Tom and Victoria’s Boho Darlington House Wedding

By Victoria Gonzalez

Living on a boat may not seem ideal to some, but for Tom, it helped reel in the catch of his life.

“I slowly fell head over heels for the guy!” says Victoria, who worked in a restaurant at the marina where he docked. Six years later, he popped the question at Truluck’s Seafood Steak & Crab House, with a ring delivered on a dessert plate overflowing with rose petals.

Finding the perfect place to tie the knot, however, wasn’t exactly smooth sailing. They had originally booked a private residence as their venue but were told only a few months before the big day that the venue was forced to cancel all bookings.

Thankfully, their coordinator, Amanda Trejo of Sassy Little Bee, swooped in to direct the couple toward the timeless Darlington House in La Jolla.

Their nuptials skewed bohemian—accented by rich reds, burgundies, and ochers everywhere from the bridesmaids’ dresses to Botanicamuse-styled florals—and the reception a fully festive affair, with guests welcomed by the spirited sounds of Mariachi Estrellas de Chula Vista’s 12-piece band and led to indulge in a custom Mexican menu from California Cuisine.

After all that wining and dining, Victoria says JD Musik kept everyone busy on the dance floor, especially the bride and groom, who at Tom’s request, played the Billy Joel classic “She’s Got a Way” for their first dance.

“I’ll never forget the true joy and happiness I felt in that moment,” she says. “On the day I was fortunate enough to marry my very best friend.”