I'm so happy that Ilia and David found each other - even against the odds. When the two met, they lived on opposite sides of the country. Both being successful professionals in their fields (Ilia a doctor and David now a lawyer) they were settled into their lives and skeptical at first that a relationship could work. But they fell in love from a distance and when David came out to meet her in person, a single date turned into a 10-day holiday together where they got to know each other, and where David had an opportunity to meet many of the important people in Ilia's life. Well, they both passed that test and David moved out to San Diego to start his life with Ilia.
Now, just to see them together, it's as if two lost puzzle pieces came together to form a union that was meant to be. I love the way that David looks at Ilia, and I love the way that Ilia smiles back in his direction.
Ilia and David were married on the cliffs of La Jolla at the Martin Johnson House, located within the Scripps Institute of Oceanography. They prepared for the ceremony at their beautiful home in Pacific Beach.
Look at this beautifully lit room. What a fun place to photograph Ilia getting into her dress.
Ilia made sure to tell David when they met that she was a "package deal" with this little princess.
While I photographed Ilia at the house, Amy went to the wedding venue to take some photographs of the setup. The Martin Johnson House is like a blank canvas - a simple house with large terraced decks and a breathtaking ocean view. Ilia and David's family and friends transformed it into a cheerful, yet romantic paradise filled with flowers. Amy captured this photograph of a humming bird enjoying one of the additions.
Back at the house the other flowers were delivered. David decided against having a boutonniere, so this one was worn by Ilia's father.
I love that smile, Ilia!
I'm so happy we had the opportunity to capture the first moment that David saw Ilia in her dress.
The marine layer started to roll in and while during the ceremony the sky might not have been as blue as Ilia and David thought it would be, the end result was perfect. The way the sun came through those filtered clouds to light up the flowers was absolutely magical.
During the reception, several of Ilia and David's family and friends toasted the happy couple. I really enjoyed getting to know Ilia and David even better after hearing what their loved ones had to say about them. Honestly, what a fun and witty group of people!
Amy and I both had such a great time - on the way home we talked about what a great crowd this was, and how much positive energy we felt from everyone who helped celebrate. Ilia, your parents and your grandmother are inspirational. David, you were right; your sister is such a funny and warm person and she immediately made me feel welcome. In fact, every guest I encountered was just a joy to meet. Believe it or not, the party was so much fun I was actually surprised when the band announced the last song.
Ilia and David - I know you're enjoying your honeymoon now, but if you do have the chance to get online to see this while you're away, I hope you enjoy this small sample of your day. Thank you, once again, for asking us to photograph your wedding.
A well photographed celebration.
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