When we first met Morgan & Dario, we knew that their Westin Carlsbad Wedding was one that we’d want to photograph. Whether it was falling in love with the two of them as we heard about their story– and how they had barely spent a day apart since they first met to hearing about the sword arch they planned during the recessional, it seemed like a moment we did not want to miss.
Their story first begins one fateful night when one of Morgan’s best friends from the rowing team chose to bring him to a party. From the moment that they bumped into one another and said hello, it was an immediate spark, and as the night progressed, it grew quickly until they knew by the time the night was over that they had found that person. The person who just seemed to get them and balance them out.
As they began to spend more and more time together, they found that was true; while they shared a love of anything outdoors, whether it be hiking, snorkeling, or exploring a new area, the two found a sense of balance in one another. With Morgan’s drive, ambition, and calm, collected nature, she balanced Dario’s spontaneous, adventurous, and fun nature, the two bringing out the best in one another.
Throughout the last few years, their relationship grew even further; as they moved around the country nearly four times over the years as Dario was transferred from air-force base to air-force base. And with each time they moved, they found a home in every place, learning their new favorite places to hike and activities throughout the area, and friends to spend time with, while deepening their own relationship. They were one another’s support, their best friend, and the person who got them better than anyone else.
It wasn’t long before Dario knew he wanted to propose, knowing that he had the perfect decoy to catch Morgan by surprise. While she had an inkling that he would propose soon, Morgan thought that their vacation to Oahu would be when he finally popped the question– something Dario knew because her best friend helped him plan every step of the way.
The week before the vacation, it was the perfect moment to finally propose. As he knelt on one of the trails they had found in their new city, the perfect reminder of how being together and exploring made everywhere feel like home, he asked her to marry her– and received a resounding yes.
One of our favorite moments from the day was when Morgan and Dario had yet to even walk down the aisle. As Morgan finished getting dressed, she took the time to show both her friends and family in her dress for the first time at their Westin Carlsbad Wedding.
Throughout the process of selecting her dress, neither her friends or family had gotten a chance to see it, even in screenshots or photos, so when she entered the room to see her family and then her friends, there was hardly a dry eye around the room. Getting to share this with them was an experience that we’ll treasure forever, and we’re so incredibly grateful we got to capture it for them.
After Morgan shared a perfect intimate and sweet moment with her family and friends, she was ready to become a Caminite. As the doors opened and they locked eyes, Morgan & Dario finally met one another at the alter of their Westin Carlsbad Wedding. As they held hands, surrounded by those they loved, they were able to say their vows– and say to the world that they were husband and wife.
With their military guests standing in formation, they turned to the crowd, looking at the faces of everyone they loved and who came to celebrate with them– and walked down the aisle, taking a pause to kiss one more time underneath the crossed sabers of Morgan’s family & Dario’s friends.
And with the ceremony over, the festivities began; entering into a beautiful ballroom decorated with flowers by With Love Flower Co. and with every detail perfectly planned by Valerie Ward of Beatific Events, they were able to kick back and celebrate with those they loved.
To Morgan and Dario; we are so grateful that you chose us to capture your wedding, and all of the incredibly special and intimate moments that you chose to include. It’s truly an honor to be let in like that, and treated like family.
We hope that your marriage is filled with adventure, incredible hidden hiking spots, and just a little bit of magic– and that you always remember not only to sing through your chores, but that you two bring out the best in one another in every way. Thank you again for letting us capture your incredible and intimate Westin Carlsbad Wedding.
If you loved their venue, be sure to check out Alexander & Nairi’s Westin Carlsbad Wedding or Justin & Allison’s Westin Carlsbad Wedding. With similar chance encounters, you’ll fall in love with their stories– and their beautiful choices for their Westin Carlsbad Wedding as well!
Wedding Photography : Clove and Kin | Ceremony and Reception Location : Westin Carlsbad | Wedding Planner : Valerie Ward, Beatific Events | Desserts and Baked Goods : Cute Cakes | Hair & Makeup Stylist : Dani Duffy | Officiant : Dr. Jonathan Bowman | Florals : With Love Floral Co. |
