The couple had met because of their dogs. The officiant – who happened to be the groom’s brother in law – told the story so eloquently. Got to love it when your pooch is responsible for meeting the love of your life! I cherish stories like this…first date, lost dog, instant bonding, love, love, love.

The couple lives in the San Diego area, loves the outdoors and all that the ocean has to offer. Making me of course wonder, why did we stop in Phoenix and not keep traveling west to this lovely part of California? I say that, but of course we love that we live in Phoenix but sometimes when you photograph a destination wedding in a locale other than yours, you just get a touch nostalgic for the “grass is always greener” type of thing. This location made us do just that!

This beautiful wedding was at the Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. The ceremony was in a lovely little garden, cocktail hour followed in the adjacent courtyard and the reception was in the Grande Room – all perfectly situated amongst the luscious greenery of the hotels setting and perfectly coordinated by Melissa Reinke from Sweet Blossom Weddings. Everyone had a  blast. The party just kept going and going. A great group of friends and family laughing and dancing….the perfect ingredients for a successful wedding.