Carlsbad Destination Wedding | Aaron + Kara - Kate Noelle Photography Blog

Carlsbad is somewhat off the beaten path for most Southern California couples. However, it’s becoming a hot destination for weddings, events, and photography shoots. Just 35 miles north of San Diego, the charming beach town is an easy commute from both Orange County and San Diego. You’ll also find a rich culinary tradition and an array of hotel options for out of town guests.

Aaron and Kara’s wedding was held at The Carlsbad Windmill, a charming historical landmark with dutch style architecture. Courtesy of The Secret Salon, Kara’s hair was plaited into a spectacular updo for the big day. Her Wtoo dress and veil were also accompanied by a stunning bouquet from Franco’s Flowers. Aaron wore a navy Ted Baker suit, complimented by his great-great Grandfather’s watch. A handmade tribute to her heritage, Kara folded and assembled all of the origami paper cranes that adorned the altar structure. The best part is that this venue is just five minutes from the sea! The cheerfully overcast skies made for windswept romantic photos by the cliffs before heading back to the fun-filled reception. A record player guest book and overflowing dessert bar were just some of the thoughtful touches that made it a memorable party.

It’s always special to shoot at a wedding where the joy of friends and family is tangible. Aaron and Kara’s wedding showed just that, from their parents to their mixed bridal party of 18! These two have a LOT of love surrounding them, making the love that they share together that much more special. Here are the highlights from their big day!

1. A flatlay of the grooms accessories: shoes, watch, belt, and floral bowtie. 2. A beautiful wedding dress with floral lace hanging over a mirror with the bride's wedding shoes on the ground.

1. A custom wedding ring box , next to the bride's earrings. There is also a beautiful white flower. 2. A flatlay of the wedding stationary adorned with greenery and the rings+ shoes. 3. The bride smiles as she puts on her wedding shoes 1. An asian woman, the bride, puts on her earrings and smiles. Her hair is braided along the side into an updo. 2. The bride is pictured from behind looking into the mirror, dressed in her wedding dress and long lace veil, all ready for her Carlsbad destination wedding. 1. A photo of the empty wedding ceremony venue in Carlsbad. The altar is adorned with greenery and strands of origami paper cranes that the bride folded. 2. A close of up the white and gold paper cranes. 3. A close up of the aisle decorations: floating candles and greenery in vases on top of a log. 1. A close up of the groom's navy suit, his boutonniere, and floral bowtie. 2. The bride and groom have their first look in front of the altar. They smile at each other! 1. A B&W of the bride holding her bouquet in front of a gorgeous window at a Carlsbad resort. 2. A portrait of the bride looking down at her bouquet. The flowers are white with navy and blush accents. 1. The entire bridal party poses in front of the altar. The bridesmaids are in blush pink and the groomsmen are in light blue. They are laughing together. 2. Close up of the bride and her bridesmaid's bouquets. 3. The bride smiles and is surrounded by her smiling bridesmaids and bridesmen. 1. An easel stands in front of the Carlsbad wedding venue. A welcome sign stands on an easel adorned with greenery. 2. A young boy, with his arm in a cast and sling, is playing cornhole at the wedding cocktail hour. 1. The guestbook table: A few framed pictures of the bride and groom, a vase with a pink flower, and a record on display with words written on it, "For the record, please sign our guest book" 2. An overhead shot of a record that guests have signed in gold and silver shiny. 1. The bride and groom hold hands and close their eyes at the altar as their officiant prays during the ceremony. 2. A white woman in a maroon dress plays guitar and sings during the ceremony. 3. The bride and groom kiss in the aisle as their guests clap and cheer! 1. A B&W of the groom and one of the bridesmaids hugging and smiling. 2. The bride and groom are in between the bride's parents as they all hug and smile. 1. The empty venue with tables and wooden chairs and lots of natural light. 2. A close-up of the tablescape: Gold plates, navy napkins, votive candles, and white floral centerpieces. 3. A custom sign at the dessert table that reads, "Love is sweet, donut leave without a treat" and a drawing of a donut. 1. The desert table, filled with donuts and a white cake 2. A close up of the cake, decorated with flowers and a gold topper that reads, "Mr & Mrs" 1. The sweetheart table for the happy couple at their Carlsbad destination wedding. The paper crane arch has been moved behind it. The table is adorned with a white and blush rose spray, wood stumps are on the floor with candles in vases as well as metal light up letters that read, "A & K". 1. The bride and groom pose by the seaside cliffs in Carlsbad. They are about the kiss. 2. A close up of the bride with her bouquet. 1. The bride and groom smile at the camera by the seaside cliffs in Carlsbad. 2. The groom smiles, behind him is a green field. The bride and groom laugh and smile at the camera, behind them is the Carlsbad sea 1. The bride and groom sit at the sweetheart table listening as two members of the wedding party give a speech at their Carlsbad destination wedding. 2. The bride and groom have their first dance as their guests watch The bride and groom exit their Carslbad destination wedding, laughing and smiling as their guests blow bubbles to send them off.