As a San Diego wedding photographer, I get to witness love stories that feel straight out of a movie and Ashley and Joon’s story was no exception. From meeting on a Caribbean island to saying I do in the heart of downtown San Diego, their wedding was a testament to resilience, connection, and joy.
From the Caribbean to California: Their Love Story
Ashley and Joon first met in 2019 on an island in the Caribbean while attending veterinary school. They were placed in the same orientation group, and what started as casual hangouts quickly turned into late night talks, island adventures, and eventually love.
By 2021, they were officially dating but life had other plans. Each was placed at a different school for their final year, meaning a long distance relationship was ahead. The distance challenged them, but it also gave them space to grow as individuals and as partners.
After graduation, they reunited and moved to California to start their next adventure together. “Through all of it, we’ve had to be each other’s rock during tough and unimaginable hardships,” Ashley shared. “It taught us that love doesn’t wait for life to be perfect.”
In April 2024, while visiting family in Hocking Hills, Ohio, he got down on one knee and she said yes.
Why They Chose San Diego for Their Wedding
When it came time to choose a wedding location, they looked at venues all over the map. But their hearts kept pulling them toward San Diego.
“We love the area and are manifesting living there someday,” they said. “It just felt right to start this next chapter in a place that feels like home.”
Their wedding day at Venue 808 was everything they dreamed of laid-back, joyful, and full of heart.
Inside Venue 808 | San Diego’s Hidden Gem
Nestled right across from Petco Park in downtown San Diego, Venue 808 is an industrial-meets-romantic dream. With exposed brick, lush indoor trees, and soft string lighting, it creates a warm, inviting atmosphere that feels both urban and intimate the perfect backdrop for couples who want that city edge with a touch of California romance.
“It was all brick and industrial but with indoor trees and romantic lighting,” Ashley said. “It was perfect.”
Their Wedding Day Details
The Inspiration & Vibe
Ashley and her husband kept their decor simple to let the venue shine. They added colorful flowers throughout the space to symbolize joy and new beginnings. One of the sweetest details was their playing card guest sign-in, inspired by Ashley’s childhood memories of family card games a personal touch that made the day feel uniquely theirs.
Their goal? “We just wanted our guests to enjoy this special evening with us and dance the night away.”
Favorite Moments
Ashley shared that the best part of the day was that deep breath after the ceremony. “The overwhelming calm after we were officially married — that’s one of my favorite memories.”
Other unforgettable moments included:
- Getting ready with her bridesmaids the excitement, the laughter, the glam.
- Their first look “It all felt right in that moment.”
- Sneaking away for portraits but still making time to join cocktail hour.
As a photographer, those small, in between moments the quiet smiles, the joy in motion are what tell the story best.
The Music & Energy
Their playlist perfectly matched their fun-loving energy. Think Pitbull, ABBA, and Mr. Brightside — with crowd favorites like “Cupid Shuffle” to get everyone out on the dance floor.
DIY Details
This couple poured their heart into personal touches from their welcome arch and centerpieces to menus and table decor. They sourced flowers from Trader Joe’s, creating stunning bouquets that felt effortless and personal.
Words of Wisdom for Future Brides
Ashley shared some thoughtful advice for other couples planning their weddings:
“Don’t forget the reason for the day. It’s so easy to get caught up in the details, but the day is about marrying your best friend everything else is just extra.”
She also recommends hiring a wedding coordinator (“they’ll save your sanity!”), finding a photographer you truly connect with, and remembering that DIYing can be a fun bonding experience if you keep it lighthearted.
The Dream Team | San Diego Wedding Vendors
Venue: Venue 808 – Downtown San Diego
Planner: Beyond the Event – Juliana [@beyyondtheevent]
Hair & Makeup: The Hair and Makeup Box [@thehairandmakeupbox]
DJ: SoCal DJ Entertainment / DJ Griff Entertainment – DJ Daniel [@socaldjent]
Catering: Coastal Cuisine & Cocktail Co.
Flowers: Trader Joe’s DIY
Jewelry: Amazon
Invites: VistaPrint & Etsy Templates
Final Thoughts
This San Diego wedding at Venue 808 was everything joyful, romantic, and unapologetically them. It’s proof that when you lead with love (and trust your people), your wedding day becomes more than a moment it becomes a memory that lasts a lifetime.
If you’re planning your own celebration and looking for a San Diego wedding photographer who will tell your story with honesty, heart, and artful intention I’d love to connect. Let’s create something wildly beautiful together.
👉 Contact Desert Born Studios to start planning your San Diego wedding photography experience.
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