Simply Solis Weddings & Events: Erin & Ryan

We recently did day-of coordination for am amazing couple, Erin & Ryan and were so thrilled to be a part of their special day. Their wedding started out as low-key backyard bbq at a family member's house, but as it evolved over the months of planning, turned into an elegant, but fun-loving, family-style celebration.

They were married in October in Old Town, San Diego and held the ceremony and reception in the beautiful backyard of a family member's home. It had an amazing view of the city, and was big enough to hold over 120 people but was small enough to create an intimate atmosphere. Everything about the wedding was family and friend-centered. The father of one of the groom's friends officiated the wedding, the dj was a family friend, two friends of the bride were the chalkboard 'artists' for all of the chalkboard signs and displays, another friend designed and printed the invitations and menus, and yet another made the table runners.

It was important to Erin and Ryan to have these personal elements as a part of their wedding day. Not only did they choose to have close friends help with the certain aspects of the day, they also included personlized touches throughout the reception to make each person feel special. The menus were printed to welcome each individual guest. They provided a photo booth and small chalkboard for everyone to use to write a message to the bride and groom and asked them to put a copy of the pictures in the guest book. My favorite 'personal' touch was asking the caterer, Eco Caters, to make a favorite family recipe, 'Aunt Deb's Peach Cobbler' instead of serving cake.

Another theme that was very important to the bride and groom was to have a 'green' wedding. They decided to use the very talented Eco Caters not only because of the delicious food they make, but also because of their mission: to protect both the earth, which is the source of their cuisine, as well as the people who populate the planet. They do so primarily through the use of biodegradable products and by providing the best locally grown, organic and seasonal produce. The food was not the only thing that was kept 'local'. Ryan and Erin also made sure all of the beer was provided by a local San Diego brewery and all of the wine and sparkling wine was from California.

To reduce the use of extra paper, they decided to use chalkboards for the table display, drink menu, and seating charts. Printing each guest's name to their menu was also thoughtfully planned out to eliminate the need for separate menus and escort cards.

They are a beautiful couple, inside and out and were an absolute blast to work with!