As you begin your search for the perfect seaside-wedding locale, you may have certain criteria on your list. For me it was – oceanfront, easy to get to, reliable, luxurious (yet not ostentatious) surroundings at a unique property. I found the exact location that fit the list and on August 26,2005, I was married to my sweetie at the quaint and classic L’Auberge Del Mar in Southern California. The boutique hotel faces the Pacific Ocean and is in the heart of Del Mar – adjacent to restaurants, walking distance to the beach and shopping.

Our “tropical elegant” ceremony was held across the street from the hotel at Seagrove Park overlooking the Pacific Coast. The entire process (from selection to planning and finally, execution) was seamless. We fell in love with the location during a scouting trip in January of that year and tried to find reasons to go back as many times as possible, not only before the wedding, but after.

I felt like a guest at my own wedding. Because the staff had been so attentive during the process, I had no doubt our wedding day would be exactly as we’d hoped, and it was. They handled everything – park permits, working with our vendors, even giving me personal recommendations on hair stylists and local experts to handle the specifics. When I look back on that day nine years ago, I have nothing but happy memories and a feeling of wanting to relive it over again. It was the perfect destination for us and our guests to celebrate a milestone in our lives.

This January, we ventured back to this special place to see how much it had changed. The property completed a renovation some time ago and all the areas they’ve changed only enhance the beauty (it went from very “traditional French cottage” décor to more of a “modern French cottage”). The service is still impeccable – they even offer you mini-cupcakes, cookies or some other delectable treat when you check in. The concierge was more than helpful, researching nearby hiking trails for us and suggesting the best place to grab a picnic lunch so we could sit in the park where we were married and enjoy a romantic meal together.

From nine years ago until today, L’Auberge Del Mar still offers exceptional service, accommodations and in one of the most beautiful and charming locales in Southern California. It holds a special place in my life, and I hope if you choose to marry or experience a honeymoon vacation there, it will hold a special place for you too.