Tag Archives: Occasions weddings

introducing the culvers!

You know how much I love a good love story… but aren’t they all good? This one begins when Matt and Hadhyja met in the fall of 2014 at a Halloween party. Matt was an outlaw biker, Hadhyja was a member of the SWAT team. Perfect, yes? And proof that opposites truly do attract. They’ve been from LA to Chicago, and now the OC. I have to admit that it took me a while to get the pronunciation of her Brazilian name correct, but I finally got it :-).

The proposal happened last Thanksgiving in the Paso Robles wine country. And just about a year later, their wedding took place at Occasions in Laguna Village. Complete credits are at the end.

Both Hadhyja and Matt got ready at Laguna’s Surf & Sand Hotel, which is a perfect spot. The rooms are… well… roomy, which is nice when you have a few people getting hair and make-up, dressing, and helping the bride.

Here’s Hadhyja’s mom zipping and buttoning. BTW, she’s also named Hadhyja. AJ1A1534Fantasy Florals always does an amazing job. These were simple and elegant.AJ1A1509Hadhyja’s gorgeous gown was custom made in Brazil.

AJ1A1548How much do I love a first look? Plenty!!!AJ1A1570AJ1A1571IMG_7695IMG_7735The arches at the Surf & Sand are the perfect frame for first look photos.IMG_7704IMG_7814Lots more beautiful spots for photography nearby.IMG_7847AJ1A1608IMG_7860IMG_7899IMG_7905Then to Occasions for the ceremony and reception. What a spectacular day overlooking the Pacific. Check out the custom aisle runner, hand painted by Amanda of Fantasy Floral Designs. AJ1A1794This is a bouquet type I don’t often see, but it’s really pretty. Called a presentation, or pageant, bouquet. Hadhyja’s is simple lilies, a little dusty miller, and eucalyptus.IMG_8120Now, THAT’S a veil.AJ1A1888IMG_8158Acknowledging the Moms.IMG_8182My favorite officiant, Don Johnson, always interjects humor with his heartfelt ceremonies.AJ1A1983IMG_8376Just steps from the venue is this incredible spot.AJ1A2123AJ1A2115The babies breath was such a nice touch.AJ1A2271A winter sunset is hard to beat. IMG_8641

Photography | Click Chicks Photography
Getting ready | Surf & Sand Hotel, Laguna Beach
HMUA | Pure Beauty by Danielle
Gown | Custom made in Brazil
Florals | Fantasy Floral Design
Venue | Occasions at Laguna Village
Officiant | Don Johnson
Coordinator | Dayna Lewis, A Very Special Day

monique + steven get married at occasions at laguna village

I’ll admit … I went a little crazy with this post. I just couldn’t narrow the field to fewer than these 25 images. What can I say? Monique was a stunning bride. I loved the piece she added to her gown around her shoulders, to make it extra special, rather than “just another beautiful strapless gown.” I think it absolutely made the dress.

And, as you know, I love shooting at Occasions at Laguna Village. The setting just can’t get any better. Their wedding was in the middle of a sunny day, so lighting was tricky, but we made it work. There’s no other option, right!

Kudos, as always to Dayna and her daughter, who coordinate Occasions weddings flawlessly; Annie of La Tulipe Florals who always wows; and Rev. Michael Ahern, who performed a heartfelt and touching ceremony.

Starting the processional. The moment when reality hits and the groom and guests see her for the first time.

Starting the processional. The moment when reality hits and the groom and guests see her for the first time.

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A gorgeous puffy cloud day.

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I think they’re married!

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Brown’s Park, the little walkway just north of the property.

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Even a parking lot can provide an interesting backdrop!

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Just a white wall in the corner of the property. Gorgeous!!!

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First dance.

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Groom and Mom is always a shot that has so much emotion.

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Giving myself props for capturing the bouquet before it was caught 🙂

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Priceless view from Occasions.

LOVE this.

I love this shot AND the little pocket park where this metal fence resides. Isn’t it beautiful?

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One of those serendipitous moments that turns into a beautiful capture.

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Christine + Kevin ~ Part I, getting ready at the Ritz Carlton

So much for June gloom this summer day in Laguna Beach!

Christine and Kevin had a spectacular wedding day starting at The Ritz Carlton in Laguna Niguel.

Always fun to find a new way to showcase accessories!

There are many incredible spots for taking photos at the hotel.  We started with Christine as she finished getting ready, then did a ‘first look’ in a quiet corner that I love. Afterwards we went to some of our favorite interior and exterior locations on the property before heading north to Occasions at Laguna Village.

I had a very difficult time making the cut on photos to post. Fell in love with so many of them!!!

Absolutely loved this gown; especially the one jeweled strap. So elegant.

Might be my favorite pic of the day ...maybe of all time! Feels so editorial.

Okay, so here's Perception. See next image.

"Reality". Steps away from the beautiful scene we set up was the family, aka paparazzi.