Kirsten and Chris met at the same church and started hanging out through mutual friends. They hit it off immediately and have been together for the past 6 years. I met these two a little over a month before their January wedding date. When we sat down for coffee, Kirsten expressed her vision for the day was to remember being surrounded by beauty.
She spent hours on Instagram searching for the perfect wedding venue to match the modern, sophisticated vibe she was going for. When she stumbled on the 1912 in downtown Santa Ana, she knew it was meant to be.
First Look at Oak Canyon Nature Center
Even though the ceremony and reception were indoors, Kirsten and Chris wanted to incorporate dreamy natural settings in the photos. We mapped out our day, beginning at the Avenue of the Arts Hotel in Costa Mesa for a quiet morning of preparation with the girls.
After final touch ups, we met the guys at the Oak Canyon Nature Center for the couple’s first look. The wedding party hid while Kirsten and Chris exchanged personal vows privately. We ventured deeper on the trails for formals, all the while dodging mud puddles from the rain the day before.
Intimate Ceremony at the 1912
We arrived at the 1912 shortly before guests arrived for the ceremony. Candles in decorative terrariums and white rose petals lined the aisles, leading up to a beautiful floral arch of by The Bloom of Time. Emotions bubbled over as their parents exchanged tearful words and hugs post ceremony.
Sunset Portraits at Corona Del Mar
After the ceremony, we drove to Inspiration Point for more couple portraits. The overcast morning skies cleared just in time for sunset. Kirsten, a true a champ, scaled huge rocks in her wedding dress for photos.
As the sun dropped below the ocean, we piled back in the car to return to an eager audience waiting back at the reception. Kirsten and Chris made a grand entrance, gracefully into their first dance. The rest of the evening was a blur of dancing, toasts, and merriment.
Congrats to you both on a beautiful day, it was a privilege to photograph it for you.
Their Vendor Team
Cake: Cinderella Cakes // Catering: 24 Carrots Catering & Events // Coordinator: Aisa Santiano // Dress Designer: Sottero & Midgley // Entertainment: Dakota Halford // Florals: The Bloom of Time, Laguna Beach // Groom’s Attire: Zara, Topshop // Officiant: Casey Kendall // Photography: Paige Nelson; Second shooter: Corinne Alexandra // Venues: Bridal Prep: Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa; First look & wedding party: Oak Canyon Nature Center; Ceremony & Reception: The 1912, Santa Ana; Bride & Groom Portraits: Inspiration Point, Corona del Mar // Videography: Schulz Films
If you love this wedding, I recommend looking at Ashley & Aaron’s modern Luce Loft wedding!
