Katie and Ethan’s Modern Coastal Wedding at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas

Katie and Ethan had an elegant wedding. Their Modern Coastal Wedding at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas is all anyone is discussing today.

Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas Wedding Photos

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The Couple: Katie and Ethan

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Katie and Ethan are high-school sweethearts. There is something so dramatically beautiful about falling in love at such a vulnerable time and then keeping that love going. Watching Katie and Ethan, I could tell that their connection was genuine and they belonged together. Even their relationships with friends and family were full of loving connection and thankfulness.

Seeing everyone come together around a couple is one of my favorite parts about being a wedding photographer. At Katie and Ethan’s wedding, all of the speeches at their reception focused on their thoughtfulness and how they deeply care about others. Their generosity was a point that I heard time and time again. It was special to hear about the impact that Katie and Ethan have on the people in their lives.

The Day

Modern Coastal Wedding at Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas

The wedding day was smooth and calm. At the beginning of the day, when the bridesmaids were getting ready, the bride didn’t appear stressed at all. She had a very even tone of voice, with a peaceful presence, giggling throughout the morning as if nothing was wrong. Even when there were some hiccups with guests arriving early, she was open to switching up the game plan.

Katie’s mom was around all day and she was super supportive. It seemed like they had a really great family dynamic. She helped Katie get her dress on and gently looked through all of Katie’s details, making sure that all of the layers were laying correctly and all of the buttons were aligned.

Her details were classic with a beachy twist. They played on the character of the resort really well. Everything was bright and clean, matching with all the elements of their day. I especially loved how I got to style the details in the morning with a white-washed wooden tray that gave the pictures a beachy feel.

It feels like I need to mention the fact that this wedding happened during what was supposed to be the first hurricane to hit Southern California in 80 years! You never would have known that it was supposed to rain, and a hurricane was supposed to come through that day if you were just paying attention to everyone’s attitudes. I was so happy that the weather waited and instead gave them an incredible sunset

The Wedding Vendors

Sugarplum and Co. was the coordination team. They are always incredible to work with. Abby, the owner, keeps everything fresh and fun, with a big smile. She is easy to connect with so she makes every wedding day feel gentle and enjoyable.

Other vendors were:

Flowers by Cina

Ray on the mic

Videography: Amari Productions

Hair: Hair by Kayti

Makeup: Makeup by Adrianne

Rentals: Bright Rentals

Cake: VG Bakery

The Venue: Alila Marea Beach Resort

For the ceremony site, they have a beach overlook space that gives it a clean and classic look as well as a coastal dreamy feel.

Their reception space is beachy and modern with driftwood-inspired walls and modern chandeliers.

The ballroom is large but still feels cozy and clean, but is an essential place that gives access to the rest of the resort.

Modern Coastal Photography

The beach is always an awesome place to take portraits because it offers a neutral backdrop with many leading lines and subtle textures that make a subject stand out. Also, it provides great lighting, with reflections from the sand and potential textured clouds or warm hazy, dreamy light. What makes a wedding like Katie and Ethan’s modern, is the clean and even lines throughout the resort, along with plenty of negative space. I enjoy the white flooring and backdrops all over the venue and their pictures.

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