Elegant Winter Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Wedding : 42 Gorgeous Real Wedding Photos
Whenever I book a Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel wedding, I’m always super excited. Not only does it have so many wonderful photo spots, but couples are treated to the Ritz-Carlton’s signature service. The hotel takes such good care of its clients.
And, while the warmer months are certainly busier for weddings, M+J’s elegant winter Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel wedding shows that any season is wedding season in Orange County!
Pre-Wedding Photos at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
The guest suites at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel are just one reason why this property is among Orange County’s best wedding venues. The decor is gorgeous and the light is perfect for photos of details, like jewelry and a wedding stationery suite.
The gorgeous window light creates such soft tones and gradients. M’s gorgeous Monique Lhuillier gown and veil fall perfectly as she prepares to put it on.
One last detail, a “something-blue” garter belt, a classic bridal portrait, and a toast of champagne with your bridesmaids. The perfect start to a winter wedding!
J and his groomsmen got ready downstairs in a room with wood-paneled walls. Such a classic touch. Shortly after, J and his groomsmen headed to the bar for a round of Old Fashioned cocktails and some sentimental words about friendship.
First Look at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
M+J had their first look at the Monarch Bay Courtyard, which is the best spot for a first look at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel.
The first look is always such a special moment between a bride and groom. It’s a brief period of time where a couple can share a private, intimate moment by themselves.
As J waited patiently, M walked through the doors, slowly making her way across the courtyard towards him. When the moment was just right, she gently tapped him on the shoulder, and when J turned around, the waterworks began.
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Monarch Lawn Ceremony
M+J’s ceremony was held on the Monarch Lawn. The Monarch Lawn is one of the most gorgeous wedding ceremony venues in Orange County. Sitting high atop the Pacific Ocean, the Monarch Lawn offers couples and their guests amazing views of the ocean and Monarch Beach. It’s the perfect place for a late-afternoon winter or sunset ceremony!
In keeping true to their elegant-yet-understated them, M+J hired Virtuous Violin to play for guests as the ceremony began.
M’s happiness is evident as she walks down the aisle in her Monique Lhuillier gown with her parents.
It’s always great when couples write their own vows, especially when they write them without the other knowing their content. It’s a great opportunity for amazing candid wedding photos, so many laughs and emotions.
M+J’s floral design was done by the incredibly talented Flowers by Cina. Melissa and her crew always do such amazing designs, and her work for M+J was the perfect snap of color and elegance for their winter wedding.
M+J are all smiles and excitement as they recess down the aisle after their Monarch Lawn wedding ceremony.
Couple Photos on the Grand Staircase at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
The Grand Staircase is one of the best photo spots at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel. It’s perfect for both couples shots and solo photos of the bride. It’s long stairwell makes it easy for the dress to spread out!
The landing at the top of the stairs is another one of the best photo spots at the Ritz-Carlton. The light is soft and the walls are gorgeous, making it perfect for capturing romantic looks or a nice stroll down the stairs.
Romantic Sunset Photos on the Beach at the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
Another great reason the Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel is one of my favorite wedding venues is the beach below the property. The famous Salt Creek Beach is one of Orange County’s best beaches, with views of the tip of Monarch Bay to the north.
Before heading down to the beach, I like to stop with the bride and groom at a small lookout on the path. It’s high vantage point offers amazing views and a gentle sea breeze to catch the veil perfectly!
If you want to go to the beach for photos, the hotel has a golf cart that will take you from the hotel to the beach entrance. From there it’s a short walk to the tidepools and the beach. It’s always great to stop along the way to take some romantic sunset photos.
The tidepool area below the Ritz-Carlton is one of my favorite spots to shoot romantic photos of the bride and groom. At sunset, the light is perfect for clean, classic wedding photos in true-to-life color that never go out of style.
When the wind is just right, a long veil has a life of its own, making for the most romantic wedding photos around!
A little sunset on the beach, a little dancing… What more could you want?
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Wedding Reception
The Pavilion is the most popular spot for your wedding reception at the Ritz-Carlton. With gorgeous paneled walls and elegant artwork, it’s a blank canvas for your sophisticated party.
M+J chose a understated yet sophisticated design theme, with gold chiavari chairs and white linens. Their menus were set in classic typeface and emblazoned with a waxed design element.
Their florals were equally understated yet supremely gorgeous. Light-colored roses were accented with white and peach hydrangeas.
M+J’s white dance floor was the perfect centerpiece for their Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel wedding, seen here as the newlyweds marked their grand entrance to their family and friends.
To honor J’s religion, the couple participated in a Hora, where they each hoisted on chairs by guests. The Hora always makes for great photos–the emotions run the gamut of happiness to pure terror!
M+J’s Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel wedding reception was filled with wonderful speeches and great reactions, perfect for candid photos like this one.
Before their wedding, I was told by M+J’s to pay special attention to the cake. With gold-leaf elements on the icing, the multi-flavored cake was given a special intro by the couple prior to cutting it.
The highlight of the reception was M’s change into her reception gown, which delighted the guests and wowed J!
Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel Wedding Vendors
| Vendor Type | Vendor Name | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Wedding Planner | Platinum Weddings by Kerrie | https://www.platinumweddingsbykerrie.com/ |
| Photographer | John Schnack Photography | https://www.johnschnack.com/ |
| Videographer | Custom Made Productions | https://www.custommadeproductions.com/ |
| Florist | Flowers by Cina | https://flowersbycina.com/ |
| DJ | Sound for Ceremony | https://soundforceremony.com/ |
| Live Music | Virtuous Violin | https://virtuousviolinist.com/ |
| Lighting | 3J Events | https://www.3jevents.com/ |
| Rentals | Chiavari Chair Rentals | https://chiavarichairrentals.com/ |
| Beauty | Makeup by Dina | https://www.makeupbydina.com/ |
