Caitlin & Jill – A Intimate Wedding in Corona Del Mar

Corona Del Mar Lesbian Wedding captured by Chrissy G Photography USA

Caitlin and Jill were married in a small intimate ceremony in Corona Del Mar in the gardens of the Five Crowns, surrounded by their friends and family who champion their love.

Tell us about the proposal.

Truly one of the best moments and at one of our favorite places. We decided to book a trip to the Amalfi Coast and to go all in on this trip – stay at an incredible hotel, take a full day Italian cooking class, enjoy shopping in the beautiful shops, and go on a hike overlooking the Mediterranean.

On our first full day, as we wandered down the terraced gardens at the hotel overlooking the ocean, Jill stopped at a beautiful spot above where the waves were crashing and proposed.

I remember my knees shaking, being totally caught off guard – I just thought we would get lunch! – and being so excited! We kept coming back to that spot all week and reliving the moment.

Talk us through your wedding day.

We started the day getting ready together with our friends and family with us. And we were so happy to have everyone there after the crazy last year that we wanted to spend as much time together as possible. We had a glam team come in to do our hair and makeup, and then we went to separate rooms to get dressed as we wanted the final looks to be a surprise. Taking pictures separately, and Jill surprised me with a videographer as my wedding gift. I’m so thankful we have photographs and video of the day to capture all the memories!

From there, we headed down to Corona del Mar for our first look. We wanted to be near the venue and the ocean for our first pictures together. As I turn around to see Jill, there is a picture from our first look. My dress caught the wind and had this great motion–perfectly capturing the moment. I remember feeling so lucky, thankful, and beyond excited to get married and celebrate with everyone finally. As we were taking pictures, people walking and driving by were so lovely and kept congratulating and celebrating with us.

We took so many beautiful pictures – Chrissy captured that moment so well! Next, we headed to the venue – Five Crowns – and we went upstairs and waited as guests arrived. As everyone was seated, we all began to prepare for the ceremony, and I remember feeling an adrenaline rush. Then, right before we all started to walk down the aisle, we saw our moms lock arms and walk down together, and it was such a lovely moment. Our officiant Marie did the most incredible job, and Jill snuck in a special quote from Sex and the City, which was so meaningful. We also then went back upstairs for a quiet moment together after the ceremony with a glass of champagne – a little touch that was extra special.

After that, it was a blur of lovely toasts, fantastic music, delicious food and cocktails, chatting with loved ones, and being so thankful. We couldn’t have imagined the day being more perfect!

Advice for other couples planning a smaller wedding?

We knew from the beginning that we wanted a smaller wedding, and we zeroed in on a few key components. Amazing food, wine and cocktails and incredible pictures to remember the day. We are both foodies, and we wanted our guests to feel spoiled with a delicious meal. And in the end, the pictures are what really let you hold on to that day and moment.

Whatever you value the most, decide on those components and channel your energy and money into them.

This will help to ensure that the day is truly a reflection of you as a couple.

Having a limited guest count meant we could spend more time with each guest. Even then, the evening went by fast. I would encourage couples to find a second opportunity to spend time with friends and family. A bonfire or casual reception the night before or a pool gathering the day after. A way to make sure each guest feels special and welcome.

What does the future hold for you both?

This has been an intense couple of years for all of us, and it makes me even more thankful for Jill, the kiddos, our families, and our friends. We recently decided to splurge and return to the Amalfi Coast (where we got engaged!) later this year, and we are both beyond excited! It is a place that makes us both feel relaxed, happy, and truly in the moment – it’s going to feel delicious to be back there! We are also trying to expand our family, which is incredibly exciting for us!