Sometimes a turn of events can transform something beautiful into something magical.
Even though it can be hard on planners, as photographers, we often feel like the more interesting photos happen when “the plan” gets shaken up a bit.
Ricki and Geoff, and their amazing planner and event designer Jessie Abrams Baca, had spent over a year creating a beautiful, colorful wedding weekend at Rancho Bernardo Inn in sunny San Diego, where the weather is always perfect and the sun can be counted on to shine.
Friday gave us a warm, pleasant evening for their rehearsal fiesta, where guests sipped pretty blue cocktails, noshed on Mexican food, puffed on hand-rolled cigars, and were entertained by mariachi musicians and dancers.
On Saturday, we all woke up to a steady, heavy rain that endured the entire day. When it sunk in that an outdoor ceremony would be impossible, Jessie and her team got moving creating an alternative ceremony environment under a tent, hoping to preserve the same feeling as the lawn wedding would have had. All the same decor was used, but the tent had to be lit with glowing orange lights, and guests were seated close together in order to fit everyone under the shelter.
Being in the cozy tent, surrounded by the warm colors Ricki and Geoff had chosen, made the ceremony all the more intimate and unique. The bridal party entered carrying brightly colored vintage umbrellas that the resourceful Jessie had found at the last minute. And the bridesmaids wore adorable rain boots one of them had picked up at Target just a couple hours before the ceremony.
All the last-minute rain adjustments only added more character and distinction to this already gorgeous event. It felt like we were all part of something very special – and something utterly unforgettable.
For the reception, the ballroom was transformed into a wonderland filled with candles, flowers, and white lounge furniture. Once the dancing started, it never stopped till the very end. We had a blast photographing Ricki and Geoff and all their fun friends and family. Toward the end of the night, Jessie brought in In ‘n’ Out burgers and fries (and hats of course!) for all the guests, ending the evening on on a high note.
Thank you to Jessie for making our jobs fun and stress-free and to our crazy-talented friend Brett Butterstein, who helped us shoot this beautiful event. All the photos that aren’t tagged with Ben or Erin’s names are Brett’s. And finally, to Ricki and Geoff for being so wonderfully laid-back, kind and gracious. We wish you a lifetime of serendipity.