Before we start talking about the dreamy Seabird Resort wedding I planned, let me tell you about my amazing couple. I met Ellen and Joseph over a year ago. They live in Chicago and were looking for a planner to help them find a venue and organize their San Diego destination wedding. As a full-service planner with extensive experience in hotel venues, I specialize in venue search (you can learn more on the website under the "venue search" tab).
We instantly felt a connection and began working together to find the perfect venue for their wedding. After understanding their priorities, non-negotiables, and style, I sifted through hundreds of venues to present them with options that matched their must-haves. Initially, I wasn’t familiar with The Seabird Resort as it’s a new venue, but when I saw it in person, I knew it was a top contender.
We scheduled site tours, and since Ellen and Joseph live in Chicago, I ensured they were grouped within a couple of days. The moment we entered The Seabird Resort, I’ll never forget Ellen and Joseph’s reaction—it was evident this would be their wedding venue! From the vibrant central Oceanside location and upscale coastal interior design to the modern, airy ballrooms and the "destination wedding" atmosphere for guests traveling from all over the U.S., it checked all their boxes.
After considering the pros and cons, reviewing estimates, amenities, and room block options, we reserved the date and began planning their dream Seabird Resort wedding.
Ellen’s must-have was a design centered around lavender and elderberry pastel tones. With The Seabird’s blue tones, it was a perfect match! Joseph’s must-have was incorporating blackjack. In addition to having an actual blackjack table during the reception, we subtly infused the theme into the decor and seating chart: table numbers resembled dices, and escort cards mimicked playing cards with guest names and table numbers, all in lavender tones, of course.
The flow of events at The Seabird Resort is straightforward since all spaces are conveniently located on the same level, ensuring no guests wander aimlessly in search of directions—guaranteed! At the same time the venue offers privacy from the hotel guests as the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception areas are completely blocked off during the wedding.
A Seabird Resort wedding means of course an oceanfront ceremony with the option for the couple to take beach photos during cocktail hour. Ellen and Joseph’s ceremony was absolutely dreamy: white bentwood chairs, a floral-lined aisle, and a rectangular arch adorned with delicate yet vibrant lavender tones created a modern fairytale look.
The cocktail hour took place in the foyer, a stunning space with tall ceilings, blue-toned chandeliers resembling fishing nets, and a seamless indoor-outdoor feel courtesy of large glass doors leading to the terrace where the ceremony had been held.
The reception was held in the Seagaze Salon, the resort’s only ocean-view ballroom. I adore this space: light-colored carpeting, ample windows for sunset views, beautiful woven chandeliers, and elegant white walls. The couple opted for a white dancefloor to brighten the room, a mixture of kings and round tables paired with their own table scape design, a combination of white and elderberry pastel tablecloth and napkins. To incorporate the woven of the chandeliers and create continuity to the design, we added rattan placemats that were placed under the white irregular mat charger plate. For chairs we created continuity by using the same chairs we proposed for the ceremony although we upgraded the head table with a white arm chair.
The wedding day was flawless, and The Seabird staff provided exceptional service, ensuring every guest was well cared for. As far as menu options, the hotel really takes pride in creating a refined menu keeping the ingredients fresh, organic and locally sourced.
If you’re planning a destination wedding with an upscale, modern, coastal California feel, breathtaking views, and ample nearby entertainment options, you must consider The Seabird Resort for your wedding!
Every time I get to work at a Seabird Resort wedding, I get excited, it is one of my favorites venues and I now know it well! If you are planning a Seabird Resort wedding and you need a San Diego wedding planner, please reach out at this link, I would love to help you making your dream come true!
Photography: Mirelle Carmichael
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