Matrimonial Monday in San Diego

These first two images show the San Diego City and County Administration Building, circa 1950s. Completed in 1938, it was part of the federal Works Progress Administration project under President Franklin Delano Roosevelt.



I love the “Mario Lanza: music with muscles” ad for Look magazine on the side of the van.



The building still stands today, looking even better with my friends Patrick and Mona posed in front.



The two had been married in France, but needed to have a legal wedding in the states. Keeping it simple after their romantic ceremony in the land of “Ooh la la,” they chose to do it at the Admin Building downtown.



How do you make a ceremony in a government building special? You wear Manolo Blahniks!



The two said their emotional vows proving that yes, you can find romance even in a government setting!



Afterwards, we headed over to Balboa Park for a better backdrop:





The two still wanted to celebrate with local friends and family who couldn’t make it to France, so a San Diego venue was needed. The classic Bali Hai restaurant on Shelter Island was the perfect choice. We scouted it out at dinner and it checked all the requirements: beautiful views, fun setting, and delicious food.



A vintage 1950s shot of the restaurant from my collection:



“The Goof” sits atop the building:





Today, the Bali Hai looks very much the same:



And “The Goof” is still on top of the roof!



The inside has decor to reflect the Polynesian theme:







Where Mona and Patrick had their reception; just try and top that view, will ya?



The happy couple:



I had to get at least one shot with the bride; we have been through a lot together!



Lots of friends…





family…





Dancing…





…and tasty food made it a memorable occasion befitting Mona and Patrick. Congratulations! When’s the next celebration?

See more San Diego photos at my main website.

2020: A Year in Review, Pt. 1

2020 is a year that will go down in history as…well, yet to be determined how it will be classified, but for many it was not a year for good memories. I have been very fortunate in that the pandemic allowed me more time with Willis, continued employment, and the ability to travel via automobile. My number one goal was to improve my health, which meant better eating and a regular exercise regimen. I also made it a goal to get back to the canvas and start painting, which I did, too. This post is a quick summary of the highlights, which started with the virgin trip to Joshua Tree State Park. I was in the Palm Springs area for the wedding of my very good friends Kamy and Amanda. It was definitely one of the most beautiful and touching ceremonies I have been invited to. The Parker Hotel in Palm Springs was the perfect backdrop.

The ready-made family of Amanda, Famous the dog, and Kamy:

The one (and only) plane trip of the year was to Austin, Texas to visit my brother and his family.

I allowed myself one night at the South Congress Hotel, so that I could get some shots of an area I hadn’t really explored before.

The hotel was an excellent choice; hip, clean, and the perfect location.

Neon was in abundance on Congress Avenue:

Back in California, I had the honor of doing the “farewell” shoot of the Dearly Departed Museum in Hollywood before everything was packed up and put in storage.

I was able to get up close and personal with the Jayne Mansfield death car:

The Shirley Temple that Shirley Temple refused!

My one and only “live” concert for 2020 was to hear The Doo Wop Project when they performed in Palm Springs:

It’s always a treat to hear these guys in concert.

2020 marked my first trip to the Anzo Borrego desert:

The pandemic allowed me to capture these shots of an empty Balboa Park at sunset:

There were still reasons to celebrate in 2020; I was hired to do a graduation shoot at San Diego State University:

SO many firsts for me in 2020, including lunch at the Rainbow Oaks Restaurant in Fallbrook:

…and my first trip on the Angels Flight Railway:

While in Laguna Beach for a photo shoot, I captured this. Yes, the anger that was building in this nation was palpable.

A photo shot took me back to Long Beach, which is so close to where I live but a place I rarely spend time in.

I dined twice at the Bali Hai Restaurant on Shelter Island:

I decided to wear a vintage Hawaiian shirt that belonged to my dad. I had worn it frequently during my college years, and it still fit!

I joined Eric Lynxwiler (neon aficionado and LA history/Knott’s Berry Farm expert) and Darin for the first dining experience at Bali Hai:

…and with the group of guys I have been doing my outdoor workouts with. We definitely had earned our dinner (and drinks)!

Stay tuned for Part 2 on Monday! See more Daveland photos at my main website.