San Juan Capistrano Wedding from Acres of Hope Photography

It might only be Wednesday, but we are having such a fabulous week here on SMP California. And yes, we know, every week on SMP California is pretty darn fab, but this week is packed to the gills with gorgeous Orange County weddings - and we owe it all to Surf & Sand Resort. Day after day of OC goodness thanks to the lovelies at Surf & Sand Resort. Does it get any better? We think not.

Today's Orange County beauty is an entirely new level of pretty. It's a California classic and that ultimately makes my heart sing, particularly when seen through the lens of Acres of Hope Photography. A lovely Bride, a dashing groom, details galore and stunning Orange County backdrops - it all makes for one to beyond gorgeous affair. See so much more here.

Click here for the FULL wedding!

From the Bride... Ben and I knew we wanted our wedding to be personal. From the dusty miller mixed into all our flowers representing my late Grandma Millie who loved them, to the donation cards on the tables with Ben’s favorite picture of his mom, who passed away from breast cancer – we felt that our hearts were woven into every element. The property where we were married has been in my family for decades and has been a fun retreat for our family even when it was simply a pile of earth. My father, grandfather and uncle built it up to what it is today, creating the perfect backdrop for the best day of our lives! My mom sewed all the patterned napkins, creating the “at home” eclectic element of the reception tables, and she also hand-crafted all the gift bags. She was a wonderful blessing in so many ways!  Even our signature cocktail was made with love – a concoction Ben and I created after a day of fun on Table Rock Lake in Missouri, where my family spends every summer. Our vision was a classic color palette with some fun and eclectic pops mixed in to create a casually elegant setting. We wanted our carefree style to come through and hoped all our guests to feel comfortable and at home. With the help of our "dream team" of vendors, I think we nailed it!

There are too many favorites from the day! If I had to narrow it down, I would say Ben’s reaction during our first look would be one of best moments of my life! The emotions and heartfelt words from those we love most were completely moving and unforgettable. Our goofy, impromptu bride/groom dance-off to “I’m Sexy and I Know It” was so, incredibly us. But the overwhelming feeling of love, support and genuine joy we experienced ALL DAY, and continue to experience, thanks to our amazing family and friends, was the absolute best part of our wedding adventure.

I will say this: It is surprisingly easy to be carefree through the entire wedding process when all you want is to promise forever to the man you love, before God and family, and for everyone you love most to have a great time.  After that, colors, flowers and cake take the backseat, and anything goes! Without the love and generous support of our family and God’s extraordinary work in our life, this amazingly memorable day would not have been possible. We feel so blessed!



Wedding Photography: Acres of Hope Photography / Wedding Venue: The Bride's Family's Estate in San Juan Capistrano, California / Wedding Planning: Katie Webb of Intertwined Weddings and Special Events / Floral Design: Aly Morford of The Vine’s Leaf / Catering: Country Garden Caterers / Wedding Cake: Nothing Bundt Cakes / DJ: Stephen Shanahan of Honored Occasions / Napkins + Gift Bags: DIY by the Bride's Mother / Wedding Dress: Allure Bridals / Hair: Cheryl Walker of Daniel Paul Salon in Dana Point (949-493-1921) / Makeup: Kacee Geoffroy