1. Real Weddings

A Simple, Elegant Ballroom Wedding at El Cortez in Downtown San Diego, California

Jess Gerges (28 and a business owner) and Steven Tran (30 and in wholesale produce) crossed paths when a stray dog approached Jess while on her way to

Jess Gerges (28 and a business owner) and Steven Tran (30 and in wholesale produce) crossed paths when a stray dog approached Jess while on her way to a nearby coffee shop. Jess had a fear of dogs, so when Steven saw her reaction from a distance, he protected her with his bike and the dog walked away. Jess wanted to treat Steven to a cup of coffee to say thanks, he accepted (although he ended up paying) and the rest was history! Two weeks before the couple traveled to Paris together, Steven took Jess out to dinner near the beach. They walked down to the waterfront after their meal, where Steven dropped down on one knee and proposed. Their simple, elegant wedding took place inside the Don Room at the historic El Cortez venue in downtown San Diego. The venue was decorated in a sunset color palette of yellow, orange, pink and some ivory, from the wedding arch flower arrangement to the dining table branch centerpieces. At the outdoor patio ceremony, Jess and Steven placed a hand on a stone while saying their wedding vows to represent their promises in physical form. Inside the reception ballroom, gold tablecloths dressed dining tables decorated with branch centerpieces of orange and pink roses, yellow dahlias and green succulents.

Jess wore a gold pair of Badgley Mischka heels, accented with bows on top of the toes.
Jess wore a strapless ivory wedding dress with a mermaid style that was designed by Stella York. A crystal belt accented the waist of the dress.
Jess carried a bouquet filled with white and pink peonies, yellow orchids and pink and orange and pink roses accented with hypericum berries.
“The bridesmaids wore a warm yellow from David’s Bridal, all in different styles for the ladies to chose what they were comfortable in,” says Jess.
The wedding ceremony took place on the outdoor patio at El Cortez in downtown San Diego.
Hanging black lanterns with a single candle decorated the aisle at the ceremony.
Jess and Steven, Wedding Ceremony
Jess and Steven, Outdoor Couple Shot
“We had our wedding in downtown San Diego at El Cortez in the Don Room,” says Jess. “The location was great to because our ceremony was on the patio and our guests transitioned easily into the ballroom. We loved having everything in one place.”
Inside the Don Room at El Cortez, dining tables in gold tablecloths were decorated with centerpieces of lush flower centerpieces on branches.
Flower arrangements filled with orange and pink roses, yellow dahlias and green succulents hung from branches and served as centerpieces on dining tables.
Assortment of Gold Candle Decorations
The gold sweetheart table was decorated with a flower arrangement of dahlias, gerbera daisies and roses accented with fern. A "Mr" and "Mrs" sign decorated the table as well.
Classic Photo Booth at Reception
Jess and Steven, First Dance