{"id":872147,"date":"2026-08-20T01:00:19","date_gmt":"2026-08-20T06:00:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/?p=872147"},"modified":"2026-08-13T09:09:06","modified_gmt":"2026-08-13T14:09:06","slug":"minimalist-modern-black-tie-wedding-at-martin-johnson-house-in-la-jolla","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/minimalist-modern-black-tie-wedding-at-martin-johnson-house-in-la-jolla\/","title":{"rendered":"A Minimalist, Modern Black-Tie Wedding at Martin Johnson House in La Jolla"},"content":{"rendered":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872246\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-96.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With just 36 guests, an all-white color palette, and a black-tie dress code, Kaitline and Aaron kept their La Jolla wedding intentionally intimate. A few <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/use-this-wedding-decor-checklist-to-help-you-nail-every-detail\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">statement pieces<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> shaped the celebration, including couches for the ceremony, modern reception chairs, and a custom 10-foot-tall stage that transformed from a string quartet setup into a photo wall as the day unfolded.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">They also reconsidered how weddings were typically laid out at <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/scripps.ucsd.edu\/about\/venues\/martin-johnson-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Martin Johnson House<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, putting dinner on the upper deck, the ceremony and dancing below, and cocktails on the lawn. It was a decision Kaitline had to defend early in planning, but one that ultimately gave each part of the celebration its own place. Add handwritten notes waiting for every guest, a second bridal look with pearl-beaded gloves, and a few embroidered details hidden inside Aaron&rsquo;s tux, and their minimalist approach left plenty of room for personality.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What We Love About This Martin Johnson House Wedding<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An intimate guest list of just 36 people<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Ceremony couches instead of traditional rows of chairs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A custom 10-foot stage used three different ways throughout the day<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handwritten notes sealed with white hydrangeas for every guest<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black bridesmaid dresses designed as a deliberate contrast to Kaitline&rsquo;s gown<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aaron&rsquo;s custom tux embroidered with their wedding date and &ldquo;K+A&rdquo;<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872186\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-37.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872161\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-12.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872165\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-16.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872173\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-24.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872175\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-26.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872177\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-28.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\"><em>Featured Vendor:<br>\n<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/vendors\/wedding-photographers\/kansas\/Staci-Brucks-Photo\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Staci Brucks Photo<\/a><\/h2>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872179\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-30.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872181\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-32.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872182\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-33.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872183\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-34.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872184\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-35.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872190\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-41.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1047\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Finding The Venue Helped Everything Else Fall Into Place<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before landing on Martin Johnson House, Kaitline and Aaron had looked much farther from home. Their <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/the-ultimate-guide-to-finding-your-wedding-venue\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">venue search<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> started in Italy, moved to Spain and Mexico, and eventually brought them right back to La Jolla.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exploring so many possibilities also showed Kaitline just how much the venue shapes everything that comes after it. &ldquo;I feel like not enough people talk about the decision paralysis that comes on day one,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;It&rsquo;s not until you have your venue that the vision starts coming into focus.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The mature trees, lawn, and wide ocean views gave her something concrete to build the rest of the wedding around. The location also happened to suit their 36-person guest list, including one detail Kaitline had already become particularly committed to: her ceremony couches.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kaitline and her mom handled the early <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/the-ultimate-wedding-planning-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">planning<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> together. About six months in, the couple brought on a full planner through MIHO, who was already handling their catering. &ldquo;Life doesn&rsquo;t stop when you start planning your wedding,&rdquo; she says, adding that having a professional there to take over the logistics became &ldquo;a game changer.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872168\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-19.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872169\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-20.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872170\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-21.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872171\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-22.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872172\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-23.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872150\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872151\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-2.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872153\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872155\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-6.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making A 36-Person Guest List Even More Personal<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A 36-person <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/the-step-by-step-guide-to-creating-your-wedding-guest-list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">guest list<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> gave Kaitline and Aaron the chance to create something especially meaningful for every person there: a handwritten note of their own.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Each guest found a letter tucked into an organic, papyrus-style envelope and finished with a white hydrangea seal. The notes came individually from either Kaitline or Aaron and included shared memories alongside a thank-you for being part of their lives.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The couple kept the gesture a surprise. Guests discovered the letters once they sat down, giving Kaitline and Aaron the chance to watch people read them around the room.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That element of surprise carried through much of the wedding. Only a handful of people knew the full plan beforehand, allowing guests to experience the details as they unfolded and giving the couple space to develop their ideas on their own terms.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872191\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-42.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872192\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-43.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872193\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-44.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872194\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-45.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872195\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-46.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872196\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-47.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872199\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-50.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872200\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-51.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Making A Few Statement Pieces Count<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kaitline describes her personal style as minimal, and the wedding followed suit. White was essentially the entire <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/6-tips-for-choosing-your-wedding-colors\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">color palette<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, with black reserved for the wedding party&rsquo;s attire. The existing greenery completed the setting.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She planned one anchoring element for each main part of the celebration. The ceremony had low, understated couches that she had searched extensively to find, while <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-reception-chairs-big-day\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">clean-lined chairs<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> carried the same idea into dinner.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">On the cocktail lawn, a custom stage measuring six feet wide and 10 feet tall framed the ocean view. It first held the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/the-best-wedding-entertainment-ideas-to-consider\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">string quartet<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> before the ceremony, then became a photo wall during cocktail hour and remained part of the setup into the evening. Each piece had a clear purpose and enough presence to make an impact while still letting the setting shine.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872233\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-83.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872236\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-86.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872234\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-84.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872235\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-85.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872243\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-93.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872244\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-94.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872245\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-95.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872246\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-96.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872247\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-97.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872249\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-99.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Keeping The Ceremony Traditional While Making The Reception Their Own<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The ceremony itself stayed close to tradition. A close friend and <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/how-to-find-and-choose-a-wedding-officiant\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">pastor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> officiated, balancing the religious service with enough humor to make it feel personal to the couple.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The setting at Martin Johnson House then shifted gears for the reception. The same lower deck where Kaitline and Aaron had exchanged <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/10-unique-tips-for-writing-your-wedding-vows\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vows<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> became the place everyone returned to dance, while the different zones they&rsquo;d created earlier in the day continued to give the intimate guest list room to move.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The black-tie dress code helped set the pace for the evening too. As Kaitline puts it, &ldquo;Everyone felt like a 10 and partied the night away.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872200\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-51.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872202\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-53.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872203\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-54.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872204\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-55.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872205\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-56.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872206\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-57.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872209\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-60.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872210\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-61.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872214\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-65.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872215\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-66.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Letting Black-Tie Fashion Become Part Of The Design<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/how-to-address-dress-code-wedding\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dress code<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> was part of the visual plan from the beginning. With an all-white palette and plenty of natural greenery, what everyone wore became another layer of the design.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kaitline chose a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wedding-dress-shopping\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">strapless white gown<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> with an a-line silhouette and wore her hair down in curls. Her bridesmaids provided the exact contrast: sleek <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/bridesmaid-dresses-you-can-wear\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">black halterdresses<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> paired with French-style buns. &ldquo;My thought for their look was to be the exact contrast of mine,&rdquo; she says. Against the white setting, the black dresses also helped visually frame the ceremony.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Aaron had his own ideas from the beginning. His <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/unique-groom-style-ideas-for-well-dressed-guys\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">custom tux<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> featured a wide shawl lapel and handmade suede loafers, but some of its best details were saved for a closer look. He surprised Kaitline by embroidering their wedding date inside the jacket and adding &ldquo;K+A&rdquo; to the back of the collar.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once it was time to dance, Kaitline changed into a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/showstopping-reception-dresses\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">second dress<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> made in the same fabric as her ceremony gown. The shorter look featured a folded strapless neckline, off-the-shoulder straps, and sparkly pearl-beaded gloves. &ldquo;Those gloves were everything,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Everyone lost their mind over them. Including me!&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872216\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-67.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872219\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-70.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872223\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-73.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872224\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-74.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872226\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-76.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872228\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-78.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872230\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-80.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872231\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-81.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Starting The Weekend With A Rehearsal Brunch<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The celebration actually began the morning before. With their rehearsal scheduled for 10 a.m., Kaitline and Aaron turned the traditional rehearsal gathering into brunch at Wildland in Carlsbad.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Junebug vendor <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/stacibrucksphoto.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staci Brucks<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> flew in early to photograph it, giving them another part of the weekend together in a relaxed setting. The group took over a private room, where food kept arriving and everyone had time to settle in and enjoy being together after rehearsal.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It was a fitting start to a wedding centered on a deliberately small group of people, with more time to spend together woven into the weekend from the beginning.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872251\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-101.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872262\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-112.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872263\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-113.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"933\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872252\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-102.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872253\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-103.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872254\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-104.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872256\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-106.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872257\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-107.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872258\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-108.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Giving Martin Johnson House A Fresh Layout<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kaitline saw an opportunity to use Martin Johnson House a little differently. Weddings there had traditionally placed the ceremony on the lawn and dinner on the decks, but she envisioned another way for guests to experience the property.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dinner went on the upper deck. The lower deck held the ceremony before becoming the dance floor later that night, while the lawn was reserved for the welcome and cocktail hour.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The arrangement gave each part of the celebration its own setting and naturally moved guests through the property as the wedding progressed. It also made full use of the venue, from the ocean-facing lawn to both deck levels.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Her verdict after seeing it work? &ldquo;10\/10 would recommend not going with the status quo.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872255\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-105.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872270\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-120.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872271\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-121.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872272\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-122.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872260\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-110.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their Advice: Protect Your Own Point Of View<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Kaitline credits her mom with being one of the people who consistently encouraged her ideas and helped her stay connected to what she and Aaron wanted for the day.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">&ldquo;My best <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/best-wedding-advice-from-real-couples\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">advice<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> would be to have people in your corner who support <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">your<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> vision for <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">your<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> day, not their version of it,&rdquo; she says. &ldquo;Not everyone might agree, or like every decision you make, but that&rsquo;s okay.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">That confidence gave Kaitline room to approach Martin Johnson House with fresh eyes, ultimately creating one of her favorite elements of the wedding by arranging the property in a way that worked specifically for their celebration.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">She also recommends saving some details for the wedding itself. &ldquo;Only a handful of people actually knew the details of my wedding,&rdquo; Kaitline says. &ldquo;Though people may have pushed out of excitement and love, it protected my peace during a stressful planning season.&rdquo;<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For a wedding with such a tightly edited visual plan, some of its most memorable details were the ones guests discovered in the moment: letters tucked at their seats, embroidery hidden inside a tux, a ceremony space transforming into a dance floor, and pearl-covered gloves appearing when the party started. Keeping a few surprises made experiencing them together even more fun.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872264\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-114.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872265\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-115.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872266\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-116.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872275\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-125.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872278\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-128.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-872279\" src=\"\/wedding-blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/martin-johnson-house-staci-brucks-photo-129.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"700\" height=\"1050\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"goldbox\">\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 18pt;\"><em>The Wedding Team:<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<p>Photography &ndash; <a href=\"http:\/\/www.stacibrucksphoto.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Staci Brucks<\/a><br>\nEvent Planning &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/nearestanddearestevents.co.za\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Nearest and Dearest<\/a><br>\nVenue &ndash; <a href=\"https:\/\/scripps.ucsd.edu\/about\/venues\/martin-johnson-house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Martin Johnson House<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With just 36 guests, an all-white color palette, and a black-tie dress code, Kaitline and Aaron kept their La Jolla wedding intentionally intimate. A few statement pieces shaped the celebration, including couches for the ceremony, modern reception chairs, and a custom 10-foot-tall stage that transformed from a string quartet setup into a photo wall as the day unfolded. They also reconsidered how weddings were typically laid out at Martin Johnson House, putting dinner on the [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":38,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"kia_subtitle":"","footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":false,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"","_twitter_share_type":"","_linkedin_share_type":"","_pinterest_share_type":"","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"","_medium_share_type":"","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_bluesky_share_type":"","_mastodon_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[1257,1052,1079,1628,1721,1005],"tags":[1121,1113],"class_list":["post-872147","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-best-wedding-photographer","category-best-wedding-photography","category-garden-wedding","category-kansas-wedding","category-mansion-wedding","category-real-weddings","tag-black","tag-white"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/872147","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/38"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=872147"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/872147\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":872282,"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/872147\/revisions\/872282"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=872147"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=872147"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/junebugweddings.com\/wedding-blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=872147"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}