The day that Gemma and Adam had their first date, Adam already knew– any woman who could hold her own at a New Zealand rugby match with his brothers and father? That was the woman he’d want to marry one day– and they would, with an absolutely stunning L’Auberge Del Mar wedding.
When Gemma moved to Illinois from South Africa at seven years old, and Adam moved to Los Angeles from New Zealand when he was seven, neither of them knew how this move would be the first in many steps to finding the person that they’d spend the rest of their lives with. Yet, when they finally met in Chicago, every step, every move, and experience that they’d had just seemed to make just a little more sense.
One of our favorite parts of this L’Auberge Del Mar wedding was getting to attend their rehearsal dinner, and getting to hear their family talk about Gemma and Adam’s relationship. With family being both incredibly important to both Gemma and Adam (and to us as well), these experiences are so incredibly special as we get to not only know our couple better through interactions, but from the perspective of the people who love them and know them best.
When you look at Gemma, it’s clear to the world how beautiful she is; but Adam and those who love her see so much deeper than that. From how hard she works, the way that she works to be kind to everyone that she meets, and how intelligent she is, there isn’t a thing about her that isn’t incredible– and both Adam and those who love her see it. From various speeches at the rehearsal dinner to the way that Adam looks at and speaks of her, our hearts melted at the praise of Gemma and everything wonderful about her.
And with Adam? Gemma found a man who mimics and highlights all of her best qualities, both inside and out. From his hardworking nature, how deeply loving he is towards everyone he cares about, his humor, and intelligence, the two of them bring out the best in one another. And it was clear to everyone that spoke about them– and to us as we got to know them.
With the way the two looked at one another, it was clear to anyone, even without the speeches, that the love that they had for each other, the way they better one another, and the way they supported one another is something so incredibly special.
The day of their L’Auberge Del Mar wedding was simply even more magical– if that was even possible. Getting ready with her bridesmaids and family with A Toast to Beauty, we got to see as Gemma read her card from Adam, his final words to her before she became a bride. And while she read her card, Adam read his from her, and we got to capture the moments as Adam teared up, more excited than ever to call Gemma his wife.
With these final moments before Gemma walked down the aisle, getting to see them read and savor these letters to one another, their final words before they became husband and wife, was a moment that had us surreptitiously wiping a few happy tears from behind our viewfinders. This emotion carried through to the ceremony; as Adam saw Gemma for the first time that day as she walked down the aisle, it was magical. The way Gemma floated down the aisle, the way that we saw those two look at each other was as if they were the only two in the world.
And as they teared up throughout their vows, they promised to love one another unconditionally and value the way that they seemed to just get one another, whether it was their southern hemisphere upbringing or just because they were meant to be. After they were announced as man and wife, they walked down the aisle to the uproarious cheering and joy of those who had come from nearby, traveled across the country, or flown across the world to celebrate their union.
One incredibly unique aspect to this wedding’s reception was getting to see the physical manifestation of Adam’s hard work; wines from his family winery, The Landing. Truly getting to enjoy the fruits of their labor, guests enjoyed reds, whites, and rosés from Adam’s native New Zealand– a true treat!
As Gemma and Adam listened to speeches from their family and friends throughout the dinner, the pair got to sit back and enjoy the speeches, wisdom, and well wishes of their friends and family, the way that they exuded pure joy, excitement, and happiness was palpable to everyone in the room. And it was that joy that everyone shared as they hit the dance floor to tunes by Tyler Varnell, the couple, their family and friends danced up a storm.
To Gemma & Adam; as we’ve gotten to know you, it’s been such a treat. From the way you treasure Adam’s heart, intelligence and hardworking nature, and the way that you adore Gemma’s deeply kind, loyal and loving heart, and her mind, your love and support for one another is visible to all. We hope that every day is as emotional, magical, and euphoric as your wedding day and that you continue to have that level of unspoken and unconditional admiration for one another; your relationship and the way that you support one another is so incredibly special.
If you loved Gemma & Adam’s venue, L’Auberge, we think that you’ll love Stuart and Lauren’s L’Auberge Del Mar Wedding– a stunning wedding that incorporated Stuart’s Scottish heritage, or Adrienne & Alex’s beautiful beachside L’Auberge Del Mar Wedding.
Wedding Photography : Clove and Kin | Gown Boutique : Mon Amie | Ceremony & Reception Location : L’Auberge Del Mar | Wedding Planner : White Lace Events | Desserts and Baked Goods : Cinderella Cakes | Makeup Stylist : A Toast to Beauty| Hair Stylist : A Toast to Beauty | Other Rentals : Chiavari Chairs of San Diego | Band : Tyler Varnell | Wedding Videography : West Coast Wed | Linens : Sydney Harris, Platinum Event Rentals | Florals : Organic Elements | Officiant : Reverand Holly Skinner |
