31Mar

Mai and Dale | Darlington House Wedding

By, March 31, 2016

Mai and Dale were married at the illustrious Darlington House in La Jolla, California. This location, a San Diego Historic Landmark dating back to 1925, is a mash-up of sophisticated design characteristics from all over the world. For example, there is a Spanish-influenced library, an Egyptian/Andalusian patio, columns imported from Italy and Greece, and a Moroccan fireplace!

The multicultural theme of this venue was perfect for Mai and Dale, who celebrated a little bit of their own respective cultures throughout the wedding. To commemorate Mai’s Chinese family background, there was a traditional tea ceremony, and customary Chinese favors. To pay tribute to Dale’s Jewish heritage, a glass was broken during the ceremony, and guests danced the Hora during the reception. The wedding was super fun and had many unique elements and details as you will see below….we hope you enjoy!

Wedding at the Darlington House in La Jolla, California Macro ring shot on a reflective surface at the Darlington House in La Jolla, California.

To bring out the brilliance of these rings, we used a macro lens, and photographed them on a reflective surface.

Photograph of bride holding bouquet at the Darlington House in La Jolla, Califronia.Leading lines drawing focus to Bride and Groom at the Darlington House in La Jolla, California.

In the above photo, we brought our camera really close to the rail to create leading lines, and to draw attention to the couple.

Bridesmaids Candid Group Hug at the Darlington House in La Jolla, CalifornaBeautiful Bride in a stylized portrait at the Darlington House in La Jolla, California
Bride in groom in candid photos in La Jolla, California

We LOVE color! We’re always on the look out for unique colorful backdrops to liven things up.

Bridesmaids at the Darlington House in La Jolla, California Overhead wedding photo at the staircase of the Darlington House in La Jolla, California

Looking at things from different perspectives leads to visually interesting photographs!

Bridesmaids in a fun wedding photo at the Darlington House LibraryFramed wedding photo inside bridal suite at the Darlington House in La Jolla, CaliforniaFather walking Bride down the aisle during ceremony at the Darlington House in La Jolla, CaliforniaWedding tea ceremony at the Darlington House in La Jolla, California016M_DMazel Tov at the Darlington House in La Jolla, California 019M_D Big Group Wedding Photo of couple kissing at the Darlington House in La Jolla, California

It’s fun getting guests involved for a large group group photo, and it makes an awesome keepsake for the couple!

Romantic Moment outside of the Darlington House in La Jolla, San Diego, California

As you can imagine, the Darlington House has a number of striking photo locations, both inside and out.

Wedding Photo outside of the Darlington HouseSunset wedding photo in La Jolla, California

Just down the street, there is a beautiful stretch of beach, where we snuck this beautiful couple away for romantic sunset photos.

Wedding couple point at Just Married sign at the Darlington House in La Jolla, CaliforniaDetail photograph of outdoor wedding venue in La Jolla, California

We understand how much effort goes into the preparation of a wedding, and photograph every intricate detail from a variety of vantage points.

Chopsticks wedding favor at the Darlington House in La Jolla, CaliforniaSeating Chart Detail Photo at the Darlington HouseWedding cake and venue photograph at the Darlington HouseBride and groom signs and venue photograph at the Darlington House at dusk in La Jolla, California

By setting our exposure just right, we were able to bring out the vibrant colors of the sky, showing the true ambiance of the reception.

Happy Groom during Hava Nagila/Hora Dance at the Darlington House in La Jolla, CaliforniaHappy bride during Hava Nagila/Hora dance at the Darlington House in La Jolla, CaliforniaDancing wedding photo with shutter drag at the Darlington House in La Jolla, California

Vendors

Venue: Darlington House
Disc Jockey: Allen Walker Entertainment
Invitation: Minted.com
Makeup: My Girls on Film Studios
Caterer: Personal Touch Dining
Photo Booth: Pixster Photo Booth
Hair Stylist: RissHair
Florist: The Flower Shop Encinitas
Bakery: The French Gourmet
Coordinator: Weddings by Lisa Nicole

To see more of Mai and Dale’s Darlington House wedding, please click here.

27Nov

A La Valencia Wedding Coordinated by Cynthia Zatkin Events

By, November 27, 2012

As a La Jolla native, I adore the La Valencia Hotel, or “La V,” as we call it here. It is such a wonderful location with a historic 1920’s feel to it. With its landmark pink color and Spanish elements, the La V feels very old California. And since it also boasts an updated interior, and amazing food and service, it feels very modern at the same time.

When it came time to decide on a destination wedding venue, Debi and Scott decided on the La Valencia, and they couldn’t have picked a better location. The couple decided to do the majority of the planning themselves, and brought my company in for day-of coordination. Whether we are hired for day-of or full service, we always put the same energy and dedication into planning the wedding day, and we produce the best results possible within the time given.

La Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin Events

I met with Debi and Scott about eight weeks prior to their big day to do a walkthrough at the venue. After going through questions regarding the set-up and timeline for their event, I created a detailed timeline, to serve as the master document for all the vendors.

La Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin Events

Since the La V is so close to the ocean, the pair were able to jet down to the waterfront with their wedding party for a few photos. The green huts shown here line the walkway along La Jolla Cove park, and make for an adorable backdrop.

La Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin EventsLa Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin Events

Debi and Scott both come from Jewish families, and it was very important for them to have Jewish traditions incorporated into their wedding. For example, The chuppah (wedding canopy), was crafted from the prayer shawls of the couple’s respective bar and bat mitzvahs. The prayer shawls were sewn together to represent the union of families. Very creative and so personal! The day’s events included a formal Ketubah signing prior to the ceremony, as well as traditional Jewish customs interwoven into the ceremony itself.

La Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin EventsLa Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin EventsLa Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin EventsLa Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin EventsLa Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin Events

The reception took place in the Veranda room, where Debi and Scott chose to begin the evening with the Hora! The idea was to have the guests up and dancing before dinner even began. I love these photos of Debi and Scott surrounded by family and friends – and their expressions are priceless!

La Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin EventsLa Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin Events

Rather than a traditional wedding cake, this couple opted for a small cutting cake, and a table of fantastic finger desserts from the amazing Michele Coulon. Lately, I have had a lot of couples opting for dessert displays, and a small ceremonial cake to cut. I love the idea and the look!

La Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin EventsLa Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin Events

Debi and Scott made use of the La Valencia’s white linens, brought in gold Chivari chairs with matching chargers, and had very minimalist white flower centerpieces. It was classy but simple – and purposely so. I love planning according to the tastes and personalities of my individual clients.

La Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin EventsLa Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin Events

I really enjoyed working with Debi and Scott! They were great decision makers and really enjoyable people, and I love that they just wanted a super fun party. Since my dad and his family are all Jewish, I appreciated the traditions, and really enjoyed the energy of this Jewish wedding. Mazel Tov!

La Valencia Wedding with Cynthia Zatkin Events

Coordinator: CZ Events
Photographer: True Photography Wedding
Venue: La Valencia
Bakery: Michele Coulon Dessertier
Linens and Rental: Raphael’s Party Rentals
Disc Jockey: Tim Altbaum Productions

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