Rasheedah & John’s Enchanting Balboa Park Elopement in San Diego

Rasheedah & John wed in the park where they had one of their first dates. The pandemic made it easy for these two to decide on eloping at the historic Balboa Park in San Diego. The stylish couple exchanged vows among the lush gardens and picturesque terraces with family and friends looking on. We love the bride’s stunning gown and veil and her groom’s bowtie. All the adorable-looking children that attended this elopement were the icing on the cake! Read on to find out how Rasheedah & John planned this enchanting elopement with Simply Eloped!

How did you meet? What was your first impression of one another?

Rasheedah: We met online! My first impression of him was that he was easy to talk to, but I wasn’t sure if he was interested in dating me.

John: My first impression of her was she was beautiful and so cool to talk to, but I couldn’t tell if she was interested in me.

When did you first fall in love? How did you know?

Rasheedah: After one of our dates, I realized that he had many of the qualities I was looking for in a man.

John: I realized I loved her after our fifth date. I felt a deep connection with her. 

How did you propose?

John:  I proposed the day after Valentine’s Day. We went to dinner at a winery, and I waited until we got home to propose.

 

What do you love about your partner?

Rasheedah: I love that he has a sense of humor and loves me for me.

John: I love that she is caring, understanding, and she loves me for being me.

What is the greatest strength of your relationship? 

Rasheedah: We have a genuine friendship that serves as a great foundation for our relationship.

Why did you decide to elope?

Rasheedah: We eloped because of COVID/pandemic.

How did you find Simply Eloped?

Rasheedah: I found Simply Eloped while searching for simple weddings.

How did you know Simply Eloped was the right fit for you?

Rasheedah: I liked the packages offered and the flexibility to change things if needed. Everyone was very helpful.

What attracted you to the venue you chose for your elopement?

Rasheedah: One of our first dates was at Balboa Park, and we love going there. It felt like the best place to have our wedding. 

What did you do before the wedding? How did you get ready? How did you feel in the moments leading up to your elopement?

Rasheedah: We spent time with family and friends the day before the wedding. We were both excited and nervous about the wedding!

Tell us about your experience with Simply Eloped leading up to and on your big day!

Rasheedah: Our experience was great with Simply Eloped. Our coordinator, Keely, made herself available for questions throughout the planning process and was very helpful. Our photographer, Nikki, was supportive and remembered my photo requests. Our pictures came out AMAZING!!! Brian, our officiant, was also supportive through the planning process and made sure to cater our ceremony to us. On our big day, he made us and our guests feel so special. He was the best! 

How did you celebrate after your elopement? 

Rasheedah: We had a family brunch at Squadron 94. Afterward, we relaxed for two days in San Diego. 

What words of encouragement do you have for those considering eloping?

Rasheedah: It was one of the best decisions I made for the wedding. Even though the wedding was on a smaller scale, it was perfect and everything that we wanted.

 

Officiation by: Brian Howarth
Photography by: Nikki Neumann
Planning by: Simply Eloped
Venue: Balboa Park, San Diego, California