Southern California Wedding at Ole Hanson Beach Club

I don’t know if you’ve Googled the definition of a “modern tropical wedding” lately, but if you did, I (almost) guarantee that Alex and Kevin’s wedding would be the cover photo. Between the Spanish-style wedding venue, lush tropical blooms, and summer color palette, this Orange County wedding set the bar high. Celebrating Alex and Kevin was the easiest thing to do; their Southern California wedding at Ole Hanson Beach Club was the sweetest way to spend a summer’s day.

An Ole Hanson Beach Club Wedding | Laura Burns Photography

From the second I met Alex and Kevin, their energy was infectious. It’s no secret that I love all love stories, but there’s just something so romantic about a couple that starts off as friends. Alex and Kevin’s story is exactly that; they became best friends, and the transition to dating and falling in love came naturally. During their Laguna Beach engagement session, I remember just feeling like my heart couldn’t possibly be any fuller. Wide smiles and pure joy emanated off them as they jumped through the waves. In that moment, I knew that their wedding day would be just as magical.

With a couple as down-to-earth as Alex and Kevin, it’s no surprise that they were surrounded with the best people on their wedding day. Not only did they have the most supportive, encouraging bridal party, but their guests were just so excited to get to love on the newlyweds. My face literally was aching by the end of the day after smiling so much.

Because spending time with their people was such an important element of their day, Alex and Kevin made sure to work in little bits of alone time to soak up their day. After bridal portraits and wedding party photos, Alex and Kevin were able to sneak away to check out their reception space before the ceremony. It was such a special moment to witness as they marveled in the beauty of their day. Between stolen kisses and a private first dance, I was the happiest little fly on the wall.

Modern Tropical Wedding Inspiration | San Clemente Wedding

As Alex walked arm-in-arm with her dad up the aisle, Kevin was fighting back tears (which had everyone else in a puddle). After the sweetest ceremony beneath swaying palm trees, the party got started with Mai Tais and Palomas. The newlyweds were able to sneak away once again before family portraits and romantics. Now that I am also married, I know just how sweet those first moments after saying “I do” really are. 

Dinner and dancing began just as the sun began to dip beyond the horizon; the palm trees’ silhouettes towering over the ocean was the perfect way to kiss this Southern California wedding at Ole Hanson Beach Club goodbye. After dinner wrapped up, the party shuffled inside to dance the rest of the night away. This tropical wedding day was pure kismet; I couldn’t possibly love the Wheelers (and this job) more. 

Orange County, California Wedding Photography

Searching for more Southern California wedding inspiration or planning tips? Head to the blog! And be sure to follow along over on the ‘Gram (@lauraburnsphotography) to keep up with my latest adventures as a California wedding photographer, dog mom, and bird-watching enthusiast. 

Executing a themed-wedding can sometimes be a gamble; it very quickly can lose its elegance. But very little detail of Alex and Kevin’s tropical wedding felt effortless and modern. The ocean views and Spanish-style venue allowed for their summer color palette to truly shine. Ever since the bride was a little girl, she dreamt of an orange wedding color scheme. The creamy white exterior, towering palm trees, and mosaics throughout Ole Hanson was made for an orange, tropical wedding color palette. 

Vendor Team:

Photography – Laura Burns Photography
Coordination – Timeless Events by Tess
Venue – Ole Hanson Beach Club
Florals – Florals by Linzey
Beauty – Glam by VS
DJ – N-Effect
Catering – 24 Carrots Catering
Cake – Susie Cakes Bakery