Emily Smiley: Fine Weddings and Soirees

For most brides and grooms, having rain on their wedding day would definately put a damper on the mood of the wedding. However for this San Diego Destination Wedding, Colin and Melissa couldn’t have been more happy to get married- rain or shine! They were absolutely the most loving couple. I was quite humbled by their sincereness and love for not only each other but their friends and family that surrounded them. The story of Colin and Melissa is quite unique in itself. They met in Military school and both have generations of family in the Military. Melissa is now an officer in the Navy and serves on the Green Bay; which is now docked here in San Diego. (Hence the reason they wanted to Wed in San Diego). Melissa’s father actually was one of the Engineers that created the Green Bay and spent most of his career designing the ship. It is actually a pretty amazing that his daughter now serves on it. Colin, also a Military Engineer, is now in the reserves servicing San Diego. San Diego is so lucky to have such wonderful Military Service Men and Women-and I felt so honored to be apart of this beautiful day.  That being said- they wanted nothing else but to be married on a Ship! Of Course! I researched the different possiblities we have to offer here in San Diego and found San Diego Harbor Excursions to be what we were looking for. The feel for the wedding day was similar to what you would experience being on ‘Titanic’. Old Romance. Karen Tran- San Diego Florist did an amazing job interpreting that into the floral design. Huge Pillar candles with lush floral centerpieces filled the tables. Each table was named after a specific Historic Boat (and Yes! The Green Bay was one of them) and on the back side of each table name was a description of the vessel and how it served its purpose. The guests seated at each table were then asked to write a special note to the Bride and Groom.  As I mentioned before- this particular Saturday in Febuary it rained. Not just a drizzle – it POURED!!! And it didnt let up. So being the quick thinker I am; my staff and I moved the HUGE Floral Altar Pieces down to the second level (the wedding was supposed to be on the top level outside). I was really disapointed at first; I really wanted the photos of our couple outside. I noticed that on the second level there is a small portion of the deck outside that is covered…small enough to allow a Bride, a Groom, and a Chaplin marry outside but out of the rain! Bingo! The guests watched through the open double doors as it poured down rain. Just as they were announced Husband and Wife; the rain let up (just for a minute) and a Rainbow appeared! It was breath taking! And of course; our FABULOUS photographer Boyd Harris captured the amazing view. (With, of course, the Coronado Bridge and the Green Bay Ship behind them).  What a spectatular day it was. The Bride and Groom were so thrilled and the evening continued with wonderful food and a Fantastic DJ (Justin Kanoya) to party the night away while floating along our beautiful Bay.  At the end of the evening – and YES! – it was still raining…My wonderful assistant Lauren stood in the Pouring rain(and was drenched!) and held an umbrella over Boyd so he could capture our Bride and Groom driving away in a Vintage Rolls Royce. That evening they stayed at the historic Hotel Del Coronado.