A Modern-Tropical, Coastal California Wedding for a Globe Trotting Couple in Dana Point

After reading Quinn and Nate’s inquiry email, I was instantly smitten
with their story and engagement photos. There was no question, I
wanted to take this journey with them. Their enthusiasm for creating a
celebration where their guests could experience the ocean life, cuisine,
and beauty of costal California mixed with their desire to soak up every
moment with their loved ones sealed the deal.

As a California native, Quinn knew firsthand how picturesque the ocean
views and sunshine would be during their wedding weekend.
The Ocean Institute in Dana Point was the perfect backdrop for their wedding
celebration. The easy beach access, aquatic life activities, and indoor outdoor
feel made the decision to host there a clear choice.

The Ocean Institute venue views of Dana Point
Views of The Ocean Institute at Quinn and Nate's Dana Point Wedding

Working with a variety of full – service destination clients, to plan
their perfect day long distance, provides its own unique set of obstacles.
Maximizing their limited time, as busy professionals, while also keeping
them on budget was a top priority. One of the ways we were able to
achieve that was by pairing them with the best local vendors suited
to create their dream wedding. Recommending wedding pros that
aligned with Quinn and Nate’s creative vision, and spending preferences,
allowed them to focus on forming genuine connections with each vendor.

Planner escorting grooms to their getting ready room at The Ocean Institute
Grooms getting ready at The Ocean Institute's Surf Deck on their wedding day

Quinn said,” When we first started planning our wedding, we questioned
whether we needed to invest in a planner. Working with Helayne, over the
past year, put all of those doubts to rest. We truly could not have pulled off
such a complicated event without her expert guidance and calming presence
throughout the journey.”

Minimizing potentially stressful situations or overwhelming feelings during
the planning process is essential. When working with full – service clients,
tackling our detailed and extensive Checklist can be intense. Rather than
leaving them to navigate our Checklist on their own, we worked together to
keep them focused by condensing it into a manageable list of scheduled priorities.

Groom's mom kisses him on the cheek before being seated for the ceremony
Groom being escorted down the aisle by his parents during the wedding processional
LGBTQ+ ceremony at a Dana Point Wedding

During our bi – monthly visits, we discussed their progress and created
actionable goals to keep them on the right path to creating their dream
wedding. “The wedding itself was flawlessly executed; everything from
the florals and table design to the catering and officiant perfectly aligned
with our vision. We could not have asked for a more successful outcome,
and it was in no small part thanks to Helayne.”

Cocktail hour at The Ocean Institute's Touch Tanks at Quinn and Nate's Dana Point Wedding
Groom's Grand Entrance into the ballroom at their Dana Point Wedding

After hearing so much about the special connection they have with their
friends and family it was such a gift witnessing Nate and Quinn really
soak in the magic of their wedding day. “When it came time for the wedding,
we went in feeling fully prepared and knew that Helayne’s team was ready
to handle any surprises that might pop up – leaving us to celebrate with
friends/family and simply take everything in.”

Wedding day decor at The Ocean Institute ballroom for Quinn and Nate's Dana Point Wedding
King's Table wedding day details at this Dana Point Wedding held at The Ocean Institute
In-N-Out truck for a late night snack at The Ocean Institute's Dana Point Wedding

Check out these photos from their special day captured by Jenna Bechtholt Photography.

If you’re ready to share yourself and your love story with me, let’s chat!