This Flamingo-Themed Pool Party Wedding Is Life
Meet Kat and Rob, the adventurous couple behind this unforgettable celebration. Their special day took place at the iconic Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club, and Bungalows in sunny San Diego, California on October 3, 2015. The stunning photos capturing their joy were taken by C Mudlo Photography & Justin Nunez Studio, with photo booth memories preserved by Focus Photo Suites.
Our offbeat wedding at a glance:
Tell us about the ceremony:
Our wedding ceremony took place in the charming Conservatory room of the Lafayette Hotel, surrounded by vintage umbrellas suspended from the ceiling, rich velvet curtains adding drama, and a picturesque view of the pool. The eclectic mix of furniture, featuring mismatched chairs, couches, and benches, provided our guests with plenty of comfortable options.
As we exchanged vows at the altar, I was reminded that sometimes life has its own way of unfolding, like when I realized I’d forgotten to order an altar for our special day. Thankfully, a kind gesture from another bride’s wedding party came to our rescue, as they generously lent us their beautiful homemade trellis adorned with big white paper flowers. This thoughtful act not only saved the day but also became a memorable ‘something borrowed’ tale.
Our dear friend and comedian Dana Moore stepped in to officiate the ceremony, donning a stunning tropical dress and barrel curls, after our original choice, Clinton Kelly from What Not to Wear, was unable to attend due to his TV show’s premiere that weekend. As for the rest of the wedding party, my bridesmaids carried seashell clutches down the aisle instead of bouquets, adding a touch of elegance and budget-friendliness to the overall look.
I wore a pink gown designed by myself, which perfectly captured the essence of our special day. With our vows, we both decided to take a cue from our favorite cheesy movie lines, injecting some humor into an otherwise emotional moment.
Tell us about your reception:
As our wedding celebration began, guests made their way into the Mississippi Ballroom, where they were greeted by the vibrant atmosphere of sangria tiki drinks at their tables. Each place setting featured a ‘tiki kit’ and a tray of fresh-fruit awaiting the perfect blend in their glasses, all surrounded by whimsical flamingo centerpieces. A clever touch that set the tone for an unforgettable night was the custom ‘grand reveal’ we planned with our loved ones.
We decided to keep our names under wraps until the big moment, when we simultaneously walked into the room and had our siblings, maid of honor, and best man hold up gold balloons spelling out our names in unison. The excitement only built from there, as we danced the night away, indulged in flamingo cake pops, and even participated in a rowdy bouquet toss. As the energy peaked, guests donned their second looks for an evening of merriment by the Weissmuller Pool.
Our poolside extravaganza was complete with retro hip-hop tunes, margaritas galore, inflatable fun, and an unforgettable plunge into the deep end together. The night concluded with a visit to a nearby taco stand for burritos and a group excursion to Mission Beach for a bonfire and s’mores under the stars.
What was your most important lesson learned?
Looking back, there were areas where we could have optimized our budget without compromising the overall experience for our guests. If we had to relive the day, we would prioritize these three essential elements:A professional day-of coordinator to manage any last-minute issues and ensure a seamless event. A talented photographer to capture the magic of our special day from multiple angles. A photo booth to provide an entertaining and memorable experience for our loved ones.
Our day-of coordinator, Kellene of Betty Blue Events, was instrumental in keeping us calm and composed. She expertly handled any unforeseen issues behind the scenes, even convincing the hotel staff to grant us a margarita bar by the pool. Her dedication was truly invaluable. One aspect that became increasingly clear as our wedding day unfolded was how much we wouldn’t be able to fully appreciate or see as the couple ourselves. That’s why high-quality photography was crucial for us.
I invested significant time selecting outfits, designing my own dress, and even choosing my mother’s attire – yet I didn’t get to witness any of those moments from our perspective on the aisle. We mitigated this by hiring two photographer friends at a discounted rate, with one focusing on candid shots and the other specializing in fashion photography. The result was an eclectic mix of perspectives that showcased our special day from unique angles.
Vendors
The talented team behind this wedding celebration includes photographers Chelsea Mudlo and Justin Nunez, who captured every special moment. The stunning bride’s dress was designed by Kat Eves, while the bridesmaids looked lovely in dresses from ASOS and ASOS Curve. The picturesque venue was none other than the iconic Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club, and Bungalows. To ensure everything ran smoothly on the big day, the couple worked with day-of coordinator Betty Blue Events.
In addition to capturing memories, Focus Photo Suites also provided a fun photo booth experience for guests. Sweet treats included cake pops from Flamingo Cake Pops and a breathtaking wedding cake courtesy of Extraordinary Desserts. Fun beach balls were provided by Branders, while beautiful blooms were arranged by Carmen’s Flowers. The bride and her entourage looked radiant with hair and makeup styling by Artistry by Tiffany.
And let’s not forget the bride’s stunning bathing suit, courtesy of Swimsuits for All.
