A beautiful beach Micro Wedding on the California coast
Aubrey and Evan chose a Crystal Cove Wedding on the beach after their initial plans for a wedding in Arizona fell through. Crystal Cove State Park is one of the gorgeous pacific coast beaches along the Newport coastline of California. They said their vows with the waves splashing along the shore, surrounded by their immediate family, enjoying the salty ocean air blowing through their hair.
The Day
We began the day at the Disney hotel as Aubrey got ready with her mom and girlfriends. Evan and his groomsmen got ready separately and enjoyed a toast to celebrate the day. Just as Aubrey was about to get in her dress the whole hotel was evacuated for a fire alarm! We quickly grabbed everything for the wedding and headed towards the exits (which is why I have no images- my hands were full of wedding attire!), but were quickly given the all clear to head back into their rooms to finish getting ready. All was good, and they handled it with a ton laughs and good spirits.
Their beach ceremony location was set up by Aubrey’s dad who made an arch and decorations. Everyone gathered, as Aubrey walked down the beach walkway with her parents by her side. The clear blue green waters glowed as the waves washed up on the giant rocks. Crystal Cove is truly a spectacular place for a wedding! After family portraits, the guests said goodbye to drive over to the reception. We stayed to take couples portraits as the sun went down and the tide rolled in. Aubrey and Evan played in the sand, enjoying the peaceful warm evening as the sun disappeared below the horizon.
On our way to the reception we took a quick detour to the Shake Shack for fries and a milkshake- and to squeeze just a few more minutes of *just them* time. Then we met their guests over at a local restaurant with a cozy private group room. I love this option for couples who are looking to have a relaxed dinner and dancing option without the larger price tag of a wedding venue. Everyone enjoyed dinner, speeches, and dancing in a fun laid back . They even had Aubrey’s parent’s cake topper from their wedding make an appearance.
Aubrey & Evan’s Wedding Vendors:
- Dress: Brilliant Bridal
- Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
- Ceremony: Crystal Cove State Park in Laguna Beach CA
- Florals: Sarah’s Flowers
- Cake: Patty’s bakery
- Reception: Del Fresco’s Grille
Hi! I’m Shannon Durazo
A former project manager turned your Southwest elopement photographer, go-to problem solver, and Adventure Buddy
Are you ready for a nature-filled wedding or an epic elopement adventure? I’m here to do more than take photos—I’m here to help you create a day that feels as incredible as it looks. From scouting jaw-dropping locations and sharing vendor recommendations to crafting timelines that catch that golden-hour magic, we’re building more than a wedding day; we’re creating art while putting your experience first. Whether it’s hiking a mountain, off-roading to a secret spot, or chasing sunsets, we’ll make memories as unique and extraordinary as your love story.
I specialize in capturing both intimate elopements and weddings in Arizona, Colorado, Utah, and Northern New Mexico.
