Photography: Yours truly, My Sun and Stars Co
Florals: BatCountry Design
Venue: The Arbor at Presidio Park
Planning: Allie with Always Flawless Productions now McHone Events
An elopement in San Diego
at the stunning Presidio Park
Raquel and Michael planned their intimate elopement for May 30th... my birthday! And what a delightful birthday present it was to spend some time with the two of them, and their closest family and friends. I've done engagement sessions at this park many times in the past (feel free to check out Britany + Caleb's Engagement Session) but this was my first elopement here and I seriously fell in love!
We started the day off by photographing the first look, then we took some portraits just the two of them, then we began the small, 20 person ceremony.
The First look
portraits
the ceremony
family formals
the first dance
cake cutting
About the Venue: Presidio Park, right nearby Old Town San Diego, located at 2811 Jackson St, San Diego, CA 92110 is an incredibly beautiful spot for small weddings, micro-weddings, intimate weddings, and small gatherings. It's an inexpensive venue, as it costs less than $200 to secure the permit for the space! There are a couple dedicated parking lots for the park, but they would require a pretty gnarly walk uphill to get to the venue, so I'd recommend street parking (which was available in plenty on a weekday!)
To get to The Arbor specifically (featured in the wedding above): The Arbor is located between Presidio Drive and Cosoy Way. Take Interstate 8 to the Taylor Street exit. Head west on Taylor Street and turn left onto Presidio Drive. Follow Presidio Drive up the hill to Cosoy Way. There is some street parking and also a small parking lot near the Serra Museum.
I got to know Raquel and Michael a little bit during our initial consult call, and I got to give each one of them a little "pep talk" before the first look
Essentially, pretend I'm not here. This moment is just for you, take some time to breathe, Your partner looks incredible, seriously. Just be yourselves, take eachother in, and when you're feeling awkward and want to move on I'll jump in!
Both of them immediately got emotional... which always makes me emotional, and makes for some incredible wedding photos!
After the first look, we went off to take some romantic couples portraits throughout the park! I always like to get in as much movement and natural interaction as possible into these couples photos- that's how "in-between" moments really shine.
Guests started showing up! And since it was such an intimate gathering (less than 20 guests in total), the couple directly greeted all their favorite people
Family photos, first we start with everyone! Then we pare down and make sure to get a photo with all the important groups. Immediate family, siblings, each parent, the friends, etc. These are fast, easy, and fun.
