Olivia and Baxter’s Alila Marea wedding was nothing short of extraordinary! If you’ve been following my journey, you know how much I love working at Alila Marea since 2021. This wedding stood out as I ventured into something entirely new for the setup.
When I first met Olivia and Baxter, they shared their unique vision for the day. They wanted to host dinner in the foyer and terrace, allowing their guests to soak in the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Later, they planned to unveil the Oceana Ballroom for the party—a ballroom reveal designed to wow their guests and create an unforgettable, fun experience.
I’m always up for a challenge, so I was thrilled to bring their vision to life. However, I also knew that trying something new requires extra care in planning the flow and logistics—essentially double the preparation work to ensure everything runs smoothly. Setting up 4 locations also requires a higher number of assistants, me and my team were a total of 6 people and I would recommend anybody who is hiring a planner, to make sure she is properly staffed. Not having enough staff can cause of delays or things falling through the cracks.
Let me take you through the journey of Olivia & Baxter's Alila Marea wedding, accompanied by images that capture some of the magical moments.
As guests began arriving at Alila Marea an hour before the ceremony, one of my assistants greeted them warmly in the lobby. From there, they were guided down the stairs to the Ocean Bluff, our breathtaking 180° oceanview ceremony location. Upon reaching the bluff, Alila's staff welcomed them with glasses of chilled Champagne and an infused water station—a perfect start to a stunning celebration.
The ceremony, lasting about 30 minutes, was as beautiful as it was heartfelt. I always try to listen in on the ceremony, even though I make a point of staying out of sight—usually tucked behind a tree or wall!
For the décor, Olivia envisioned a dreamy and organic look. She chose a white flat aisle and stage adorned with white and yellow florals accented by lush greenery, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of the bluff. To preserve the unobstructed ocean view, she opted for a ground arch, which also cleverly concealed the cement bench on the bluff. The result was nothing short of magical.
After Olivia and Baxter were pronounced husband and wife, guests were guided to the cocktail hour set up near the ceremony location, close to the pool area. Striped umbrellas and a white bar adorned with rattan accents beautifully complemented the floral arrangements, creating a cohesive and elegant ambiance.
To enhance the space, we incorporated two fully shelved bar racks to form a decorative "wall." This not only added a stylish touch but also provided an extra layer of privacy for the celebration. I must add, Alila’s pool area is rarely crowded, and the guests at the resort are generally very respectful when weddings are taking place—making the experience even more enjoyable for everyone.
As the cocktail hour drew to a close, two assistants remained at the bluff to guide guests, ensuring a smooth transition.
Meanwhile, another assistant and I stationed ourselves at the foyer entrance to welcome guests. We helped them locate their table numbers and directed them to their seats, ensuring everyone felt comfortable and the dinner setup flowed seamlessly.
Dinner was a seamless and elegant affair, with décor that was both soft and luxurious. The tables were adorned with velvet linens, organic floral arrangements, striped napkins, and beautifully designed paper menus and meal cards. Guests sat comfortably on classic wooden Louis chairs, enjoying a thoughtful blend of comfort and sophistication.
Following a stunning champagne tower, a four-course dinner, wine service at the table, and heartfelt speeches, it was time for the highly anticipated ballroom reveal! The DJ set the mood by announcing the opening of the Oceana Ballroom with a special song dedicated to our bride and groom. In perfect coordination, Alila’s banquets team and I dramatically opened the curtains to unveil the space.
The Oceana Ballroom was a showstopper, with focal points arranged in a balanced triangle. A green-and-white checkered dance floor drew attention to the round white bar, while two lounge sets with cabanas and striped curtains added layers of dimension and elegance. To keep the energy alive, the room was outfitted with high-top tables, two photo booths, and a late-night snack and hot beverage station—ensuring guests had no reason to leave the party!
By the time the clock struck 1 a.m., I found myself reflecting on Olivia and Baxter’s incredible day. From the heartfelt ceremony and touching speeches to the stunning setup and the wonderful family I had the pleasure of meeting, their Alila Marea wedding was truly unforgettable.
If you are considering Alila Marea for your wedding and are searching for a San Diego destination wedding planner, book a consultation at this link!
VENDORS:
Planning & Design: @valentinaweddingsandevents
Venue @alilamareabeachresort
Photography @madlovemedia_
Florist @regionaldesignstudio
DJ @tmg_events_
MUA & Hair @triplowbeauty
Rentals @brighteventrentals@catalogatelier @bright @rcddancefloors @socalcandlesrental
Textiles @bbjlatavola
Photobooths @stunningparties @romaphotoboothsocal
Content creator @mhcontentcreation
Audiobook @afterthetone
Styling mats @theflatlaysstyler
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