SUMMER OF LOVE,
SAN DIEGO-STYLE

As we enter summer, the season for weddings, couples who planned far in advance are preparing to say "I do." But what about those couples who simply didn’t start planning soon enough to secure a date in the coveted summer months? Not to worry, North Chapel at Liberty Station has the answer.

During its "Summer of Love" promotion, 36 couples can secure a spot on the roster of wedding rituals to be held on upcoming summer Friday nights in July, August and September.

According to Bridget Wear, spokespwoman for the historic North Chapel at Liberty Station in Point Loma, the Summer of Love is a perfect time for couples to tie the knot.

"Couples can come in with their license and get married, receive a boutonniere and wedding bouquet and bring as many people as they want, and for just $500, they can use the chapel and have the gorgeous wedding they’ve always wanted," Wear says. "A lot of people want hot summer love but they can’t afford it. This is a great opportunity for young couples or any couple to have the trimmings without the cost."

Wear, who promoted a similar wedding marathon at North Chapel on Valentine’s Day, explains that these types of wedding events are great experiences for a wide variety of couples, from young military couples to older pairs seeking a vow renewal.

"I have even seen an older man in his 60swho had married a woman years ago in the Philippines, but the priest had been assassinated. He had always wanted to get remarried in the United States," she says. "This man had tears in his eyes during this experience. The chapel is so gorgeous and so many people don’t know about it and know they can get married in such a beautiful place."

The North Chapel holds more than 300 guests. For more information or to register for a Summer of Love wedding, to be held from 6 p.m. to midnight on July 25, August 22 and September 25, go to www.NTCPromenade.org.

    
 
 
   
   


DANCE LIKE EVERYONE IS WATCHING

You’ve pored over old romantic mix tapes, endlessly perused iTunes and finally found the perfect first-dance song for you and your beau. But when the time comes to take to the dance floor, will your steps be in sync? Luckily, a host of locations across San Diego County offer lessons to ensure those two left feet don’t end up on the guest list.

  • Ballroom Dance San Diego offers private lessons for pre-wedded couples at its Hillcrest studio, Champion Ballroom Academy. A 45-minute private trial lesson can be purchased for $60, while a Wedding Five-Pack of five 45-minute sessions costs $360. 3580 Fifth Avenue, 858-769-4497; www.ballroomdancesandiego.com.

  • Cheek2Cheek Dance Studio in Pacific Beach, which invites couples to "Walk in, Dance Out," offers a variety of musical services, including first dance choreography, father/daughter and wedding party dance instruction and professional DJ services. 909 Grand Avenue, 858-270-7100;. www.cheek2cheek.net.

  • Dancing Together, another Pacific Beach studio, encourages couples to begin their dance lessons at least two to three months before the wedding and even offers couples a complimentary first lesson. Instructors will review song selection and help couples decide on the best style based on the chosen song. 2180 Garnet Avenue, 619-787-6376; www.dancingtogether.com.

    
     
   


FINISHING TOUCHES:
HOTEL GIFT BASKETS FOR
OUT-OF-TOWN GUESTS

You’ve reserved a block of rooms for your out-of-town guests, but your responsibility to make them feel welcome doesn’t end there. Be a generous hostess by putting together gift baskets to greet them when they check in, complete with city-themed goodies such aslocal food, a bottle of wine, a guide book to local attractions and, of course, a thank-you note with a list of suggested things for your guests to do during pre- or post-wedding downtime.