You Will Always Be My Happy Place - Angelia and Dustin's Sunset Cliffs Elopement

Last year, Engaged Life teamed up with some incredible vendors to give away an elopement. The couple was chosen at random but after hearing their story I am convinced that some greater power was at play here.

Meet Angelia and Dustin — two people that forever changed my life. Dustin wanted to elope and Angelia, like many others, was more interested in planning a traditional wedding. But when the bride-to-be’s mother was in a serious car accident, suddenly planning their best day ever took a backseat to spending precious time with family and living every day to it’s fullest. So on a whim Angelia entered our giveaway, and won. Our inbox was flooded with joy:

“Dustin and I just wanted to say thank you, thank you, thank you! Literally the timing of finding out we won the ELOPEMENT GIVEAWAY today could not have been more perfect! We are still in shock- crying, jumping with joy, screaming, freaking out with disbelief… it all happened. We still cannot believe it. We just wanted to thank you and all of the other amazing people on this team for making this happen. Words truly cannot express how much it means to us. We look forward to working with all of you to plan the elopement of our dreams!”

Just two months later they were married on San Diego’s iconic Sunset Cliffs overlooking the ocean. It was simply magical, tender, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Before we dive into the ceremony, let’s get a peek at the gorgeous details behind the scenes captured by the ever talented Ari Chapman. In preparation for the big day I had Angelia and Dustin send me a few quotes that were important to them. One was from When Harry Met Sally:

“When you realize you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”

Trixy, founder of Black Thistle Co., designed custom invitations to commemorate this day, and had the coolest idea to incorporate that quote into the envelope liner. We are so in love with the finished product.

Then there was the bouquet. Fleurish created the most incredible combination of succulents, proteas, blue thistles and roses for Angelia. Their custom vow books, his floral pocket square, her embroidered hanky. Each and every detail was perfect and unique. The bride said she knew when she saw the BHLDN Hearst gown it was the dress she’d wear on her wedding day, and it fit her beautifully. Just the right amount of delicate and modern, this dress is just timeless. Nadia Rose and Elwynn and Cass were the bride’s beauty dream team, giving Angelia a trendy braid and updo and natural flawless makeup!

Angelia and Dustin’s first look took place on the edge of a rocky cliff while the sea roared, majestic waves crashed behind them, and their hearts raced. The happiness on their faces is something I will never forget. Joggers, surfers and sunset watchers all stopped to witness this magical moment.

Modi Event Supply provided some of our favorites from their collection, including these adorable wood side tables. We didn’t need much to make this space beautiful, but Fleurish stole the show with pampas grass that blew gently in the wind and epic arrangements to match the bride’s bouquet. As the sun set over the horizon, Angelia and Dustin were surrounded by their loved ones in prayer. I felt transported to another world in that moment. so much emotion and love filled the air.

We laughed and cried as the couple shared handwritten vows and their first kiss as husband and wife!!

Sweet Traders provided the perfect elopement-sized cake with gold brushstrokes that reflected golden hour beautifully. Another favorite quote Angelia and Dustin gave us were lyrics to Elvis Presley’s Can’t Help Falling In Love. Taking a line from this song, I worked with Paige Script to create a hand-calligraphed sign in rose gold for their first wedding gift!

After sparkling cider toasts and family photos, the newlyweds and Ari chased daylight until the sun went down. This day was more perfect than I can put into words, and the greatest way to end my 2018 season.

Angelia and Dustin, I feel so lucky to have met you and hope that we will continue to make appearances in each others’ lives, even if it is just on Instagram. I wish you a lifetime of memories with loved ones, unexpected surprises, and smiles as big as the ones you wore on your wedding day. You are both truly beautiful people inside and out. Welcome to Married Life!