Taylor’s mother donned a deep blue sleeveless gown in keeping with the colour tones of the wedding. Taylor kept her accessories simple with pearl earrings and a pearl necklace that looked beautiful with her long strawberry blonde curls.

The couple chose an elegant invitation suite with letterpress invitations that featured soft, torn edges. The taupe ink of the letterpress text matched the color of the envelopes. Inside the envelope, a greenery inspired envelope liner and all of the invitation suite pieces were wrapped in light blue silk ribbon. Five vintage landscape and nature-inspired stamps were adhered to each envelope."

For the ceremony, an exquisite circular arch completely covered in various types of white flowers and wild greenery provided a relaxed and elegant backdrop for the couple. With only around 75 guests, the ceremony took place on an intimate patio and was beautifully backlit by the sun. Taylor wanted to make use of a unique spot at the Del Mar Country Club that downplayed the golf course and featured perfect ceremony lighting.

Since the bride and groom were drawn to the ivy-covered walls, blue shutters, and grand staircase of the venue, I captured their portraits in areas highlighting these features. Ian’s black tuxedo and Taylor’s GALIA LAHAV gown provided a beautiful white and black contrast to the greenery of the property for an elegant and classic look.

Cara of Luxe Events incorporated the beautiful white and green flowers from Compass Floral with blue glassware and black dinnerware from Hostess Haven to tie in all of the wedding colours. Place cards matching the envelope liner of the invitations rested near the menus that sat beneath ribbon and a sprig of greenery. Elegant and vintage cane-back Oak Louis chairs were placed around the white textured linens of each table.

After dinner, guests made use of the multiple white lounges centered around the dance floor and by the bar. On top of each lounge table were votives and smilax that enforced the romantic mood of the evening, which was spent on heartfelt toasts and a very packed dance floor to the tune of Taylor and Ian’s favourite music.

Southern California wedding photographer CAVIN ELIZABETH PHOTOGRAPHY is based in San Diego, California. An educator and an avid blogger of wedding planning tips for brides and grooms. She authored the book A Bride’s Guide to a Picture Perfect Wedding, which teaches couples how to make simple changes to their wedding plans to optimise their photography. She believes that couples who plan their wedding with photography in mind are the couples who receive the most beautiful images. We're delighted to have her as a member of the Magnolia Rouge Vendor guide where you can see more of her work. You should also check out feature – Colourful wedding inspiration at a private estate in the Santa Ynez Valley.