An Elaborate La Jolla Elopement

Words by Sydney Bowen
Photos courtesy of Beautiful Day Photography

Amidst the chaos of the ER at Renown Regional Medical Center in Reno, Nevada, Andrea and Travis met and fell in love. She was a nursing student and he was in the middle of medical school. After a few months, they both found the courage to talk to each other.

“Three years later, I was working as a registered nurse and after Travis graduated medical school, we went on a vacation to Cape Cod to celebrate. On one of our last nights there, while walking on the beach, he knelt down on one knee and proposed,” says Andrea. “I said ‘yes’ of course!”

While searching the Internet for wedding inspiration, after allotting themselves a two-year timeline to plan and save money, Andrea discovered a promotion on Destination I Do’s website for a dream elopement contest. It was to be held at La Valencia Hotel and designed by Brooke Keegan Special Events.

“Knowing it was a long shot, she decided to enter because how amazing would it be if we could just get married without all the planning and financial stress?” says Travis.

To the couple’s surprise, they won! Andrea, Travis, their son, Easton, and Travis’ mother, Jeanne, headed to sunny La Jolla, California to say, “I do.”

As an acoustic guitar played softly in the background, the couple’s son walked Andrea down the aisle where Travis was waiting in front of a picture-perfect ocean view.

“After a few words of wisdom on marriage and well wishes from JP, our officiant, as well as a reading from my mother-in-law, Travis knelt down and asked our son if he had permission to marry me,” says Andrea. “Easton agreed, and hand-in-hand we said the vows we had written together.”

Following their intimate ceremony, the couple, their son and Travis’ mother enjoyed an intimate meal as the sun slowly set.

“I honestly could not have imagined a more perfect evening,” says Andrea. “Our hearts and our bellies were completely full.”

Vendors: Photographer: Beautiful Day Photography, Wedding Planner/Event Designer: Brooke Keegan Special Events, Ceremony/Reception Site: La Valencia Hotel, Florist: Isari Flower Studio, Stationery: Jen Simpson Design, Gown Designer: Pronovias, Groom’s Clothing Designer: Jos A. Bank, Videography: Cloudless Weddings, Officiant: JP Reynolds, Tabletop: Casa de Perrin, Jewelry: CJ Charles, Travel: San Diego Tourism Authority, Entertainment: The Society Band, Cake: Sweet Cheeks Baking Company, Hair/Makeup: Beauty by Stacey, Calligraphy: Little Miss Press, Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen