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Writer's pictureLana Tavares

Michelle + Eric, Intimate Boat Wedding in San Diego Marina by Lana Tavares

Updated: Sep 4, 2020

San Diego Marina Intimate Boat Wedding



"There are going to be 12 people total-including you."


Michelle & Eric met me at a local Starbucks to tell me their wedding plans. Instead of having a big (traditional) wedding, they had decided an intimate ceremony was best for them. Of course I was 500% on board, I mean--what's better than an intimate wedding ceremony with just those closest to you?

"I chose you because I love the way you capture people candidly--that's the kind of wedding album I want. When we first talked about getting married, I told him two things I wouldn't compromise on were photos & my dress," Michelle told me between sips of coffee.

Beyond honored, my husband and I drove to San Diego to capture their big day. Their wedding was on October 12th of 2019, and I was 7.5 months pregnant at the time. I thought shooting on a rocking boat would be a challenge, but throw in some extra pregnancy weight and some added clumsiness (I don't know what it is about being pregnant, but you seem to lose all sense of balance), and I was about to scare the daylights out of my husband as we set out to work.

There was very little walking room (as you can imagine), and the guests were seated at the front of the boat after we docked. The "aisle" our lovely bride walked down made my heart jump out of it's chest because 1) it was narrow and slippery--certainly a daunting task when you're wearing an elaborate wedding dress, and 2) she looked absolutely stunning in her David's Bridal wedding gown.


Michelle & Eric said "I do" on a boat in the middle of the San Diego Marina in front of 8 family members and 2 photographers (us!). Their reception was held at the Stone Brewery in San Diego's very own Gaslamp District. 7 hours after our cameras began to click away, we said our "good-byes," and walked away feeling elated to be a part of something so freakin' cool.