From Hawaii to California: A Romantic California Wedding at Fairview Laguna Seca

Being a California wedding photographer is filled with perks. Like starting off 2023 with this romantic Hawaiian-vibe wedding at Fairview Laguna Seca in California with Kayla and Cameron!  

The couple met in 2021 at a brewery in Oahu and soon felt like they’d known each other for a lifetime. They eloped in 2022 privately but wanted a fun ceremony in California with their favorite people.

As Kayla put it, “We believe in the moments and memories of things; they make the largest impacts on life. We wanted our families to be at our public ceremony without sides or assigned seating. Just one big family to celebrate our new start in life!”

This couple had a beautiful wedding at Fairview Laguna Seca and had some incredible vendors that knocked it out of the park. I’ll share more about the venue and vendors below.

But first, let’s start with some photos from the beginning of their wedding day.

Getting Ready: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at this California Wedding

When I arrived to photograph Kayla and Cameron getting ready for their big day, I was excited to see traditional Hawaiian leis. They wanted to pay homage to their love story by incorporating leis and flowers from their Hawaii elopement into their California wedding. 

As someone who has lived in Hawaii and visits yearly, I know how deep Island living can stick with you. I feel a deep sense of connection every time I visit. So I was really happy these two pulled together a wedding ceremony that included elements from their elopement.

Check out Kayla’s sneakers (in the last photo below) as her wedding shoe of choice! I love when couples include personal touches like this. It makes their wedding day really feel unique and “them.”

First Looks with Kayla’s Dad

One of the most sentimental parts of being a California wedding photographer is capturing intimate moments. First looks are one of those moments I’m always so excited about. Whether the first look is between the bride and her partner or the bride and her dad, it’s such a fun moment to capture.

After Kayla had her first look with her dad, she adorned him with a lei, and they compared sneakers. Again – such a fun moment I was glad I caught it on film (well, digital – but you get it!) 

Outdoor Wedding Ceremony at Fairview Laguna Seca in Monterey, CA

This was the first time I’d photographed a wedding at Fairview Laguna Seca, and I have to say, I was impressed! All I knew of the place before doing some research was that it was a golf course. But it’s so much more than that.

Fairview Laguna Seca is an all-inclusive wedding retreat (and country club venue) just a short drive from Carmel Valley, Big Sur, San Jose, and Santa Cruz. So if you’re planning a wedding in the area, I’d highly recommend checking this place out.

The ceremony was held outdoors with a beautiful backdrop of mountains and valleys. The couple kept things short and sweet and included touches of their love for Hawaii.

After the ceremony, we took group photos of Kayla and Cameron’s family and friends since that was an important part of their California wedding in the first place.

Bride and Groom SOLO Wedding Portraits

If you’ve read any of my elopement or wedding blogs in the past, you’ll know that one of my favorite parts of a wedding day is to “sneak” off with the bride and groom for their solo wedding photos.

We waited until just before sunset and took off in a golf cart to find the perfect spots for photos. We had so much fun checking out the area together, and I’m OBSESSED with how these photos turned out!

The Fun and Festivities of the Couple’s California Wedding Reception

The wedding reception took place indoors, and it was pretty clear that everyone was ready to PAR-TAAAY!

From the grand entrance of the couple to the sparkler exit, their California wedding was buzzing with excitement!

Vendor Shout Outs

This blog wouldn’t be complete without thanking the wonderful vendors who helped Kayla and Cameron’s Hawaiian vibe wedding come to life.

The couple really wanted florals to closely resemble the Hawaii bouquet Kayla had at their elopement, and Flore De Monterey killed it!

Kayla’s dress was by Vow’d Weddings, and it was perfect for the vibe of their wedding. And, of course, the venue, Fairview Laguna Seca, provided the most scenic backdrop for the entire day.

Looking for a California Wedding Photographer?

Planning a wedding takes a lot of work; I get it. If you’re hoping to check one of those to-do boxes off your list, I’d love to be considered as your California wedding photographer!

You can check out more of my wedding photography throughout my featured blog posts or visit my IG.

Ready to chat with me about your wedding or elopement?

Send me a note here, and I’ll be in touch!

Anastasia is the photographer and creative mind behind Gypsy Tales Photo. She’s a California wedding photographer, elopement photographer, and destination wedding photographer!