San Diego Lighthouse Wedding: Jamie + Ryan

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Located on the southern tip of Point Loma Peninsula in San Diego, California, Cabrillo National Monument is a stunning lookout point on the bluffs. It comes as no surprise that this couple chose to get married here - with 60 of their closest friends + and family on one side, and the expanse of the ocean on the other. Photographed by Westlund Photography and designed by Grace and Lace Design and Events, the nuptials of Jamie + Ryan were strikingly beautiful.

J+ R knew each other in college, but they had no idea what was in store for them. Fast forward to five years post-graduating, they both were working in different regions of Kenya for non-profits... Serendipitously, the two ended up in Nakuru, Kenya during the same week and reconnected! Their relationship began shortly after that. :)

Jamie shares I wanted the day to feel sacred, shared with our closest friends and family. Ryan said the only thing he imagined was having everyone he loved there with him (and he loves a lot of people). When he said this, I realized I felt the same, but didn't want to lose the beautiful quietness + intimate feeling that comes with a small ceremony. So we compromised: we decided to have an intimate ceremony with fewer guests, followed by a huge celebration where everyone could be invited to mingle, eat and dance into the night!

Let's dive in, shall we?

The dark + full greenery really makes the anemone pop in this bouquet by Fleur de Rosalie.

Jamie shares While I walked down the aisle, Ryan's groomsmen played an instrumental version of "Michigan" by the Milk Carton Kids on guitar, and his father accompanied him on the mandolin. How cool is that?!

Processional: Instrumental Version of Michigan by the Milk Carton Kids

Recessional: La Vie en Rose by Louis Armstrong

First Dance: Latch by Disclosure ft. Sam Smith

Jamie's gorgeous dress is by Rue de Seine, while Ryan's sharp tux is from Topman.

Just after the ceremony we were able to enjoy the National Monument to ourselves, with just our photographers along to capture those incredible first moments of marriage as we walked around the lighthouse and tide pools at sunset. Afterward, I will never forget the feeling of entering into a room filled with hundreds of people who have been part of our lives separately and together, standing on their feet clapping and cheering for us as the mariachi band played on their trumpets and we stood in awe, trying to take it all in.

HOLY SMOKES! Everything about this photo is pure magic.

Be open and communicative with your fiancé as you make plans. Hear each other out and try to create a wedding day that you are both excited about, because then it will be a truer reflection of the two of you and your guests will feel that difference. Being invited in to someone's relationship is special, and it will make your day feel intimate no matter the number of guests you share it with. Also, be honest with yourself about what traditions or trends feel right for the two of you, and which you could do without.

We love the "Where Should We Go Together" as a revamped guest book - guests can contribute their ideas + advice and share about their own travels. Too cute!

Situated between the Point Loma Lighthouse and Old Town San Diego - Brick made a great space for their reception! We're totally digging the industrial vibe.

The food was inspired by their love of Mexico, where they honeymooned afterward. Sugar and Scribe created a delicious fresh taco spread + decadent dessert table.