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John Cain Photography  |  Dallas TX

John Cain Photography | Dallas TX

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  • Weddings
    • At Home
        • An At Home Wedding in Houston for Meredith and Mason

          An At Home Wedding in Houston for Meredith and Mason

        • Finally Finer and Well Worth the Wait

          Finally Finer and Well Worth the Wait

        • Saying “I Do” Under the Gazebo

          Saying “I Do” Under the Gazebo

    • Ballroom
        • Southern Charm Met Hamptons Blues at the DCC for Mr. and Mrs. Webb

          Southern Charm Met Hamptons Blues at the DCC for Mr. and Mrs. Webb

        • A French Garden Inspired Affair at the Dallas Country Club

          A French Garden Inspired Affair at the Dallas Country Club

        • Pink Blooms at the Dallas Country Club

          Pink Blooms at the Dallas Country Club

    • Country Club
        • Meg Brawner & Eric Hobby

          Meg Brawner & Eric Hobby

        • Maggie Ausburn & Logan Adams

          Maggie Ausburn & Logan Adams

        • Kelly Bunten & Alex Abram

          Kelly Bunten & Alex Abram

    • Tented
        • Lauren Piot & Austin DeLaRosa

          Lauren Piot & Austin DeLaRosa

        • Hailey Casey & Trey Gillingwater

          Hailey Casey & Trey Gillingwater

        • A Secret Garden Soireé with the Sheths

          A Secret Garden Soireé with the Sheths

    • Bridal Portraits
        • Lovely In Lace at Arlington Hall

          Lovely In Lace at Arlington Hall

        • A Winter Bride’s Wedding Gown Wish

          A Winter Bride’s Wedding Gown Wish

        • Feminine Flair at Flippen Park

          Feminine Flair at Flippen Park

    • Engagement Portraits
        • A Stroll through New York City with Emily and Will

          A Stroll through New York City with Emily and Will

        • Springtime at Prather Park

          Springtime at Prather Park

        • Our Spring Engagements Lookbook with My Wedding Wardrobe

          Our Spring Engagements Lookbook with My Wedding Wardrobe

  • Destinations
    • Beaches
        • Karli Francis & Will Farnsworth

          Karli Francis & Will Farnsworth

        • Under the Spanish Moss in Savannah

          Under the Spanish Moss in Savannah

        • Pebble Beach with the Viehmans

          Pebble Beach with the Viehmans

    • Mountains
        • Vows in Vail with the Brueggemans

          Vows in Vail with the Brueggemans

        • Beaver Creek with the Walzels

          Beaver Creek with the Walzels

        • Montage Deer Valley with Mr. and Mrs. Vanden Heuvel

          Montage Deer Valley with Mr. and Mrs. Vanden Heuvel

    • Texas
        • Lovely In Lace at Arlington Hall

          Lovely In Lace at Arlington Hall

        • Classic Elegance at the French Farmhouse with Mr. & Mrs. Singer

          Classic Elegance at the French Farmhouse with Mr. & Mrs. Singer

        • Mr. & Mrs. White at the Meyerson

          Mr. & Mrs. White at the Meyerson

  • Inspiration
    • Behind The Scenes
        • Engagements in Florida with the future Mr. & Mrs. Hendrie

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

        • An Escape to Sicily

          An Escape to Sicily

        • Portraits at Bondi Beach

          Portraits at Bondi Beach

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

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

        • A Moment for the Mother of the Bride

          A Moment for the Mother of the Bride

        • An Escape to Sicily

          An Escape to Sicily

    • Registry
        • 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

        • Building The Perfect Registry with The Ivy House

          Building The Perfect Registry with The Ivy House

    • Entertaining
        • Pastel Palette Bridal Brunch for Lauren

          Pastel Palette Bridal Brunch for Lauren

        • A Pop of Color for Meg’s Bridal Brunch in Dallas

          A Pop of Color for Meg’s Bridal Brunch in Dallas

        • Rehearsed and ready in Memphis, Tennessee!

          Rehearsed and ready in Memphis, Tennessee!

    • Travel
        • 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!

Tags

Beaches Honeymoon mary welch Romantic Guide Travel

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@johncainphotography

A look inside Courtney + Will’s beautiful Brook A look inside Courtney + Will’s beautiful Brook Hollow reception brought to life by @allisonandcoevents + @threebranchesfloral ✨#stephanieforjohncain
Mr. & Mrs. Severs at the charming Montage Palmetto Mr. & Mrs. Severs at the charming Montage Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina 🤍 #johncainweddings
The Singers celebrated in style with an abundance The Singers celebrated in style with an abundance of flowers per Lacey’s request. Click the link in our stories to see more from their French farmhouse wedding! #stephanieforjohncain 💙💙
🎶Ain’t no mountain high enough 🎶 It was a 🎶Ain’t no mountain high enough 🎶
It was a beautiful FUN weekend in Vail with Mr. & Mrs. Lapke! #mattforjohncain

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