Couple vows to love each other and the environment

By Erika Ostroff

Intern

Lindy Boynton and Chad Alasantro wed at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Boynton and Alasantro, who both love nature and the outdoors, knew it was the perfect location for a serene yet original wedding. The couple decided on an all-green wedding, with recyclable invitations and natural centerpieces among numerous eco-friendly favors.

Out of the blue:

Lindy, 31, and Chad, 36, met two and a half years ago through mutual friends. Set up on a blind date over sushi, the couple was amazed at what they had in common. After nearly two years of dating, Chad surprised Lindy with a trip. The Encinitas natives rented an RV and drove to Monterey, Calif., then camped for a week down the Big Sur Coast. It was during their hike around Pfeiffer Beach when Chad caught Lindy off guard. Chad, out of the blue, got down on one knee and proposed. Along with the ring he presented her with from Brilliant Earth, a cruelty-free diamond company, he gave Lindy a locket with a photo of her father who passed away in December 2005. The sentimental yet celebratory moment was enjoyed with a bottle of wine that Chad broke out of his backpack.

The search is on:

Lindy and Chad wanted the wedding to reflect their lives and, most of all, the love of nature that they share. After looking at venues from Palm Springs to Los Angeles, the couple chose Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for the wedding ceremony and Lindy’s mother’s La Jolla house for the reception. “We looked everywhere for places that didn’t have generic chandeliers and tacky color carpet, but they where few and far between,” Lindy said. “I have always loved Torrey Pines and went there often as a kid. But I had no idea that was even an option. I called on a whim and when they said they hosted weddings we just knew it was the right spot.”

The day of:

On the wedding day in September, about 100 chairs were set up against the Reserve’s picturesque backdrop. Kathleen B. Jones, who officiated the ceremony, helped create an original wedding where personal vows were exchanged. To close the ceremony, the couple took off in Chad’s 1956 white Cadillac Coupe De Ville, making a grand appearance at their reception.

Going green:

Being the eco-friendly savvies that they are, Lindy and Chad’s “go green” theme included all-natural decor. The couple chose a modern yet elegant style with earthtone colors like white, pewter and moss green. From invitations to menus, everything was designed by Chad and printed on recyclable paper. Centerpieces consisted of succulents and grasses that could be replanted. The wedding was catered by Eco Caters, and featured an all-organic vegetarian-style cuisine. Organic soda and wine were served along with a Fat Tire keg. In lieu of party favors, the couple decided to make a donation to a nonprofit organization. Lindy said: “Having a green wedding is simple. Just think, ‘Do I really need that? Will I have a use for it after the wedding?’”