Thirty-year-old college counselor David Halttunen was 29-year-old photographer Jessica Van Pelt’s neighbor… until he became so much more. The two were living next to each other in a Carlsbad apartment complex—they even shared a bedroom wall—but it wasn’t until they shared a hug after a neighbor’s dinner that sparks really flew. David proposed on Christmas Eve in front of both their families at a cabin in the Julian woods. They got married in May at Las Caletas, a beach near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with 61 friends and loved ones.

STELLAR SETTING “The location was already so stunning; we didn’t want the decor to take away from the natural beauty,” Jessica says.

DARLING DETAILS “I had my family and bridesmaids collect doilies throughout my engagement that we sewed together to make table runners,” says Jessica. There were no other linens on the naked wood, adding to the natural feel.

THEIR TALENTED TEAM:

Coordination, Day Of: Vallarta Adventures
Photography: David Manning
Ceremony and Reception: Las Caletas
Florals, Catering, Music, and Cake: Vallarta Adventures
Dress: The Dress Theory
Shoes: Forever Soles
Hair: Rachel Jay
Makeup: Sara France
Officiant: Nick Demeo
Calligrapher: Design by Laney
Macrame Piece: Mawu Macrame