When it comes to getting married in Southern California you cannot go wrong with Crystal Cove in Newport. Crystal Cove is a state park located along the coast in Orange County. The first time I ever went there was with my husband and his side of our family for Easter brunch at Beachcomber Cafe and it is located right on the sand of the beach. We parked along the 101 in the designated parking area and took the shuttle down to the beach (you have the option of walking & it is about a 15 minute walk). The brunch was very good and their beignets are still something my husband and I talk about 3 years later.

A couple years later I had an old friend named Shelly reach out to me asking if I can shoot her and her long time partner’s (Kyle) wedding in the late summer of 2024. I met Shelly and Kyle about 10 years prior when we all worked at Dutch Bros. in Arizona. Shelly was always supportive of my photography, her being an extremely talented music photographer, and a kind person and Kyle being the nicest person you will ever meet. So obviously I said yes when they asked me to shoot their wedding.

If you are a wedding vendor or have planned a wedding at a California State Park or know anyone that has, you know it is not always an easy feat.

After all the permits, depositis, planning the beautiful details, the day finally came where Shelly and Kyle and all their close friends and family drove from the Phoenix valley to the coast of California for the future Mr & Mrs.

I arrived to the Marriott's Newport Coast Villas to get photos of the bride and groom getting ready. The hotel was just down the street from Crystal Cove. I greeted my long time friend and began capturing her and her closest friends getting ready in the stunning suite.

After a little bit of that I walked over to Kyle’s suite and got some detail shots. I am still obsessed with the cufflinks of their dog Porter and the color of Kyle’s suit. Look at the seashell detail!

Then it was time for Kyle and Shelly’s first look and private vow exchange. I am always a sucker for first looks and vow exchanges. As a photographer and once a bride, I will 100% of the time recommend first looks, it really does get the nerves out and gives a private moment with just you and your partner in the midst of the busy day.

The amount of thought and detail that was put into the reception space was so perfect, the photos deserve their own moment.

Shelly & Kyle were married by their good friend and surrounded by people that absolutely adore the couple. Once the ceremony wrapped up and formal photos were taken, me and the newlyweds walked around the beach to get some romantic photos of just them.

Dinner and drinks were served, toasts were made, desert and coffee were handed out all while the sun made its final descent after a long warm summer day. I hugged my friends goodbye and watched them and their friends walk the beach together, enjoying the spectacular sunset. I just could not be more grateful to have been there that day and see two compassionate and selfless people marry each other.