Jesse & Ashley

Every couple’s wedding day looks a little different—but in some cases, that special day looks a lot different. Take, for example, Jesse & Ashley’s San Diego yacht wedding in Coronado, CA. This couple went for a totally unique wedding day—mixing elements of Burning Man fashion, California sun, and plenty of sailing around with friends and family.

For a bit of background, I actually have a connection for Jesse & Ashley. Specifically, Jesse is one of my mom’s best friend’s sons. So, it was a delight to talk to him and Ashley about their wedding-day vision. And boy oh boy, did they have a good one!

From Burner Fashion to the Boat

Jesse & Ashley are fun people. And maybe that’s some of my bias, since I think Burners are fun. These two had been to Black Rock City together, and they wanted their guests to come through for the Burner-themed wedding day.

The yacht made for an especially cool wedding spot. Setting sail from San Diego, the couple and wedding party headed to Coronado Island, with their closest friends and family on the boat. Oh—and their adorable puppy too!

On the boat, Jesse & Ashley got the finishing touches for the big day. Meanwhile, friends go ready, dressed in their amazingly cute outfits.

Foregoing a first look, Ashley hid below deck while the boat made its way out to Coronado. Once there, our couple emerged for their ceremony on the deck. The wedding ceremony was beautiful and emotional. There was lots of happy tears and heartfelt vows—followed by two Jewish wedding traditions of sharing a glass of wine and (of source) breaking the glass. It’s always lovely to see couples mix traditional rituals and non-traditional elements into their wedding day.

A San Diego Wedding Receiption

After a post-ceremony snack with charcuterie boards, the two headed out on a dinghy to Coronado Island for some alone time. Getting some one-on-one time on your wedding day is a great way to let the moment sink in.

Jesse & Ashley’s Burner wedding attire got lots of attention from other boaters, making for some fun moments. After some quality time together and creative wedding portraits—which was a high priority for our bride—we headed back to the yacht.

Now it was time to head back to San Diego for a proper celebration. Rolling deep with friends and family, Jesse & Ashley took to the Embarcadero and an intimate dinner in town.

Tips for Your Yacht or Boat Wedding

Love the idea of tying the knot on a boat? The water can be so romantic. But there are a few things to know when planning a wedding day on a boat or yacht:

Be prepared for rough seas: The water might have been calm on this day, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get seasick. Make sure you and your guests are prepared for that—bring Dramamine and anything else to keep you comfortable.
Practice Leave No Trace when getting married outdoors. Wind is common on boats, especially when in motion. Make sure anything on the boat is tied or weighted down so you don’t lose items or trash to the ocean. Keep our oceans clean!
Consider the timing. Southern California is a great place for a boat ride, but keep in mind that summer can bring cool mornings and warm afternoons.

Ready to take the next step? Book a call with Love & Latitudes, your San Diego wedding photographer!