Elopements are always a pretty cool thing for us to be a part of. They are all of the importance and emotion of a regular wedding, but significantly quieter and less stressful. Alastair and Mike really wanted their day to be documented in a way that people who looked at the photos could feel like they were a part of their day. Hopefully we accomplished that, because it was a pretty awesome day. We started at their home to hang out a bit while they got ready. Then it was off to the San Diego County Administration Building (AKA the Miami Vice Courthouse) for the ceremony. Then the folks at Polite Provisions (one of their favorite spots) were kind enough to allow us to hang out and have drinks for a bit. We wrapped up our day at Presidio Park, which is one of my favorite spots because it’s always so quiet and laid back. It was a good day to get married.

For those of you in the know, my mom is a retired elementary school teacher. I was lucky to have grown up around her circle of teacher friends - all strong and amazing women. It was like I had a ton of cool aunts. One of my favorite friends of my mom is Lauren’s mother, Anne. Anne and my mom both taught at the same elementary school I attended. Anne taught 6th grade and pretty much from the beginning of knowing her I was looking forward to being in her class my final year at that school. Unfortunately the La Mesa school district when I was in 5th grade decided to dissolve the junior high system and turn them into middle schools - in effect moving all of the 6th graders over to the middle school. I never had a senior elementary school year, and I never got to be in Anne’s class. It was robbery of the highest degree.

I may not have gotten be a 6th grader in Mrs. Brooks’ class, but I did get to photograph her daughter’s wedding and I’ll take that as a pretty cool consolation prize. It was an honor to get to document an important day like this for the Brooks family, as well as getting to know Manny and his. Major disappointment though - although in attendance my mom did not stay into opening dancing so I have no crazy photos of her break dancing. I thought if any DJ could facilitate this it would be Vynce. Despite this, the party as you can see was a lot of fun and went well into the night.

Cake | Twiggs Bakery
Catering | Bali Hai Restaurant
Coordinator | Amy June
DJ & Lighting | Vynce Pham
Floral | Artistic Florals
Hair Stylist | Maggie Olsen
Makeup | Candice Davis
Officiant | Karla Shaw