Erika and Matt’s Elegant La Jolla Wedding

Erika and Matt’s La Jolla wedding was heavily influenced by the charm of family and passed down traditions from their Jewish roots. Their theme of vintage and romance blended seamlessly with their desire to make the moment personal for their guests. Erika planned the majority of her wedding, opting for a day-of coordinator, and knew exactly what she wanted for her special day. The couple held their wedding at Darlington House in La Jolla–an elegant and glamorous 1940s backdrop which matched perfectly with Erika’s vintage inspired dress. The colors used throughout the wedding were champagne and rose with soft pink touches.

The couple made sure to keep their Jewish wedding traditions a prominent highlight of their celebration. They performed the Jewish wedding custom, “veiling the bride (badecken)” which is similar to a “first look.” According to legend in the Bible, instead of marrying Rachel, Jacob was tricked into marrying Leah. So as to avoid such a mishap, Matt and Erika met before the ceremony so he could check to make sure it was his intended bride before she lowered her veil! Erika and Matt then joined their family and Rabbi to sign the Ketubah before starting the actual ceremony. The signing of the Ketubah is a private ceremony between the bride, groom, and their parents. The Ketubah describes in poetic form their love and commitment, as well as important information about the wedding day itself. After they signed it, Erika and Matt placed the Ketubah on an easel to be displayed, a symbol of old traditions kept alive with the union of their commitment.

Erika and Matt’s ceremony took place under the traditional chuppah, a bridal canopy used in Jewish weddings. It symbolizes the new Jewish home Erika and Matt will create together! For the reception, Erika had her twenty-eight person wedding party seated at one long table with guests on all sides. Each table was adorned with candelabras and floral centerpieces from Adorations. Erika and Matt chose three signature cocktails for their guests to enjoy: “Love Lee” a vodka infused drink; “Muttled Men” a Vodka martini; and “the Rita” a margarita with a Hawaiian black salt rim.

They kept guests entertained with a surprise first dance to Michael Jackson’s “The Way You Make Me Feel,” and an “Anniversary Countdown” where couples lined up according to the length of marriage and the oldest couple received a gift from Erika and Matt! Treating her closest friends and family to a memorable day was always on the forefront of Erika’s vision, so she made sure the party didn’t end just at the Darlington House –guests then got to attend an after party at Clay’s in La Jolla to continue the celebration!

Wedding Photography: lunaphoto | Flowers + Chuppah: Adorations Botanical Artistry | Catering: ChileCo | Event Lighting: Allie’s Rentals | Day of Coordination: Wedding Elegance by Nahid | Venue: Darlington House | Music: Shammy Dee | Wedding Cake: Fab Cakes | After Party Venue: Clay’s La Jolla

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