An Elevated Coastal Wedding in Dana Point & San Juan Capistrano

Kayla
Jan 8
2 min read

Some wedding days feel especially layered, not just visually, but emotionally. This summer wedding in Dana Point and San Juan Capistrano, California was one of those days, where every choice felt thoughtful and deeply personal. I had the honor of photographing this couple’s engagement session, which made the wedding day feel familiar from the very beginning. When the bride later shared that she chose to move her wedding date so I could be her photographer, I was incredibly humbled. That level of trust shapes how I approach a day, allowing me to photograph with intuition, freedom, and care.

The day began with details and getting ready, where intention revealed itself in the smallest, most meaningful ways. Her ring, designed with two diamonds, was a quiet symbol of partnership. A handwritten note from her grandmother had been thoughtfully sewn into her dress as a surprise, a moment that felt both tender and timeless. Their wedding date stitched into her veil, elegant signage, and refined florals all reflected a celebration designed with depth and story in mind. I shot a combination of both digital and film photography to add depth to this gallery.

The ceremony took place at Point Park, overlooking the ocean in Dana Point, where coastal light and open skies created a calm, expansive feeling. Afterward, we photographed their large wedding party with the ocean as a backdrop- balancing structure with ease so the images still felt natural and unforced.

The reception followed at Jewel of Ortega in San Juan Capistrano, a private estate tucked into the hills. The setting offered a sense of seclusion and elevation, allowing the evening to feel intimate and free.

Portraits were woven in thoughtfully, overlooking the ocean, in shaded, quiet corners of the venue, and later at sunset with rolling hills behind them. I’m always mindful of when to guide and when to step back, creating space for moments that feel effortless, dreamy, and cool without ever feeling staged.

This wedding was a beautiful reminder that when couples prioritize meaning, trust the process, and allow themselves to be present, the result is imagery that feels timeless- not just in how it looks, but in how it’s remembered.

If you’re planning a wedding and value photography that feels intentional, elevated, and deeply personal, I’d love to connect. I take on a limited number of weddings each year to ensure a thoughtful, hands-on experience, feel free to send me a message and tell me about what you’re envisioning.