Luxury Coastal Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton

If there’s two people who know how to throw a party, it is 100% Sami and Alex. But what I quickly learned about this couple is that they also are two of the most easy-going people, always willing to pivot. So when they had to scramble to find a new wedding venue not once, but twice, it was pure fate that they stumbled upon The Ritz-Carlton just days before they said “I do”. Sami and Alex’s luxury coastal wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel could not have been any more picturesque. Between the most breathtaking landscape paired with the phenomenal coastal wedding venue, it felt like paradise.

Laguna Niguel Luxury Coastal Wedding

Like many couples, Sami and Alex didn’t have the easiest wedding planning experience. Unsurprisingly, they handled each situation with such grace and understanding. The first oceanside wedding venue they booked ended up being shut down due to structural issues. With flexibility, they chose another venue that also fell through due to a workers’ strike which left the venue unable to accommodate Sami and Alex’s wedding. By the grace of God they stumbled upon The Ritz-Carlton; it was pure kismet. 

This Southern California coastal wedding venue checked off every box this beautiful couple had. The getting ready suite overlooking the sparkling ocean below projected the most beautiful sunshine into the bridal suite. Sami and her gals spent their morning getting dressed to the 9s in the sunbathed room, while Alex and his guys shared a toast. After a joyful first look between Sami and her dad beneath the blue skies, Sami and Alex shared their own first look in the courtyard. 

Laguna Beach Wedding Photographer | Laura Burns Photography

Surrounded by lush palm trees and a gentle breeze, the soon-to-be newlyweds couldn’t keep their giggles at bay. Their pre-ceremony bridal portraits felt so effortless as we explored the courtyard and elegant stairway. One of my favorite moments from their coastal bridal portraits was when Alex whipped out his cell phone (with the biggest grin on his face) to snap some photos of Sami. I can’t imagine the feeling of “ahh, finally” after all of the back and forth in wedding planning. Watching Sami and Alex interact solidified just how happy they were to finally be getting married!

You can tell a lot about a couple by their bridal party. To no surprise, Sami and Alex’s bridal party was bursting with joy and support. Each prompt and pose felt effortless as we breezed our way through the bridal party portraits. OH! And the bridal party’s color palette!? The bridesmaids wore mismatched dresses in vibrant shades of orange,  complimented by the soft peach and blush bouquets. Reminiscing on this luxury coastal wedding at The Ritz-Carlton feels like I’m scrolling through photos from a Cancún destination wedding.

An Orange County Wedding at The Ritz-Carlton

The same stunning blooms from the bridesmaids’ bouquets carried over to the ceremony space. Perched up on a cliff overlooking the sparkling blue ocean below, bright white chairs lined the aisle leading to the chuppah. Adorned with lush florals and dripping in crystals, this space left me speechless. As the sun dipped lower in the sky, the sun hit the crystals perfectly, sending little flares across the lawn. Sami and Alex’s ceremony was as picturesque as they come! Before we knew it, with family and friends onlooking, Alex broke a glass, before the crowd resounded with a “Mazel tov!”. Once Sami and Alex made their way back down the aisle among white rose petals, they took shots of tequila to commence the rest of the celebration!

Now, like I mentioned at the beginning of this blog: Sami and Alex know how to party. I’m talking: disco balls, an outfit change (featuring some rad kicks), and surprising each other with performances with their live band. Yeah, they know how to party! This wedding reception was one of those that is only best represented through photos. 

Southern California Luxury Wedding Inspiration

Celebrating Sami and Alex’s luxury coastal wedding at The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel was as fun as it looks. Each vendor worked so tirelessly to make their day as beautiful as they deserved. As a Southern California wedding photographer, I’ve documented dozens of weddings. But I’m still in awe over the hearts behind each of my couples. Whether my couples have had to reschedule their weddings because of the pandemic, or have had to scramble to find last minute vendors… I’m always amazed at the grace in which they handle those challenges. I couldn’t be more grateful for my couples. 

Searching for even more kind-hearted, easy-going couples to swoon with me over? Head to the blog! And of course, check out the ‘Gram (@lauraburnsphotography) for behind-the-scenes, wedding planning tips, birds (iykyk), and more. Thanks for being here, friend!

Vendor Team:

Photography – Laura Burns Photography
Venue – The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel
Coordination – Weddings by Leslye
Videography – Connor Gaskey
Beauty – Julie Hirji
Florals – Lynne Lucente Floral Designs
Band – Under Cover Live
Signage – Andersign Calligraphy
Lighting – Signature Party Rentals