Over the decades, it has come to be called, affectionately, “The Hotel Del.” Opened in 1888, the Hotel Del Coronado is full of history, presidential and celebrity visits, and at least one ghost, and has been hosting weddings since before it even opened, with the first wedding taking place there in 1887 during construction.
It was a huge treat for us to be able to photograph Abby and Chris’s Hotel Del wedding this summer. Chris is a filmmaker, and is a commanding, delightful presence. We had not met Abby and Chris before their wedding weekend. At the rehearsal dinner, when a tall guy in a sky-blue jacket, bowtie, and huge smile on his face entered the room, Ben remembers thinking “please let that be the groom.” It certainly was. Abby, a school guidance counselor, is a beautiful ray of sunshine – always thinking of everyone else, and always smiling, even while it poured torrential rain for half of her wedding day.
After their St. Joseph Cathedral wedding in downtown San Diego, the rain finally cleared and we had some fun with the wedding party in front of the Hotel Del, then did a few portraits of Abby and Chris before starting the big party in the historic Hotel Del ballroom. It was a great evening of emotional toasts, wild dancing, and fun and unexpected moments. It was a night the founders of the Del would have been proud of.