This San Diego wedding was a perfect blend of heartfelt traditions, personal touches, and stunning waterfront views. Surrounded by their closest family and friends, Marisa and Chris celebrated their love with a day full of joy, romance, and unforgettable moments set against the picturesque backdrop of Bali Hai, wonderfully filmed by the team at Classic Filmworks.
Location: San Diego, California, US
Style: Coastal & Classic
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 115
Setting: San Diego Harbor
Season: Spring
Chris and Marisa’s love story began in the summer of 2019 in San Diego, where they met through a mutual friend at a 21 Savage concert—“the worst concert we’ve ever been to, but the start of our love story!” Chris, a midshipman at the Naval Academy, invited Marisa to the Ring Dance months later, but plans were canceled due to Covid. Instead, during their spring breaks, Chris flew from Iceland to Memphis, TN, where Marisa was in college, and their relationship officially began in March 2020. After a year and a half of long-distance, they reunited in Charleston, SC, where Marisa earned her doctorate in Occupational Therapy, and Chris completed Nuclear Power School.
The couple later moved to San Diego, where Chris, now a submarine officer, proposed to Marisa at her favorite sunset spot at the Del Mar Cliffs. Exactly one year later, on Memorial Day weekend, they celebrated their wedding surrounded by family and friends who traveled to San Diego to share their joy.
The Vision & Videography
Marisa and Chris always knew they wanted an outdoor wedding by the water, a setting that perfectly reflected their love for the coast. They chose a venue that showcased San Diego’s iconic boats and skyline, while being convenient for their traveling guests. With a coastal theme brought to life by pops of bright and pastel wildflowers, the day was as vibrant as their love story.
Their magical wedding was beautifully captured by the talented team at Classic Filmworks, who created a cinematic keepsake for the couple and their guests. From heartfelt moments during the ceremony to the lively celebration surrounded by loved ones, every meaningful detail was brought to life through their lens, preserving the joy and emotion of the day forever.
"I assured Marisa's father, who hired us, that we could create something beautiful that would be perfect. Timeless yet current and I am so happy the vision came to life so perfectly for this super sweet couple!"
Couple's Morning & Fashion
Marisa’s wedding morning was a beautiful mix of excitement and heartfelt moments. She looked stunning in a fit-to-flare gown by Serene, style Margo, from Luv Bridal. The dress’s timeless silhouette perfectly highlighted her elegance, while her accessories—from Target shoes to Amazon jewelry—added a personal and practical touch to her look. She completed her bridal ensemble with Victoria’s Secret Bombshell perfume, creating an air of glamour and sophistication. Her hair and makeup, expertly done by Claire Style, enhanced her natural beauty with a soft, romantic vibe.
One of the most emotional moments of the morning was Marisa’s first look with her dad. The room was filled with love and pride as he saw his daughter in her wedding gown for the first time, which brought heartfelt smiles.
Chris made a striking impression in his choker whites military uniform, a timeless look that perfectly reflected the significance of the day.
First Look
One of the most unforgettable moments for the couple was their surprise first look before the ceremony. Just the two of them, away from the crowd, they shared an intimate moment filled with love and anticipation. Captured beautifully by Classic Filmworks, this heartfelt exchange became even more special, preserving their emotions before saying “I do.”
Ceremony
The ceremony took place outside the restaurant, with San Diego’s stunning skyline and waterfront creating the perfect backdrop. To add a personal touch, the couple created wedding programs styled as newspapers for guests to enjoy before the ceremony began.
Incorporating both Jewish and military traditions, the ceremony was a true reflection of their story. From breaking the glass and standing under the Chuppah to a military sword arch and groomsmen in choker whites, every detail was uniquely theirs. Adding to the charm, their Goldendoodle, Honey, made an adorable appearance while walking down the aisle, delighting the guests with this special, personal touch.
"I promise to put our relationship first, and I promise to always be your best friend."
Reception Decor
The couple’s reception took place at Bali Hai, seamlessly transitioning from an outdoor celebration to an indoor party. Guests enjoyed cocktail hour, the first dance, speeches, and dinner under the open sky before moving inside for cake and dancing at the sunset.
Personal touches made the evening unforgettable, from cocktail napkins featuring their dog’s face to Polaroid guest book entries and a neon sign backdrop with their new last name. Table numbers corresponded with childhood photos of them from ages 1 to 14, adding a nostalgic charm, while Jenny Wenny Cakes provided delicious desserts to end the night on a sweet note.
Celebration
The couple’s first dance was to “This Is How You Fall In Love” by Chelsea Cutler and Jeremy Zucker, setting a romantic tone for the evening. Special dances followed, with the Father-Daughter dance to Taylor Swift’s “Never Grow Up” and the Mother-Son dance to “My Wish” by Rascal Flatts. Marisa’s grandmother, Beryl, added a heartfelt touch by blessing the wine and challah before dinner, while heartfelt toasts were shared by their closest family and friends. “We even cut our cake with a military sword!” the couple shared.
"The most memorable moment was having all our family and friends (and dog!) in the same space for the first time in our lives together! We will never forget that day."
Advice from the couple:
• Take your time to soak every moment of the day up as it flies by! All the stress and nerves that come before do not matter once the wedding day comes, so soak it all in!
