San Diego Real Wedding: Susan & Todd Nelson

Susan Rosenfeld, 29, first met Todd Nelson, 30, when they were college-age. They didn’t start dating until after they’d both graduated, when Todd was working in San Diego and Susan had returned from living in Ghana. After six years of pursuing their goals in countries around the world (including Nigeria and Brazil), the two settled down in L.A. However, Susan says, “There was no question that we would marry in San Diego, where we both grew up and where our story began.” —Katelyn Montero

June 29, 2013

Cool Ceremony

In the iconic San Diego setting of Balboa Park, four aisles of friends and family surrounded the couple as they exchanged original vows under a chuppah made of Nigerian fabric.

Wedding Party Wardrobe

With a general color scheme of gray, blush, tan, and cream, and a little guidance from stylist Amanda Thorne, each of Susan’s 10 bridesmaids picked out their own shoes, dresses, jewelry, makeup, and hairstyles. “I wanted my bridesmaids to be able to express their own styles—in a sense, representing the reasons why I love each of them

Love at First Try On

The moment Susan tried on Katie May’s handmade, French-milled lace dress, she knew it was the one. “I was looking for something that was fitted and fairly simple, but also romantic and different,” says Susan.

Around the World

With a historian for a bride and a horticulturalist for a groom, the reception was thoughtfully decorated with succulents, handmade lace dream catchers, brass vessels, and colored water goblets. “We wanted our wedding to have a global, eclectic, and organic vibe that represented both our passions and our memories together,” says Susan.

Cocktail Hour

Guests drank lemonade, local craft beer, and lavender-infused champagne.

Stories and Centerpieces

Incorporating items like sanded-down cholla wood that they’d collected on a camping trip in the high desert, the reception décor celebrated the couple’s creativity and spirit of adventure. “Our vision was to give our guests a glimpse into our life together through personal details that epitomize who we are, both as individuals and as a couple.”