An Affair to Remember
Alyssa Holstrom and Marty McNees
La Jolla, California
September 20, 2008
Photography by Jennifer Dery
WHEN YOU ARE THE CREATIVE DIRECTOR of a luxury magazine, it can seem like all eyes are on you. Every issue is like a window to your soul—with a bit of yourself poured into every page, hoping that each image is scaled just right, each story illustrated better than the last, and that each book inspires yet one more reader. For Alyssa Holstrom, the creative force behind Exquisite Weddings, designing the magazine became even more personal. After countless hours spent selecting gowns for photo shoots, numerous conversations with planners and florists, and, of course, days and nights designing profiles of other people’s weddings, she, too, became engaged.
And while it would seem that each issue was a practice of sorts, instead the pressure was on. “We wanted it to be impressive enough to be worthy of going into the magazine,” Alyssa says. “And we really had to hustle to get all of the details finalized in only seven months.”
She was introduced to her groom, Marty McNees, by a mutual friend. It only took one date for her to know he was the one. “We spent every day together after our first date,” she says. “I didn’t want to be away from him.”
After Marty proposed on Valentine’s Day, they immediately began planning for September nuptials.
“We wanted all of our friends and family to have a great and memorable time,” Marty says. “Overall, we wanted a night filled with great food, better wine, and a lot of class.”
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa offered their ideal combination of location, beauty, food, accommodations and availability. Having worked on previous issues of Exquisite Weddings, Alyssa knew where to turn next. “I knew right away I wanted to have EverAfter Events help me with planning and Flowers Annette Gomez do the flowers because I had always loved their tabletops and thought they fit my style,” she says.
Choosing a photographer, on the other hand, was more difficult. “I’ve had the privilege of working with many of the best photographers in San Diego,” she says. “In the end, we chose Jennifer Dery because we felt her style was the best fit for our personalities and the vision we had for the wedding.”
Like other brides, Alyssa was just as particular about her dress. “I was all over the place,” she says. “I went to six boutiques, and in the end I picked one from Chez Bride Moderne that made me feel special. My friend cried when she saw me walk out of the dressing room, so I knew it was the one.”
The dress made quite an impact on the groom as well. “Alyssa was so beautiful coming down the aisle,” Marty says. “I remember she had the biggest smile on her face. One look at her, and I totally lost it.”
No matter the number of pages designed or the bridal gowns photographed—nothing could have prepared the newlyweds for the rush of emotion they felt walking down the aisle as husband and wife. “It was amazing,” Alyssa says. “Having all of our closest family and friends together for the first time. And seeing how genuinely happy everyone was to be there and how happy they were for us.”
Having happily tasted flavor after flavor at Cake, a Mission Hills bakery, the couple settled on a chocolate cake with orange zest, coconut, vanilla and mango. It was one of the many highlights of the night, which they still reminisce about. “My mom had to twist my arm to get me to hire a videographer,” Alyssa says. “And I’m so glad she did. Modern 8 Films has such an artistic approach to filming, that our wedding video is one we’ll treasure forever.”
As a token of their appreciation, the happy couple gave each guest an orange Creamsicle as a nightcap. It’s not the kind of thing you’d expect from the designer of a luxury lifestyle magazine. But if there’s one thing this girl has learned, it’s to infuse your wedding day with little bits of you.
Bridesmaid dresses: Vera Wang, Bella Bridesmaids. Cake: CAKE. Caterer: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. Coordinator: Merilee Hennings and Alesha Ballón, EverAfter Events. Favors: Sinful Creations. Music: Miles Moynier & La Jolla DJ. Flowers: Flowers Annette Gomez. Gown: Jude Wadell, Chez Bride Moderne. Groom’s Attire: A Better Deal Tuxedo. Hair: Lisa Chernicky, Model Call Hair Salon. Jewelry: Justine M. Couture. Makeup: Brian Bond, Foxxy Roxxy Make-Up Artist. Invitations: Amber Chic. Lighting: La Jolla DJ. Location: Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa. Officiant: Rev. William R. Crandall. Photographer: Jennifer Dery Photography. Videographer: Modern 8 Films. Veil: Justine M. Couture.
Do you like what you read? Purchase Exquisite Weddings Magazine »
