Shaw’s Cove is one of my favorite beaches in Laguna because there are so many options. Jean and Michael wanted a beach and ice cream or a shake. Originally we had planned to go to Shake Shack, but of course Shake Shack is known for the never ending line. We headed to a gelato spot in downtown Laguna instead. Always have a backup plan in Laguna.
Ever photograph or attend a wedding in the middle of a storm? I mean… if you’re from Wisconsin, probably! I’m from California where rain is only a thing January-March, and even then it’s nothing compared to what we faced on Alyssa and Mike’s wedding day. The florist had just finished setting up everything for the outdoor ceremony (in the rain) when it became clear an outdoor ceremony was not an option. We had to hang out on the lower level for a while until it was okay to move forward with an indoor ceremony.
Mike and Alyssa were total champs!! I mean, yes we’re in the middle of a pandemic and a lot of weddings have had to change or be postponed, but imagine making a change on your wedding day minutes before your ceremony! Guests can only say “rain is good luck” so many times before it becomes absolutely ridiculous and the bride is in tears, but man Alyssa kept her cool and rolled with the punches!! Their day wound up beautiful and we were able to go outside for all of the formal portraits, which are often the photos you post the most anyway. If you’re stressed about a rainy or stormy wedding day, check out this blog and pray your wedding turns out this awesome!
A few weeks ago, I shared a list of my favorite places in OC for photos (check it out!) and this spot is on the list! It’s well known for hiking, but people don’t think about it for photos. Michelle and Steven knew they wanted a spot in nature that was also close enough to go to the beach, so it made perfect sense.
We met up at Top of the World for the first 20-25 minutes of their session then we drove over to Montage for another 20 minutes of photos. Michelle had been super nervous about photos; so nervous, she had a nightmare haha! They couldn’t imagine doing photos for longer than an hour and they appreciated even more so they could manage 2 locations to break up the time. They wound up having a blast and LOVED the photos (you can see their review on Instagram). Check out all the fun we had!
If you’re looking for a beautiful country club for your wedding… Look no further! Coto Valley Country Club is so pretty! I mean look at the arch! I was so excited to photograph Cassy and Ethan’s wedding day and it definitely did not disappoint! They have some of the sweetest friends and family, which made my job that much easier. Things “went wrong” - we started to “run behind,” but it’s their day and the party doesn’t start until they show up; Cassy’s sleeve fell off while walking down the aisle, but neither of those things took away from their day. They were still able to pray together before their ceremony and get back on schedule. You can’t even tell in the photos that her sleeve fell off and their ceremony was beautiful. Those things didn’t matter and they didn’t ruin their day either. The things that did matter - their vows, their time with their family and friends, praying together, the words from their friends and family during their speeches, dancing and laughing with their family and friends.
I know it feels like things are going wrong - your plans had to change or get canceled all together. If you just want to be married, focus on getting married this year and enjoy the party next year. I’m honestly really excited about intimate weddings or elopements at beautiful locations where the vows are the ultimate focus. If you’re most excited about the party, then postpone to next year so you don’t have to stress about trying to make a new plan or plan for 2 dates. Either way, talk to your vendors. We’re here for you!
These two get married in a month!! It’s been a whirlwind of a year, but especially the last week for these two! First, their venue gave them the okay to move forward with a reduced guest count as long as people wore masks. 2 days later, their venue said they wouldn’t be able to hold their wedding on their original date. 2 days after that, the venue said possibly, but not for sure. Talk about stressful, especially when you’re trying to update your vendors because hello you’re getting married in a month.
I imagine so many couples are going through this exact same thing! We were all hopeful late summer and fall weddings would be able to happen, but with this new round of closures in California… it’s hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. If you’re in a stressful situation like this, talk to your vendors! You don’t have to do this alone.
I’m in this with Andy and Jordan as they make new plans. We’re checking out a new outdoor location this weekend for their intimate wedding! Fingers crossed!
Capture real, raw moments.
