Since Sara and David were planning a wedding in La Jolla, CA, where Sara grew up, they decided to start off their planning by a fun engagement photo shoot all over the village of La Jolla (or what we locals call the heart of La Jolla)! Look at some of the cute La Jolla landmarks they used for their backdrops! Since the photos were going to be used on the save-the-date, Sara and David also wanted the pictures to set the tone for their wedding. They give off a beachy-fun feel and Sara’s shirt is in one of the wedding colors. The bridesmaid dresses (below) match it almost perfectly!
The wedding ceremony, cocktail hour, and reception all took place at the La Jolla Presbyterian Church, right in the heart of the village. Sara grew up at the church and her parents still attend so it is a very important place for her. The church also has a large hall AND a liquor license for beer, wine, and champagne so it is great place for both a ceremony AND a reception! Her color scheme, blended beautifully with the So Cal atmosphere. Sara wanted a beachy feel but still classy and a little formal. We chose hues of peach, ivory, and seafoam to create this look. We accented it with sand dollars and star fish, added a simple shell decor to the cake (created by CAKE–love them!) and created custom day-of products that tied in the theme beautifully. This is a great way to pull your wedding together without spending too much money. Custom programs, menus, and seating cards aren’t necessarily expensive. 
My theory is that well placed details–rather than over the top decor–are what make an event look classy. I had one guest remark to me, on the side, that the client must have spent a fortune. In truth, they didn’t! They did choose a really good photographer (Sara France–one of my favorites!), they worked with a VERY good and reasonably priced florist (Indulge Flowers–another favorite!), they created custom day of products (thanks to Pink Star Design) that were simple and elegant but not expensive, and we chose simple but lovely linens and got the chivari chairs from a very inexpensive vendor I know out of OC. Our choices were specific, beautiful, and lending towards simplicity and I think you’ll agree with me that the overall effect is gorgeous! Sara gave me a budget and a vision and let me design based on that. It was a true joy to work with them and I always love making an event look truly beautiful and truly fit the client, no matter what the budget is! Thanks to Sara of Sara France Photography for the photos!
Cynthia Zatkin Events 
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