When Christina and Dane set their wedding date for mid-March 2020, they had no idea what a winding year-and-a-half-long adventure that simple decision would send them on. As their big day approached, word of a new virus spread across the world, and the big celebration they’d been planning for a year had to be canceled. While this decision was heartbreaking, this story has a happy ending! Three wedding dates and two venues later, Christina and Dane were finally able to have the wedding day of their dreams! In June 2021, at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, all the people this lovely couple loved most gathered to celebrate their love story. And I couldn’t be more thrilled they chose to stick with me throughout all of the wildness—from first engagement session to final wedding day!

All the way back in 2019, we held their first engagement session on Victoria Beach. Christina wore a simple white dress that looked beautiful while she stood surrounded by foaming waves. They initially used these photos in their 2020 wedding save the dates. But after all the postponements and insanity of 2020, they were ready to do another engagement session before their wedding day arrived. You don’t have to ask me twice! In Vasquez Rocks Natural Area Park, I photographed the two of them for the second time. This time, Christina wore a more extravagant white dress with a fitted bodice and ruffled skirt…and it was a showstopper! With their wedding day on the horizon, I began counting down the days until I’d see Christina in her third (and most exquisite) white dress.

The wedding day started with Christina getting ready with her mother, grandmother, sister, and maid of honor. They clinked champagne glasses in their silk pajama sets while makeup artists and hairstylists from The Blush Door worked their magic. Christina put on her form-fitting lace gown from Blush Bridal Couture, which had a beautifully intricate pattern throughout the whole dress. She then slipped into her Louboutins and spritzed herself with a bottle of Rose Des Vents by Louis Vuitton engraved with her initials. After a heartfelt first look with her dad, Christina and Dane went into the entryway of the Waldorf Astoria for their own first look. 

On the dramatic spiral staircase, Dane and Christina beamed when they spotted each other. You’d never guess they’d already been legally married for more than a year! They were still so nervous and excited to share their wedding day with everyone and, most especially, with each other. As they practiced their first dance in the stunning ballroom of the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, I couldn’t help but think back on all they’d been through to arrive at this moment. They truly deserved this perfect wedding day! 

After the first look (and a quick photo with Christina’s Dad’s Porsche outside!), it was time for their big moment: the ceremony! White and light pink flowers from Florals by Jenny decorated the archway, covered the walkway, and were placed in flower stands around the outdoor space. The delicate pinks complimented the light gray bridesmaids' dresses, and the deep green California palms were stunning in the background, too. But what always takes my breath away the most on a wedding day are the little personal touches couples incorporate into the celebration and reception. For example, Christina and Dane’s ceremony was actually officiated by Dane’s childhood babysitter! Little moments like these make every wedding so unique and special, even for someone like me who’s photographed hundreds! 

The personal touches even extended to the bar, where they had two specially named drinks. One, “Pongo’s Punch,” named after their dog, and the other, “Fergatini,” a play on Christina’s last name.

Christina and Dane kicked off the reception with a first dance to “Are You With Me” by Easton Corbin. And boy, did they ever kick it off! They’d taken slow dance classes to prepare for the big moment, and it was fun to see their hard work in the dance classes pay off! Next, Christina and her dad brought the house down with a choreographed dance of their own. The rest of the outdoor reception was fun and lively, and it was perfectly capped off by Dane dramatically dipping Christina in front of the light-up LOVE sign. 

Venue : Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach
Planning & Coordinating : Palm and Pine Events
Invites : Posh Paper Boutique
MUAH : The Blush Door
Bridal Boutique : Blush Bridal Couture
Bridal Dress : Martina Liana Bridal
Bridal Shoes : Lou Boutin
Perfume : Louis Vuitton
Floral Design : Florals By Jenny
Bakery : It’s All About The Cake
Musician : Jonathan Blake Salazar
Groom Suit : Ted Baker
Invite : Posh Paperie
Lighting : OC LA Events
Rentals : Signature Party Rentals
Backdrop Rentals : Enticing Table Welds
Dance-floor Rentals : OC Portable Dance Floors
Signage : Happily Ever Etched
Love Sign : Lights For Nights

If you’re looking for an outdoor space for your own wedding day, I highly recommend checking out the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach. There’s tons of potential for more exceptional California weddings here, and if you’re booking it, I’d love to chat about photographing it for you! Check out some more amazing California weddings below!

xx,

Jennifer Lourie