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Bride and groom standing on the coastal bluffs above the ocean during sunset for cliffside wedding portraits at Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach.

Ron and Sydney’s Surf & Sand Wedding in Laguna Beach

We're chris & julia

Southern California Wedding Photographers with a love for timeless and authentic images.

We take a documentary-style approach to your wedding photos, capturing each moment of the day as it naturally unfolds.

There is something so special about documenting a couple’s story from the start. We first met Ron and Sydney at Crescent Bay Point Park for their proposal, followed a few months later by an engagement session at Surf & Sand Resort. Getting to photograph their wedding day back at Surf & Sand completed the journey, from that first “yes” to the moment they said “I do.”

RON + SYDNEY

They met online, the way a lot of couples do now, and Sydney moved from Alabama to Orange County not long after. Ron originally found us through a Google search for Laguna Beach proposal photography, which turned into capturing three separate chapters of their relationship. Their easy, playful dynamic carried through every session, so by the time the wedding arrived, it just felt like photographing friends.

Bride and groom holding hands and exchanging vows under a lush white and blush rose arch overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach.

Black and white editorial wedding portrait of bride sitting in a strapless gown with groom standing beside her on an oceanfront terrace at Surf & Sand Resort in Laguna Beach.

Bride and groom embracing intimately on a private oceanfront balcony during their Laguna Beach wedding at Surf & Sand Resort.

GETTING READY

The oceanfront suites at Surf & Sand Resort gave everyone an incredible coastal backdrop as the day began. From toasts with their wedding parties to a quiet exchange of a heartfelt letter and gift, the morning had the perfect balance of excitement and meaning.

Gold wedding band, diamond engagement ring, and diamond eternity band resting on custom his and hers vow books.

White bridal heels with pearl ankle straps and bow details resting with a calla lily bouquet and veil on an oceanfront patio chair.

Close-up of the bride getting lipstick applied by a makeup artist during wedding morning prep at Surf & Sand Resort.

Black and white portrait of the bride laughing joyfully while having blush applied during bridal preparations.

Close-up editorial portrait of the bride seated in her floral corset wedding gown seen through a sunny window pane reflection.

Bride in a floral lace gown looking softly over her shoulder with her hand placed on an open glass door leading to an oceanfront balcony.

Black and white candid photo of multiple groomsmen adjusting the groom's tie, cuffs, and shoes while he sits in a chair laughing.

Black and white portrait of the smiling groom sitting by a window opening a watch gift box on his wedding morning.

Close-up of the groom fastening a luxury brown leather strap Panerai watch with his fitted cream vest and white cuff.

Groom sitting in a modern chair wearing a cream-colored three-piece suit vest and tie during morning preparations.

Black and white full-length portrait of the groom standing in a tailored suit next to an accent chair in a bright coastal suite.

DOGS INCLUDED

We love an unexpected detail, and Ron and Sydney’s sweet dogs provided that. Neither was left out from the groomsmen and bridesmaids’ pre-wedding prep. Each pup joined their respective group, making themselves right at home being happy observers.

Black and white candid shot of a small dog looking out the sliding glass door next to unboxed wedding shoes and gifts in the groom's suite.

Small golden dachshund wearing a white collar sitting by the glass door watching the bride and bridesmaid on the sunny balcony.

Later during family portraits, both dogs curled up on the train of Sydney’s dress, completely content to be right in the middle of the celebration and giving everyone a good laugh. Dressed in their best, they also made a few appearances in the formal group shots and were a welcome addition during cocktail hour.

Two dachshunds dressed in a tulle dress and mini tuxedo sleeping soundly on the lace train of the bride's wedding gown.

Smiling teenage guest in a light blue linen suit happily holding a dachshund dressed in a cream tuxedo vest and bow tie.

Flower girl with a white flower hairpiece holding a small dachshund dressed in a formal outfit on her lap during the wedding celebration.

THE CEREMONY

The oceanfront Catalina Terrace at Surf & Sand Resort needs very little styling to make a statement. A simple arch of white and blush roses framed the space, with nothing but open sky and ocean behind it. Ron and Sydney had the kind of afternoon light that photographers dream about, and every moment felt as natural as it looked.

Lush white and blush floral wedding arch set up on the oceanview Catalina Terrace overlooking the Pacific Ocean at Surf & Sand Resort.

Smiling groom in a cream suit and vest walking down the aisle runner past seated wedding guests on a sunny terrace.

Macro detail of a blooming blush garden rose with a honeybee on a petal during an outdoor Laguna Beach wedding ceremony.

The ceremony was intimate, emotional, and shared with family and friends, plus a few curious seagulls overhead.

Groom in cream suit smiling tenderly at his bride while listening to her vows in front of the groomsmen at Surf & Sand Resort.

Bride in a floral lace gown wiping away a happy tear while listening to the groom during their outdoor ceremony at Surf & Sand Resort.

Groom dipping the bride for a romantic kiss on the white aisle runner as seated guests cheer on the ocean terrace.

Laughing newlyweds walking hand in hand down the aisle as wedding guests clap during the recessional at Surf & Sand Resort.

WHEN THE TIDE HAD OTHER PLANS

Portraits were originally planned along the shoreline, but by the time we walked down, high tide had covered the sand. Ron and Sydney easily pivoted, climbing up onto the cliffs above the water as the sun started to drop. They went with the change like it was always the plan, and it paid off since the golden light was incredible.

Romantic silhouette of bride and groom kissing on the sandstone cliffs as ocean waves crash below during golden hour at Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach.

That is what we love about Laguna Beach weddings. Even when plans shift, the coastline always delivers something unforgettable.

Bride and groom embracing and smiling on a private glass-railed balcony overlooking the ocean at sunset at Surf & Sand Resort Laguna Beach.

Romantic embrace between the bride and groom on a coastal balcony overlooking the dark blue ocean at sunset.

THE RECEPTION

The Surf & Sand’s Laguna Ballroom was styled with warm candlelight, textured neutral linens, and blush and white florals. Personal touches added warmth to the coastal space, including an embroidered bar runner featuring a custom cocktail named after their dogs.

Sweetheart table set with textured ivory linens, elegant place setting, bridal calla lily bouquet, and stem glass floating candles.

Round wedding reception table featuring a lush white and blush rose centerpiece, custom menus, and gold rim glass chargers.

If you want to know what makes Ron and Sydney so much fun, their reception entrance set the stage. The wedding party kicked things off with club signs and custom t-shirt tossed into the crowd, instantly turning the room into a full celebration.

Bridesmaids and groomsmen dancing and cheering on the dance floor while holding up illuminated Till Death Do Us Party marquee signs.

Groomsman wearing sunglasses leaping forward on the dance floor while tossing rolled custom t-shirts into the cheering wedding crowd.

After the entrance, a video played of photos from their entire relationship, all the way from the very beginning through the proposal and engagement. Toasts followed, with friends and family taking turns at the mic.

Black and white view of the bride in a floral gown and groom in a suit holding hands as they look into their decorated reception ballroom.

Black and white shot of a smiling bridesmaid in a satin dress raising her glass for a speech during the wedding dinner reception.

Bride covering her face laughing while the groom grins as the best man speaks into the microphone at the sweetheart table.

That led into their first dance, where they skipped the traditional slow dance for a full choreographed routine.

Bride in a white reception party dress and groom in a vest smiling during a choreographed first dance on a custom monogrammed dance floor.

Bride smiling as she twirls in a white midi reception dress while dancing with the groom on a custom monogram dance floor.

Once the live band took over, the dance floor never cleared. With Ron and Sydney right in the middle of everything, between outfit changes, crowd lifts, and a party energy that lasted straight through the final song.

Bride in white spaghetti-strap reception dress and groom holding hands and laughing while surrounded by cheering wedding guests.

Bride and groom smiling and embracing in the middle of an energetic circle of clapping friends and wedding party members.

Bride wearing a custom Mrs. Ayzin crop top and groom in his suit being lifted onto the shoulders of cheering wedding guests on the dance floor.

Bride pointing to the sky while lifted on friends' shoulders next to the groom with both arms raised on a packed dance floor.

Live wedding band lead singer singing into a wireless microphone surrounded by dancing wedding guests in the Laguna Ballroom.

Groom in a cream suit laughing and pointing while dancing next to groomsmen in white dress shirts on the dance floor.

WHY WE LOVE LAGUNA BEACH WEDDINGS

Laguna Beach is one of our favorite coastal backdrops in Orange County, and Surf & Sand Resort is a big reason why. Between the dramatic cliffside bluffs, soft afternoon light, and direct oceanfront views, every shoot offers something distinct to work with.

Silhouette of a tall coastal palm tree overlooking the sparkling blue Pacific Ocean in Laguna Beach.

FOR COUPLES CONSIDERING A SURF & SAND WEDDING

Whether you are planning a proposal, an engagement session, or your wedding day, we are here to help tell your story. If you’re looking for an Orange County wedding photographer who knows the Surf & Sand Resort, understands the light, and can easily adapt when the tide comes in, we would love to connect.