Ocean Institute Wedding – Ryan & Alissa
We met up with this lovely couple at their engagement session at the Back Bay in Newport Beach. We immediately hit it off with them! This is why we always recommend engagement session to our couples- it really helps us get to know you in a less stressful environment. On the wedding day, all the photo jitters are gone and it’s just like seeing an old friend. We were so excited for their Ocean Institute wedding- here we go!
Getting Ready and Wedding Formals
We met up with the couple at their hotel room the morning of the wedding. The Laguna Cliffs Marriott is a beautiful hotel with ocean views abound! The girls room was packed with all of the bride’s closest friends and family. We gathered up all of the important wedding details and went to work!
After the couple (and their bridal party) were ready, Brian and Ryan went to the tree lined path in front of the hotel for the first look. Once he was in position, Jennifer and Alissa made their way downstairs to meet the groom. These are always our favorite photographs from the wedding day!
Getting Married at the Ocean Institute
Most people don’t know that the Ocean Institute is also a wedding and special event venue. This Dana Point museum was founded in 1977 and was built for kids (and adults) to learn about the ocean and sea life. Over the years, the 2 acre property has expanded and now offers 60 different science and maritime history programs. Over 250K visitors come to the institute every year and it continues to grow.
The ceremony area is outside in the courtyard with cool ocean breezes keeping the guests comfortable. They have a large room upstairs that overlooks the ceremony area, this is perfect for the bridal party and family. If you ready to start planning your Ocean Institute wedding, contact George Peppas. The staff at the Ocean Institute are very easy to work with and we highly recommend them to our clients.
The Reception- Dancing and Dining in Dana Point
Right next to the courtyard is the Samueli Lecture Hall & Conference Center. This area is perfect for a reception and is large enough to seat over 200 guests around the dance floor. It has a very modern feel with high ceilings and natural wood tones.
Wedding Day Vendors
Wedding Venue: Jennifer Wilson w/ Ocean Institute
Photographers: Brian & Jennifer w/ Gilmore Studios
Coordinator: Priscilla w/At Your Service Caters
Formals &getting ready: Laguna Cliffs Marriott
Hair and Makeup: Denise w/ Two Tone Umbrella
Catering: Salt Water Catering
DJ: Dave & Sally w/ Dijital Engagement
Ceremony Music: Seaside Strings
Party Rentals: Signature Party Rentals
Videographer: Dustin w/ Heart and Arrow Films
Florist: Jill Clark (friend of the bride)
Wedding Day Slide Show
ABOUT THE PHOTOGRAPHER
Brian and Jennifer Gilmore are a husband and wife wedding photographer team in Orange County, CA. They have been photographing weddings together since 2003. Contact us for more info about booking your wedding in the Southern California area.
Brian and Jennifer Gilmore specialize in wedding photography in Costa Mesa, Newport Beach, Corona Del Mar, Laguna Beach, Dana Point, Huntington Beach, and surrounding areas in OC and Los Angeles, CA.
Call 949-698-3968 or email us for more info about booking your 2017-18 wedding
