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John Cain Photography  |  Dallas TX

John Cain Photography | Dallas TX

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    • At Home
        • A Charming Southern Garden Wedding for Mr. & Mrs. Dunn

          A Charming Southern Garden Wedding for Mr. & Mrs. Dunn

        • Mary and Preston’s Garden Party At-Home

          Mary and Preston’s Garden Party At-Home

        • An At-Home Celebration for Avery and Austin

          An At-Home Celebration for Avery and Austin

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        • Forever Began in Fort Worth for Caroline & Will

          Forever Began in Fort Worth for Caroline & Will

        • Love in Bloom at the Las Colinas Resort

          Love in Bloom at the Las Colinas Resort

        • A Timeless Texas Wedding: Celebrating Ali and Alex’s Love in the Hill Country

          A Timeless Texas Wedding: Celebrating Ali and Alex’s Love in the Hill Country

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        • Built to Last with Mr. & Mrs. Spradley

          Built to Last with Mr. & Mrs. Spradley

        • Celebrating the Cohns at Brook Hollow Golf Club

          Celebrating the Cohns at Brook Hollow Golf Club

        • Mr. and Mrs. McKenna Married in Dallas

          Mr. and Mrs. McKenna Married in Dallas

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        • A Colorful Ranch Wedding in Celebration of the Conolys

          A Colorful Ranch Wedding in Celebration of the Conolys

        • Lake Countryside Meets Secret Garden

          Lake Countryside Meets Secret Garden

        • The Wilsons’ Wedding Day at Arlington Hall

          The Wilsons’ Wedding Day at Arlington Hall

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        • Whitney’s Bridal Portraits

          Whitney’s Bridal Portraits

        • Haylie’s Dream Dress Inspired by Texas Wildflowers

          Haylie’s Dream Dress Inspired by Texas Wildflowers

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          Radiant in Reem Acra with Mrs. Butkus

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        • Sundown on the Ranch with the Future Sartors

          Sundown on the Ranch with the Future Sartors

        • Counting Down to Wedding Day with Elizabeth & Robert

          Counting Down to Wedding Day with Elizabeth & Robert

        • Clara & Blake’s Story of Connection and Perfect Timing

          Clara & Blake’s Story of Connection and Perfect Timing

  • Destinations
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          Back to the Bay Area

        • Night One in Napa: The Matthews’ Rehearsal Dinner

          Night One in Napa: The Matthews’ Rehearsal Dinner

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          Caroline and Matthew’s Garden-Themed Rehearsal Dinner in California

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        • MADELEINE MORREN + ETHAN ELIZONDO WEDDING

          MADELEINE MORREN + ETHAN ELIZONDO WEDDING

        • A Ceremony Overlooking the Mountains of Colorado with Mr. & Mrs. Lapke

          A Ceremony Overlooking the Mountains of Colorado with Mr. & Mrs. Lapke

        • Up in the Mountains of Colorado with Mr. & Mrs. Duwe

          Up in the Mountains of Colorado with Mr. & Mrs. Duwe

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        • CAROLINE CLARKE + PAYTON STANAFORD WEDDING

          CAROLINE CLARKE + PAYTON STANAFORD WEDDING

        • CAITLIN DOEPFNER + BRENNAN CLAY

          CAITLIN DOEPFNER + BRENNAN CLAY

        • Pawsitively Perfect: Celebrating Dogs in Weddings

          Pawsitively Perfect: Celebrating Dogs in Weddings

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          Spring Cake Inspiration

        • Get to Know Designs By Andrea

          Get to Know Designs By Andrea

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          Engagements in Florida with the future Mr. & Mrs. Hendrie

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        • Outfit Inspiration From Style Icon Kate Middleton

          Outfit Inspiration From Style Icon Kate Middleton

        • Outfit Inspiration From Style Icon Grace Kelly

          Outfit Inspiration From Style Icon Grace Kelly

        • Things We’re Loving: Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses

          Things We’re Loving: Mismatched Bridesmaids Dresses

    • Registry
        • Step Inside Blue Print’s Annual Something Blue Spring Social

          Step Inside Blue Print’s Annual Something Blue Spring Social

        • Registry Items I Actually Love… and the Items I Could Have Gone Without!

          Registry Items I Actually Love… and the Items I Could Have Gone Without!

        • A Mother’s Day Gathering in the Garden with Juliska

          A Mother’s Day Gathering in the Garden with Juliska

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        • A Poolside Pink Party for Haylie Jackson

          A Poolside Pink Party for Haylie Jackson

        • Spring Soireés Are Here to Stay!

          Spring Soireés Are Here to Stay!

        • Cocktails & Canapés for an Evening at the Rosewood Mansion

          Cocktails & Canapés for an Evening at the Rosewood Mansion

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        • A Stroll through New York City with Emily and Will

          A Stroll through New York City with Emily and Will

        • A Few of Our Favorite Things in Lake Como, Italy

          A Few of Our Favorite Things in Lake Como, Italy

        • Romantic Guide to Nantucket

          Romantic Guide to Nantucket

All, Destinations

Romantic Guide to Laguna Beach

By:

Mary Welch

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Have you seen the classic romantic comedy, “You’ve Got Mail”? There is a scene in that movie where Tom Hanks’ character is stuck in an elevator with his current girlfriend, a woman in his building, and the doorman. While trapped, each character reflects on, “If I ever get out of here…” Well, that line has been my current mantra! I have reflected countless times what I am excited to do if I ever am able to leave home. On my short list: Escape somewhere bountiful in ocean air!

Until then, we reminisce on Melissa Rosen and Don Ayres oceanside wedding day captured by John Cain Photography at the dreamy Montage Laguna Beach just a few years back. The endless neutral hues and ocean views curb the escapism while we remain sheltered in place. Melissa also provides us with a few tips and tricks when traveling to Laguna Beach for when the time is right to escape!

HI MELISSA! TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT WHY YOU AND DON DECIDED TO WED IN LAGUNA BEACH:

My husband grew up in Newport Beach (about 30 minutes north of Laguna) and we often visited Laguna for date nights and day trips. It is so beautiful and serene, and the Montage has always been a favorite spot for us. Though we met while studying at SMU in Dallas, I am from Florida and he is from California so we are both total “beach babies”. We knew we wanted to get married overlooking the ocean and the Montage Laguna Beach is the most spectacular view in all of California—it was pretty much a no-brainer selecting the destination for our wedding. We love everything about this magical place. We now live in California and cannot wait to make so many more memories there!

WHAT ARE A FEW OF YOUR FAVORITE MEMORIES AND SENTIMENTAL TOUCHES FROM YOUR WEDDING DAY?

One of my favorite moments was riding the golf cart with John down to the beach to take pictures. I could barely walk—my heels were full of sand and we were trying to avoid getting wet from the waves, but we were so happy and carefree that nothing mattered. We were finally married and couldn’t stop laughing and smiling. Catching the sunset and hiking through the sand was a moment I’ll never forget. Getting dressed with my bridesmaids and family was another moment I’ll treasure forever. We had so much fun reminiscing and just being together. It was so special to have all of the people you love the most in one location for a weekend. And the speeches at the rehearsal dinner and reception—we both cried the entire time. It was so touching.

FAVORITE PLACES TO STAY IN LAGUNA BEACH:

The Montage (duh) :). The area is full of amazing airbnbs too. Cute little beach-side bungalows and inn’s decorate the whole coast—you can’t really go wrong with the ocean just being a few steps away. A lot of places have amazing rooftop terraces or patios to enjoy a drink and take in the views. Laguna Beach is so unique because it has everything to offer. There are fancy restaurants and shops, but also cool little artsy pockets of galleries, yoga studios, etc. It really has something for everyone.

FAVORITE PLACES TO EAT:

  • Nicks Laguna Beach: Amazing food, can’t go wrong with anything. I love their fish and steaks.
  • South of Nicks: Same great ambiance and vibe as Nick’s, but with Mexican Food AND equally as good.
  • The Deck on Laguna Beach for cocktails, oysters, appetizers, and views.
  • The Rooftop Lounge is also a great place to spend the afternoon.

BEST TIME TO VISIT:

Late August and September are by far the best months in Orange County. You still experience summer weather, but with less crowds since summer vacation for most has ended!

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Beaches Honeymoon mary welch Romantic Guide Travel

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