From the dress to her accessories, the bride was dripping with diamonds!

They opted to take pictures beforehand Balboa Park because it was going to be a late ceremony.

This couple wanted to do a “first look”. Some couples find this to be more intimate and relaxing than the initial moment at the ceremony in front of guests.

The couple had a Chaldean priest perform the ceremony.

For the reception, Ghada & Leo had a Euro Bar with espresso, lounge chairs, a Middle-Eastern band from San Francisco, and a belly dancer with candlebra for the grand entrance for guests to enjoy.

Photography: Di-Lanatta’s

Reception and Catering: St. Peter’s Hall

Lighting, Rentals & Florals: Ana from Floral Works

Cake: San Diego Desserts

Lounge Chairs: Plush Lounge

Limo Services: Spectrum Limousine

Photo courtesy of Balboa Park

There are so many great spots and restaurants in downtown and the surrounding areas. Many people tend to just stick with the Gaslamp district, but just 5 minutes away, you can walk around areas like Hillcrest or visit Balboa Park and the world famous San Diego Zoo.

Photo courtesy of Hotel del Coronado

In Balboa Park there are always great events and museums to visit. Only minutes away from downtown is the beautiful Coronado Island, where you can choose to visit for a day to see beaches like Silver Strand State Beach or stay overnight at the landmark Hotel Del Coronado, which recently became Green Seal certified.

If you go 20 minutes north, you can stop by La Jolla Cove and grab lunch with a view at George’s at the Cove or inside the historic “pink lady,” La Valencia Hotel.

If you’re truly craving an out-of-town experience, you only need to drive an hour east or north to feel like you’re in a different city altogether. Drive up the 15-N and you can spend time at the renown golf and spa at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. To sweeten the deal, Rancho Bernardo Inn offers many specials and packages to make the most out of your weekend getaway and offers free shuttle services around town. Or you can stay at their sister resort, Temecula Creek Inn and enjoy a wine tasting journey through Temecula Valley. Their amenities include a 27-hole Championship golf course and located conveniently within minutes of 18 of Temecula’s finest wineries.

Further east of San Diego county, you can visit Julian, a small town that offers visitors a unique, country experience. Julian is a little taste of east coast rustic for the SD city slicker! Year round, the quaint city offers activities like apple picking in the fall, or the chance to build a snowman in the winter. The mountainous town is perfect for nature hikes if you’re feeling adventurous. If you take the 76-E, you can visit Cupid’s Castle Bed & Breakfast for a relaxing retreat and be a weekend princess! The owners of this local castle describe their location as “secluded in the middle of a lemon orchard… enchanting gardens will embrace you with its 400 year old oak trees, fairy grotto garden with little pond, chimes, fountains and flowers.” How wonderfully charming!

Photo courtesy of Cupid's Castle

North county San Diego is home to hotels such as The Grand Del Mar and L’Auberge–both luxurious resorts! During the summer you can don your prettiest hat and enjoy a day at the horse races at the Del Mar Fairgrounds, and at night dine out at exquisite restaurants like Chart House in Cardiff by the Sea. Downtown Del Mar is the perfect low key, classy counterpart to the hustle and bustle of downtown San Diego.

It’s easy to fall into ruts or have the urge to travel somewhere far to mix things up, but we hope the suggestions we’ve offered will help keep the sense of romance and adventure going well beyond the first year. San Diego County is a huge city with many sites and attractions to offer, so start planning your staycation!

We are so excited to introduce our lovely couple Zeina and Mauth who will be celebrating their big engagement party at the US Grant the end of the month and will have their extravagant wedding next spring in Jordan…We are happy to share some of their pictures from Kristina Chartier Photography