I consider being a wedding photographer in Las Vegas a pretty sweet gig. Las Vegas wedding photographers live in the entertainment capitol of the world, we get to have the coolest backdrops for our weddings, elopements, and engagement photos, and there is never a lack of adventure or something new to do or photograph. Not only that, but Las Vegas is in such a central location for the southwest. Close to resort skiing in Utah, a short drive to the Grand Canyon in Arizona, and a half day’s drive to the beach in California.
California. My favorite place. I always tell myself that I’m not longer in love with California but whenever I take a day trip there, I know I’m lying to myself. One does not simply fall out of love with California. Nay. California will always have a hold on me.
So how happy am I as a Vegas photog when I get asked to photograph a wedding in California? And not just any old wedding in California, a beach resort wedding with a gorgeous couple who I love?! The answer is: I’m extremely happy. Me = happy, happy, happy photographer.
The Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
The first thing I notice about the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach, is how gorgeous and sprawling the grounds were. I couldn’t believe how many amazing photo opportunities we had just on the hotel property alone. The hotel is situated directly across from a marina. So the view is palm trees, hills, and boats. Totally gorgeous.
Kurtis and Esther chose to get married in a location at the hotel called the Back Bay Amphitheater. Named for its view of the Newport Back Bay. This was an ideal location because the bride and groom had lots of guests, and their ceremony spot had ample room to fit everyone comfortably.
In addition to her hotel room, the Hyatt Regency Newport Beach provided Esther an entirely separate room to get her hair and makeup done, as well as a nice space for her bridesmaids and close family to relax. It was the perfect area for a bride to prep and be pampered.
Kurtis prepared with his groomsmen across the hotel grounds in a separate suite. The poor fellow wasn’t feeling good and had food poisoning the night before, but he was a total champ, in good spirits, and sucking on a bottle of pedialite to make sure he stayed hydrated.
The Sneak Peek
The couple wanted to remain traditional in how the groom would see his bride for the first time walking down the aisle, but they still wanted the opportunity to have some fun “first-look” type photos before their ceremony. With Kurtis completely blind-folded, I led him down to a pre chosen meet up spot where he and his bride-to-be could exchange a few words in private before walking down the aisle. It was an intimate and unique way to calm both of their nerves before the big ceremony.
The Ceremony
The weather was perfect, with a cool ocean breeze, and blue skies. The ceremony included many of the couples’ close friends and family, and was a really great mix of modern meets traditional. In lieu of a unity candle, the couple chose a sand ceremony with colors unique to them, that also matched their wedding theme. The alter was lightly decorated with sea shells and fabric matching the couple’s decor. It was light and modern and of course, gorgeous.
The Tea Ceremony
After the ceremony we headed back into Esther’s ‘Getting Ready’ suite for a very traditional tea ceremony. Taking turns, different family members were presented with tea by the couple, and in return each family member wished the couple blessings and good fortune. It was an amazing time for family to be able to speak positive words over the couple and their relationship.
The Photo Session
I loved the time we got to spend on the hotel property taking photos. Check out some of my favs:
The Reception
When all of the photos were finished, we headed over to the reception which was held at Esther’s longtime church (where I believe her father is a Pastor). The space was meaningful and I’m sure full of history for the couple and their families.
They decked out the space in a pastel beach theme, complete with a photo booth with themed props for everyone to use. The tables were adorned with sand and seashells, and to indicate which table was which, the couple used photos of numbers written in sand. Totally unique and creative!
Thousand Steps Beach
The next day, we’d decided that since we were in a beautiful beach town, we needed to have some beautiful beach photos. We knew the wedding day would probably not allow time for it, so we planned a separate photo session for the next day in Laguna at the Thousand Steps Beach. Wow, what an appropriate name. For anyone familiar with Laguna’s beaches, most of the beaches are below very tall cliffs, and can’t be seen from the Pacific Coast Highway. To get to this particular beach, you must defend (and subsequently, when finished, ascend) what seem like 1,000 steps to reach the actual beach. Heck, for all I know it was actually 1,000 steps, my calves certainly felt like it was.
Once down on the beach level we had about 15 minutes of light left to get photos. The wind was blowing, and it helped to create some really dramatic photos. What an incredible time.
I can’t believe I am so lucky to get these incredibly gorgeous couples for incredibly gorgeous wedding days. This certainly was a gorgeous few days in California, and I am so thankful to Kurtis and Esther for choosing me to photograph their wedding day.
Vendors
Photography: The Amberlight Collective | Planner: With Love, B | Venue: Hyatt Regency Newport Beach
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