Heather and Chris tied the knot at San Diego’s Air and Space Museum, located in Balboa Park. This couple is admittedly obsessed with Star Wars and all things vintage, so the location was a perfect fit. With its focus on flight and space travel, and its historical collection dating back to 1901, the museum made for a fun and eclectic wedding venue.

We thought the couple’s classic retro look paired perfectly with this antique Pitts Special plane from the 40’s (see above). By side-lighting the image, and converting it to black and white during post-production, it created a timeless film noir aesthetic.

Because we were photographing in such a unique venue, we wanted to highlight the museum’s displays of engines and aircraft. For example, we borrowed Heather’s Dorothy-inspired glitter heels from Irregular Choice, and offset them with the dark metal tones and mechanical texture of this engine (below).

Heather is also an avid fan of Dr. Who, in addition to Star Wars. Using the show as inspiration, she had a yellow swing wedding dress custom-designed by the ladies at Tailor Love. It definitely created a bold pop of color as she came down the aisle :)

After seeing these blue doors (pictured above), we found them to be awfully reminiscent of Dr. Who’s TARDIS police box. We had the fellas hop in front, and show off their best time traveler poses.

Upon seeing Heather in her yellow dress for the first time, Chris’ reaction was priceless (below). The photo was captured during the First Look, which allowed these two to enjoy a quiet, intimate moment together before seeing guests. We love the candid emotions that can come from moments like this.

To exchange vows, the couple stood under a massive PBY-5A Catalina as Ceremonies by Bethel officiated. With the plane’s broad wingspan overhead, and the pavilion’s intricate roof pattern, it was a sight to behold. To show off the full detail of the scene, we used a wide angle lens, and got down low for a “larger-than-life” vantage point.

During the ceremony, Heather and Chris kept guests entertained with a few fun surprises up their sleeves. As guests focused on the main doors, the music abruptly switched from a 50’s soundtrack to the familiar chorus of “Imperial March” from Star Wars. Moments later, this mini-Darth Vader and Storm Trooper burst in, ready to ward off would-be ring thieves (above).

 Playing off of the traditional sand ceremony, Heather and Chris decided to mix spices instead. They selected spices to compliment their personalities, uniting in an artistic fusion of garlic and pepper. The couple that cooks together stays together :)

With the museum closed off to visitors after-hours, our photographers enjoyed unfiltered access to the grounds after the ceremony. One star of the show was this F/A-18 Blue Angels fighter jet (see below) used by the Navy in the 70’s. We loved matching the blue-and-yellow paint to the Bride’s bouquet of yellow roses and blue hydrangeas.

The San Diego Air and Space Museum sits on the outskirts of Balboa Park. In the photo below, we couldn’t resist having the bridal party tap into their inner-Trekkies, and give a Vulcan Salute. We know this couple will “live long and prosper” long after the wedding day ;)

By mixing colorful uplighting with projected images of the moon, Heather and Chris continued their Star Wars theme late into the night.

 The couple showed off more craftiness with these Star Wars and Dr. Who centerpieces. Consisting of memorabilia from their own collection, this DIY touch helped showcase the couple’s unique sense of style.

 Later, guests were treated to musical performances by the bluegrass country band Gone Tomorrow, and a surprise guitar tribute from Chris to his new bride.

Towards the end of the night, guests treated the couple to an impromptu Hora Dance. Attendees raise the couple above their heads, with a napkin between them, and paraded them in circles. Soaring as high as the planes themselves, Heather’s reaction to the moment says it all!

Vendors

Venue: San Diego Air and Space Museum
Wedding Dress: Tailor Love (custom-made)
Wedding Shoes: Irregular Choice
Invitation: Wedding Paper Divas
Makeup: Lindsay Ann Makeup
Hair Stylist: Vera Delgado
Florist: Blossoms by the Beach
Bluegrass Band: Gone Tomorrow
Disc Jockey: DJ Tom Parck
Caterer: Bekker’s Catering
Coordinator: Bekker’s Catering
Officiant: Ceremonies by Bethel

Check out more fun moments from Heather and Chris’ creative Star Wars-themed wedding.