Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ • Sessions by appointment only

Dana Point Wedding Photographer – Ocean Institute

Chelsea + George – Dana Point Wedding Photographer

What can we say about being Chelsea and George’s Dana Point wedding photographer? First of all: What an amazing day! We were so honored to photograph Chelsea and George’s wedding at the Ocean Institute in Dana Point. To begin with, the day started at Laguna Cliffs Marriott Resort right on top of the hill overlooking the Dana Point Harbor. After some detail shots inside the hotel room, we headed over to the Golden Lantern Park for the first look and bridal photos! Then after the couple’s photos were done, the family met us for formal photos.

Ocean Institute – Dana Point Wedding Photographer

Next stop was the historic Pilgrim schooner! George got permission for all of us to board the ship for some amazing photos! This ship is docked right outside of the Ocean Institute. As soon as the couple headed over to the bridal suite, we went to work photographing all of the gorgeous details at the wedding ceremony and reception. This was our first time working with Sparkling Soirees and we were absolutely impressed with Nicolette and her team of talented wedding designers! The reception area was amazing- especially the long glass table that went through the center of the room! All in all, we had a terrific time as Chelsea and George’s Dana Point wedding photographers!

Check out George and Chelsea’s San Clemente Engagement Session!

Wedding Slideshow of the entire day

Are you planning your wedding at the Ocean Institute? Be sure to contact these wedding vendors and Gilmore Studios, your Dana Point Wedding Photographer.

Vendor love:

Dana Point Wedding Photographer: Holly w/ Gilmore Studios

Venue: Ocean Institute

Wedding design + coordination: Nicolette w/ Sparkling Soirees

Rentals: Above The Top

Hotel: Laguna Cliffs

Bride’s dress: Calla BlancheMon Amie Bridal Salon

Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka

Groom’s Attire: Express

Hair + Makeup: Erin w/ Blush by M. Marie

Catering and desserts: California Fresh Catering

DJ: Sean Patrick Gallagher

Lighting: Invisible Touch

Photo booth: A Sweet Memory Photo Booth

Florist: Cielo w/ La Mission Flowers

Gilmore Studios Elsewhere

If you like what you see here, then you’ll love us elsewhere! For more photos from this wedding and many others, be sure to check out our Instagram page, where we provide updates from our latest shoots!

ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHERS

Brian and Jennifer Gilmore are husband and wife photographers that assembled a wedding photography team in Orange County, CA. They have been photographing weddings, families, and corporate events since 2003. Contact us for more info about booking your wedding in the Southern California area. The creative team at Gilmore Studios specialize in wedding photography in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Huntington Beach, and surrounding areas in OC and Los Angeles, CA. Call 949-698-3968 or email us for more info about booking your 2018 Dana Point wedding photographer.

For Photographers

We here at Gilmore Studios are always looking for ways to help photographers. We offer not only coaching, but also workshops, and opportunities for joining our team. You too can become a Dana Point wedding photographer! If you like what you see here, then check out our “For Photographers” page here for more details. In addition, you can contact us here for more information.

Meet the Gilmores:

Gilmore Studios serves Orange County, Los Angeles, and Phoenix. We specialize in wedding photography, family portraits, newborn and branding photography. Our studio has been in business since 2002.

Fun Facts:

PLace we call home:

Newport Beach & Queen Creek

Number of kids:

3 boys

Years in business:

Since 2002

As seen in:

Wedding

Featured On the blog

Read more
Simple Sophistication

We are on Instagram
Photos might seem like a big investment today.

But one day you’ll be looking at a portrait of your child and realize you would give anything to go back to that exact stage for just five minutes. 

The missing teeth.
The freckles.
The mischievous smile.
The way they looked before life started changing so quickly.

That’s why I love Personality Portraits.

They’re not about matching outfits, perfect locations, or milestones.

They’re about preserving who your child is right now.

Because one day these portraits won’t just be photos on a wall.

They’ll be reminders of a childhood that went by way too fast. 🤍

And that’s when they become priceless.

Comment PERSONALITY to get the full details on our Personality Portrait Sessions
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2026 at Carden Hall! You guys are going to do amazing things! 💕
My camera roll is full… maybe I should delete some photos.” 👀

…oh wait nevermind. 

Because somehow every wedding gives me another set of moments I physically cannot delete.

The veil fixes.
The nervous smiles before the ceremony.
The way couples look at each other when they think nobody’s paying attention. 🤍

And honestly?
Those little in-between moments usually end up meaning the most later.

That’s why I overshoot every single wedding ✨

Brides… are you more excited for the posed photos or the candid moments?
The timeline works for the couple. Not the other way around.

He was nervous before the first look. Not because anything was wrong. Because something that mattered enormously was about to happen.

So we took a minute. Sat in his room. Took a breath. Let him gather himself.

This is where 24 years and a psychology degree actually show up. Not in the posing. In knowing when to slow everything down so the couple can feel what is happening to them.

We walked down. She turned around.

The rest of the day was the smoothest wedding I can remember.

This is what I want for every couple I photograph. Not just beautiful images. A day that actually felt like theirs.

Newport Beach and Orange County wedding photography. DM me and let’s talk about your wedding.

#NewportBeachWeddingPhotographer #OrangeCountyWedding #WeddingPhotography

Newport Beach, CA & Gilbert, AZ

Session by appointment only

Secret Link