Ole Hanson Beach Club Wedding in San Clemente

A bride in a white dress and veil holds a colorful bouquet, standing on a grassy area with tall palm trees in the background.

Colette and Henry’s wedding day at Ole Hanson Beach Club in San Clemente. was everything and a total dream! From start to finish, their day was packed with so much love, thoughtfulness, and genuine moments that I honestly feel like my heart grew three sizes just being there. I mean, HOW do I even begin to describe a day that was this perfect?

Bride and groom take wedding portraits outside their wedding venue Ole Hanson

Ole Hanson Beach Club Wedding in San Clemente

Colette got ready in one of Ole Hanson’s stunning suites, and can we talk about her dress for a second? It was a total showstopper, elegant, timeless, and perfectly suited for her! When she slipped it on, everyone in the room just froze for a moment, taking it all in. She looked absolutely amazing! After that we headed outdoors for Colette and Henry’s first look outside the Ole Hanson Beach Club in San Clemente.

Wedding invitations, a pair of white shoes, pearl jewelry, three rings, a small perfume bottle, and floral cards arranged on a tiled floor.

A pearl necklace and two rings rest on wedding invitation cards with the names Colette and Henri. The date on the cards is September 9, 2023.

Bride getting ready for her wedding at the Ole Hanson

A white wedding dress hangs on a wooden hanger in front of an arched window with a palm tree visible outside.

Person in an off-the-shoulder white dress stands by a window, wearing a pearl necklace and a ring.

A bouquet of mixed flowers with blue, white, and pink blooms, tied with a ribbon, lies on green grass.

Colette and Henry then had their first look (cue all the squeals and happy tears). Colette pulls out this little book, and at first, Henry looked so curious. Then, she told him it’s a book where she wrote one thing she loved about him every single day for an ENTIRE year. Like, who even does that? COLETTE DOES. Watching Henry flip through those pages was like witnessing the most romantic movie scene, but better because it was real.

bride and groom share a first look at their wedding at the ole hanson

And let me tell you, capturing that moment was magic. You could feel how much love and care went into that book, and the way Henry looked at Colette? Just stop. My heart couldn’t handle it!

After their first look, Colette and Henry absolutely crushed their wedding portraits. Seriously, these two were straight-up magic in front of the camera! From the soft ocean breeze to the golden light peeking through the palm trees at Ole Hanson. Colette’s stunning dress flowed effortlessly with every step, and Henry looked so sharp in his tailored suit—it was like they were made for this moment. They were so natural and in sync, laughing, holding each other close, and sneaking in those little kisses. It was one of those moments where every click of the camera felt like the perfect shot. These two didn’t just bring the love; they brought the vibes, and it showed in every single frame.

A group of people in formal attire stand together outdoors, smiling and holding bouquets.

Then came the ceremony, and it was breathtaking! The Ole Hanson Beach Club courtyard was transformed into this romantic space with florals that perfectly complemented the venue’s Spanish vibe. As Colette walked down the aisle, Henry’s reaction was everything you hoped for. You could see the emotion written all over his face—he was absolutely overwhelmed by how radiant she looked. They exchanged vows surrounded by their closest friends and family, with the ocean in the background adding that extra wow factor.

Floral arrangement with pastel flowers on grass near white folding chairs.

Outdoor wedding ceremony setup with white chairs, floral arrangements, and tall palm trees in the background under a cloudy sky at Ole Hanson

A couple in formal attire walks outdoors on grass near a white building with red-tiled roofs. They seem to be part of a procession, followed by another couple in the background.

A bride in a wedding dress walks between two people on a lawn with palm trees in the background.

A wedding ceremony audience seated outdoors, with guests dressed formally. Buildings are visible in the background.

bride and groom at their wedding ceremony at Ole Hanson

A bride and groom walk down an outdoor aisle, holding hands and smiling, with guests applauding on both sides.

If that wasn’t enough to have me sobbing behind my camera, let me tell you about the reception. Colette and Henry had about 100 guests at their wedding, and they were all people they truly loved and cherished. How do I know that? Because this amazing duo wrote HANDWRITTEN LETTERS to every single guest. Not just “thanks for coming” kind of notes, full-on pages telling each person how much they mean to them.

A couple in formal attire poses for a photo, reflected in a tall mirror with flowers at the base. Buildings and palm trees are visible in the background.

Three people stand around a table with drinks and flowers outdoors. One person is placing something in a handbag.

Two women pose for a photo, one in a white dress and the other in a pink dress, while a man takes their picture. People are gathered around a white building with a tile roof at Ole Hanson

When the guests found their letters at their tables and started reading them? Oh, my goodness, The reactions were priceless. There were tears, laughs, and this incredible sense of connection in the room. It was one of those moments where you just stop and think, Wow, this is what weddings are all about.

People reading hand written letters from the bride and groom at a wedding reception at Ole Hanson

A group of people sitting at an outdoor event table raise their glasses in a toast.

A couple dances closely at an outdoor event with tables and palm trees in the background. Guests watch them.

The Venue: The Ole Hanson Beach Club in San Clemente

I can’t even begin to tell you how much I adore this venue. First of all, can we talk about those iconic red-tile roofs and creamy white walls? It’s like stepping into a little slice of Spanish charm right here in Southern California. And don’t even get me started on the ocean views!

One of my favorite thing about the Ole Hanson Beach Club wedding is how it manages to be both timeless and cozy. It’s perfect for couples who want a venue that’s sophisticated but still feels warm and inviting. The courtyard is where the magic really happens—picture twinkling lights strung across the open air, lush greenery all around, and your closest friends and family dancing the night away. (And let’s not forget, it’s a photographer’s dream—every angle is just chef’s kiss!)

A newspaper titled "The Wedding Post" with a headline about Colette and Henry's wedding lies on a tile floor next to a bouquet of white, blue, and peach flowers.

And if you’re into history (or just love a good backstory), Ole Hanson has you covered. Built in the 1920s, this venue has an old-school vibe with modern amenities, so you get the best of both worlds. Whether you’re hosting an intimate wedding or a bigger bash, it’s versatile enough to fit your vibe. Plus, with the beach just steps away, you can sneak off for some dreamy oceanfront portraits—trust me, you’ll want to frame those! In short, Ole Hanson is a total gem. If you’re still on the hunt for a venue that’s equal parts elegant, romantic, and Insta-worthy, this is it. Like, go book a tour right now! You’ll thank me later.

Black and white image of a table setting with a plate, folded napkin, cutlery, glasses

Outdoor wedding reception at Ole Hanson setup with round tables and wooden chairs, decorated with flowers and string lights, set against a sunny sky with palm trees in the background.

A table set for an event with glass vases holding pink and yellow flowers, glassware, cutlery, and plates on a white tablecloth.

Photographing the “Non-Photo People”

So, fun fact: Colette and Henry swore they weren’t “photo people.” (Spoiler alert: they lied!) But seriously, I get it. Being in front of the camera can feel a little awkward at first. My job? To make sure you don’t even think about that and just have the BEST time. And honestly, Colette and Henry crushed it.

A man in a black tuxedo stands outdoors on grass, adjusting his jacket. There are tall palm trees in the background.

I’ve learned over the years that being a ‘photo person’ has nothing to do with feeling comfortable in front of the lens. Because, let’s be real: unless you’re a model who does this daily, it’s totally normal to feel a bit awkward when you’re all lovey-dovey with your partner and a camera is just… there, capturing it. That’s why I try so hard to create this space where my couples can relax, breathe, and just be themselves. Sometimes it takes more guidance, more gentle encouragement. And sometimes… it just clicks. And Colette and Henry were one of those couples. They needed almost nothing from me. Everything felt so beautifully free, and so raw and real, like I was witnessing something incredibly sacred and spontaneous. In those moments, I’m just there, crossing my fingers that my timing is right, and that I click my shutter at the right moment.

Wedding Tips You’ll Love

Planning a wedding that feels as magical as Colette and Henry’s? Here are some tips to make your day just as unforgettable:

Make It Personal: Write those letters, create those moments, and make your day all about YOU.
Be Present: Forget about perfection and soak in every single second. Those candid moments are where the magic happens.
Trust Your Photographer: Let me take the stress off your shoulders. You just focus on having fun and being in love—I’ll handle the rest!

A bride and groom are cutting a white tiered cake at their wedding reception. Both are smiling and standing next to a table with a floral arrangement.

People dancing energetically at a party, wearing formal attire, in a black and white photograph.

Three people, including one in a wedding dress and another in a suit, pose happily in front of a white backdrop under a chandelier.

Looking for a Film Wedding Photographer in California?

Your wedding day deserves to be captured in a way that feels as unique and unforgettable as your love story. If you’re dreaming of timeless, artistic images with that iconic film aesthetic, let’s make it happen! I specialize in bringing out the beauty, emotion, and authenticity of your wedding day on film. Reach out today, and let’s start creating your dream wedding gallery together!

Check out my favorite film photos of the day below!

A bride in a white dress and veil smiles at a groom in a black suit as they stand close together on a beach.

A bride and groom embrace and smile at each other against a soft, blurred background.

A group of people in formal attire raises flowers outdoors. Palm trees and a concrete wall are in the background.

A couple is getting married outdoors, with the bride in a long veil and the groom in a suit, surrounded by flowers and guests seated nearby.

A newlywed couple walks down the aisle outdoors, surrounded by guests. The bride holds a bouquet, and palm trees are in the background.

November 21, 2024