A whole lot of love, delightful military touches and a little bit of Irish luck! The wedding of Kathryn and Ryan was a beautiful celebration with these elements and much more. These two lovebirds and their children were blending their family on this special day. Details of the event included an ivory and green color palette for St. Patrick’s Day, special speeches and honoring military traditions throughout the wedding.
Location
The wedding day celebration was held at the Horton Grand Hotel in downtown San Diego. This charming, boutique hotel in the middle of the Gaslamp district was perfect for this couple’s I-Dos. The Horton Grand Hotel’s space had a New Orleans style ambiance with brick and market lighting in the outdoor, but private space for this wedding. The days approaching the wedding were rainy, but the weather cleared up just in time for this perfect Saint Patrick’s Day wedding!
Ceremony
The ceremony was held in the gorgeous outdoor patio area of the Horton Grand Hotel. The love was so apparent and it was a very touching ceremony. Floating candles in vases were placed along the fountain with a lucky clover above served as a backdrop for the ceremony. The groom’s military chaplain officiated the ceremony where the bride and groom exchanged their own vows which made them even more meaningful.
The groom and his groomsmen looked sharp in their military attire and the venue provided a table for military personnel to place their hats.
Kathryn and Ryan honored the blending of their two families by having their children, two sons who were ring bearers and a daughter who was the flower girl, participate in lighting the unity candle.
After lighting the candle, the couple and their children gathered in front of the chaplain for a special prayer and blessing.
As the couple exited the groomsmen created a sword arch, a military tradition, that the couple walked through as husband and wife!
Details
The details of this day included nature inspired floral by House of Stemms in a beautiful green and white color scheme that brightened up the space.
Flour Power designed a beautiful tiered cake and special groom’s cake in honor of his military service. The bride and groom even used a sword to cut into the cake! There were little touches of green lighting, hanging moss shamrocks and adorable signage throughout the space.
Music
Kathryn and Ryan had the best of both worlds. Not only did they have one of the best DJs around, DJ Art Mitchell, but they also had a bagpiper who was a surprise for the guests. Robert Burns played the bagpipe for the bride’s entrance to the ceremony as well as, the recessional leading the guests to cocktail hour.
Cocktail Hour
Cocktail hour was in Copley Alley, which is a unique area with brick walls and market lights located on the backside of the Horton Grand Hotel. Guests enjoyed music from bagpiper Robert Burns for first half of cocktail hour well mingling and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and drinks.
Dinner Reception
The dinner reception was held indoors and the close knitted group had so much fun! From the moment Kathryn and Ryan made their grand entrance to “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” the love and excitement for them was so real. It was hard for anyone to keep a dry eye during toasts because the words shared by guests about Kathryn and Ryan were so heartfelt. It validated what a blessing it was that the two found each other and what an amazing relationship they share.
The DJ was great keeping most of the guests on the dance floor; even the children. Kathryn took to the dance floor with her mother and “danced” her around in her wheelchair! It was such a fun and special group of family and friends. Thank you Kathryn and Ryan for having us coordinate your special day and we wish you a lifetime of happiness!!
Vendor Team
Coordination: At Your Side Planning
Venue: Horton Grand Hotel
DJ: DJ Art Mitchell
Bagpiper: Robert Burns
Photo: Bluespot Photography
Florist: House of Stemms
Makeup: Blo Gaslamp
Bakery: Flour Power
