A Classic, Historic Wedding at Balboa Park in San Diego, California

Due to the influence of Spanish, Moorish and Mexican architectural design seen throughout Balboa Park in San Diego, California, Elissa Nelson (31 and a pediatric) and David Rynearson (37 and a firefighter.) felt there was no need for a wedding theme (or decorations for that matter.) “There was no specific theme to our wedding; our ultimate goal was to make it a great experience for all,” Elissa says. “I picked a few areas of importance as did Dave, and those were our main focus.” The couple exchanged their vows in Casa del Rey Moro Garden, a lush garden space surrounded by the House of Hospitality, where the reception took place. Square Eye Photography worked to create and preserve memories through capturing special moments of the day, with Elissa wearing her Katerina Bocci Bridal Couture strapless ivory gown. Instead of focusing on a specific style, the couple put their attention into the lush centerpieces at the reception, one of which was filled with grapes, roses, and hydrangeas accented with leaves and arranged inside a tall glass vase. The only other flowers were those that Elissa and her bridesmaids held during the ceremony. “I love the idea of simple, clean bouquets and knew I wanted purple calla lilies for the bridesmaids and myself,” Elissa says.