Laura & Darren’s La Jolla Elopement
The path to Laura and Darren’s La Jolla Elopement started in Scotland and made its way to beautiful San Diego after about 3 months of planning. They didn’t come empty-handed though, they brought little pieces of home with them. Tucked into their day were thoughtful, meaningful touches: a traditional Celtic handfasting, a bottle of Scottish whisky to share, and heartfelt letters from family who couldn’t make the trip but were very much present in spirit.
The day started slow and easy at their Airbnb, with that perfect mix of excitement and calm. Their first look was one of those moments that just sticks – big smiles, a few happy nerves, and that quiet “this is really happening” energy. From there, we headed over to Balboa Park, where things shifted into full-on fun. Between the architecture, greenery, and hidden corners, it gave us the perfect playground for photos. Laura and Darren leaned into it, laughing, exploring, and just enjoying the latest adventure in a new place.
Then we made our way to the coast at for their La Jolla elopement. The timing couldn’t have been better. As the tide rolled out and the sky started to soften, everything felt calm, open, and a little bit magical. Their ceremony was simple, personal, and full of meaning. The handfasting tied in their roots, the whisky brought a toast from home, and the letters added a layer of connection that you could really feel in the moment.
By the time the sun dipped low over the ocean, it felt like the perfect ending to a day that was equal parts adventure, and intention. Just the two of them, a handful of meaningful traditions, and a whole lot of love – carried all the way from Scotland to the California coast.
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Looking for your own La Jolla Elopement?
Remember, your elopement is all about the both of you and what you want the day to feel like. You get to choose the when and where, whether you’re saying your vows on a mountaintop, beach, or field, what matters most is your love and having the experience you’ve pictured in your mind’s eye. We’re here to help you create the experience that you want and make this easy, fun and meaningful. So take a deep breath, let’s create your adventure and make some memories!
Alan & Heidi have years and years of experience with elopements and intimate weddings. Alan is an award winning photographer with his stand-alone wedding photography company – LoveStoryPhotography.com. He loves hiking and offroading in his bright orange Subaru. Heidi’s a former wedding planner, a professional writer, speaker, voice over artist, spent many years in theatre, and loves her “Zoom Zoom” Miata convertible. You can see her Officiating site at LoveStoryVows.com.
They both love what they do and after being married for 25+ years, they know spending time with people in love has helped them stay romantic. They also love being in nature, watching super hero movies, enjoying a good cup of coffee and are parents to two sons and far too many pets!