WATERFRONT WEDDINGS

In a seaside city like San Diego, options abound for waterfront weddings. From sandy shores to grassy coves to venues with an ocean view, if you’re looking to see the sea when you say your wows, you’re in luck in San Diego.

Along San Diego Bay, locations such as the Embarcadero Marina Park North and South, Spanish Landing Park, Shelter Island and Harbor Island all have waterfront spots that can be reserved for wedding ceremonies and receptions. The first step toward securing your bayside site is to apply for a special event park permit through the Port of San Diego at www.portofsandiego.org.

North of downtown San Diego, when the Pacific Ocean comes into view, the city’s Parks and Recreation Department comes into play. Among the spots the department considers "Best Sites for Weddings" are bay front locales along Mission Bay, including Hospitality Point, Mission Bay Park and Presidio Park, as well as popular La Jolla shoreline parks, including Calumet Park in Bird Rock, Ellen Browning Scripps Park and the ever-popular Cuvier Park, located across from the Museum of Contemporary Art and known fondly as "The Wedding Bowl." Permits for each of these sites can be obtained at www.sandiego.gov.

Finally, if you’re looking for an indoor wedding with a harbor view, head to the new Star of the Sea Event Center, a renovated waterfront event space in the former home of a 40-year-old staple in San Diego seafood dining, the Star of the Sea. Now a full-service reception site, the Star of the Sea Event Center can seat 175 guests reception-style in its main banquet area, which comes complete with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking San Diego Bay. For more information, visit www.starofthesea.com.

    
 
 
 
   
   

WEDDING TREND:
RAISING THE BAR IN WEDDING PLANNING

When you’re newly engaged, you may think the only way you could possibly peruse all the potential vendors you’ll need to plan your perfect day is to attend a bridal show with hundreds of other brides-to-be and exhibitors galore. Not so anymore, thanks to The Bridal Bar, a new Bird Rock boutique that brings all the best in the wedding industry directly to your fingertips—and all for free. According to the boutique’s Web site, "Brides can lounge on a couch, sip complimentary champagne, view videos and DVD reels, enjoy music samples and photographers’ images, taste cakes and much more." For more information, visit www.bridalbar.com.

    
 

FINISHING TOUCHES:
GREEN RINGS

In today’s increasingly green society, eco-conscious couples have a growing number of options to choose from to create a green wedding, from printing invitations and programs on recycled paper to ordering off a strictly organic menu. Some couples are even displaying their Earth-friendly devotion around their ring finger, opting for fair-trade or recycled gold or platinum, man- or lab-made diamonds and even bands of stone or wood. Sites such as www.greenkarat.com and www.simplywoodrings.com promote "ecologically responsible jewelry" for couples in love with each other and with the environment.