Dana Point Destination Event!

Words by Courtney Kellar
Photos courtesy of Jasmine Star Photography

When Monique met Mike, she realized she had found a fellow sports fan after she invited him to attend an NFL game. “Mike was very excited, he had the most devilish grin when I asked,” says Monique. “I had no idea he was a professional baseball player.”

The couple was inseparable from the get-go and before she knew it, Monique was planning her dream destination wedding in southern California. They chose July 4th weekend in order to guarantee their 100 guests at least three days to enjoy the California coast. Not only that, but fireworks were included!

Once everyone arrived at the couple’s chosen venue, the St. Regis at Monarch Beach, Monique and Mike went to great lengths to make sure their guests had the time of their lives.

Activities included a catered beach party (complete with a DJ), a golf tournament for the guys and a spa day for the ladies. “Everyone said it was the most fun they had ever had at a wedding,” says Monique. “They are all trying to talk us into having a five year anniversary trip!”

Come W-day, the couple exchanged vows in the resort’s botanical gardens beneath a gorgeous gazebo. The selling point for Monique and Mike was definitely the stunning ocean views and their goal was to have a classy, couture feel to the whole day. Each bridesmaid carried a different type of white flower and the bride’s bouquet was made up of each variation.

This wedding was a beautiful mixture of masculine and feminine. Mike’s love of baseball was incorporated through the table names and cake topper, while Monique still got the chic event she desired through luxurious linens, a sophisticated color palette and a lounge-like atmosphere.

While the entire wedding was something to remember, Monique recalls one memory above all others. “My favorite moment was when I turned the corner to walk down the aisle and caught eyes with my future husband. When I saw the way he looked at me, I was full of love and felt such peace. It was a moment I will never forget.”

Vendors: Ceremony and Reception Site: St. Regis at Monarch Beach, stregismb.com, Photography: Jasmine Star, jasmine-star.com, Wedding Planner: Michelle Weita with Details and Details, aboutdetailsdetails.com, Floral Design: R. Jack Balthazar, rjackbalthazar.com, Stationary: Gourmet Invitations, gourmetinvitations.com, Ceremony Gown & Reception Dress: Amsale & BCBG Max Azria, amsale.com & bcbg.com, Groom’s Attire: Custom suit by Giovanni, giovanniclothes.com, Bridesmaids/Groomsmen’s Attire: Ann Taylor Bridal/custom suits by Giovanni, anntaylor.com & giovanniclothes.com