California Dreaming

An elegant love story where East meets West, celebrated under the golden California sun and beside the whispering pines of Pebble Beach.

A COASTAL ROMANCE: FROM FOREST TO SHORE

Some love stories seem destined to unfold in the most breathtaking settings, as if nature herself conspired to create the perfect backdrop. HJ and Andrew's wedding weekend at Pebble Beach was precisely this kind of magical tale - a celebration that perfectly captured the essence of California dreaming, where ancient forests meet the endless Pacific.

The stunning Church in the Forest, with its glass walls that invite nature to witness every vow, set the scene for their ceremony. This architectural gem, nestled among towering pines, created an atmosphere that was both intimate and grand - much like HJ and Andrew's love story itself.

"There's something truly special about California weddings - they blend natural beauty with effortless elegance in a way that feels both timeless and thoroughly modern."

CARMEL DREAMS: A PRE-WEDDING ADVENTURE

The day before their wedding, we embarked on an adventure that perfectly captured the essence of their relationship. As the California sun began its gentle descent toward the horizon, we found ourselves exploring the rugged coastline of Carmel-by-the-Sea with HJ and Andrew.

The dramatic cliffs, crashing waves, and golden light created a cinematic backdrop that seemed made for these two. HJ, radiant with pre-wedding excitement, moved gracefully along the shore while Andrew watched her with that look that photographers dream of capturing - pure, unfiltered adoration.

We followed the winding coastal path, stopping at those magical spots where the light filters through the cypress trees just so. The natural chemistry between these two made our job effortless - they simply needed to be themselves, and the magic happened.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of pink and gold that seemed to mirror their joy, we knew these images would be the perfect prelude to their wedding story - wild, beautiful, and utterly Californian.

REHEARSAL REFLECTIONS: GATHERING OF LOVED ONES

Friday evening brought everyone together for their rehearsal and welcome reception at Andrew's parents' beautiful Pebble Beach home. As the golden hour light spilled across the terrace, friends and family from across the globe gathered, many meeting for the first time but connecting as if they'd known each other for years.

There's something magical about rehearsal gatherings - the anticipation in the air, the relaxed laughter, the first mingling of two worlds coming together. HJ, a whirlwind of energy and excitement, moved through the crowd with infectious joy, while Andrew, her perfect counterbalance, provided the calm center to her storm.

We love capturing these pre-wedding moments almost as much as the big day itself. It's here that you see the true foundations of a marriage - the support network, the inside jokes, the tears quickly followed by laughter. And with the stunning backdrop of Pebble Beach as the sun set over the Pacific, every frame was infused with that magical California glow.

MORNING PREPARATIONS: TWO WORLDS CONVERGE

Wedding morning dawned hazy, which promised a bright and beautiful day - that particular quality of Pebble Beach sunshine that seems to promise nothing but good things. While HJ and her bridesmaids transformed their multi-purpose room at Church in the Forest into a haven of excitement and anticipation, across town at his parents' home, Andrew and his groomsmen prepared with typical laid-back charm.

HJ's preparations were a beautiful whirlwind of emotion and elegance. Her Jimmy Choo shoes waiting patiently alongside her stunning gown from Lace & Liberty created a perfect still life of anticipation. Meanwhile, her bridesmaids in their Kennedy Blue dresses created a tableau of synchronized excitement as they helped transform their best friend into a bride.

Across town, Andrew's preparation with his groomsmen had its own rhythm - calm, purposeful, punctuated with moments of laughter and reflection.

As HJ's father saw her in her wedding dress for the first time, the look on his face spoke volumes - pride, love, and that bittersweet joy of seeing your daughter become a bride.

FIRST LOOK: THE MOMENT EVERYTHING CHANGES

There's something uniquely magical about first look moments - that split second where everything changes, where the day suddenly becomes real. For HJ and Andrew, this moment unfolded in the dappled light beneath the towering pines surrounding Church in the Forest.

Andrew waited with his back turned, hands clasped, trying and failing to contain his smile. When HJ tapped his shoulder and he turned to see her for the first time in her wedding finery, his expression was everything we hope to capture - wonder, joy, and love so transparent it hardly needed words.

HJ, normally so exuberant and expressive, found herself momentarily speechless, her usual tornado of energy focused into this one perfect moment of connection. They stood together in the filtered forest light, foreheads touching, whispering words meant only for each other.

These quiet moments before the ceremony often become some of our favourite images - authentic, unhurried, and filled with genuine emotion. For HJ and Andrew, this forest interlude seemed to centre them both, creating a pocket of calm before the joyful whirlwind of their celebration began.

FOREST VOWS: A CEREMONY AMONG THE PINES

The Church in the Forest lived up to its poetic name, with sunlight filtering through its glass walls and creating a cathedral of natural light among the pines. As guests gathered in this unique sanctuary, the atmosphere was one of reverent joy.

The ceremony unfolded with beautiful precision - from the mothers lighting the unity candle to the carefully chosen readings that spoke to HJ and Andrew's journey together. When HJ's father walked her down the aisle, there wasn't a dry eye in the house.

Rev. Ken officiated with the perfect balance of gravitas and warmth, creating a ceremony that felt both sacred and deeply personal. When the couple exchanged their vows, the sincerity in their voices reminded everyone present of the true purpose of the day - not just a beautiful celebration, but the beginning of a marriage built on genuine commitment.

The recessional to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons: Spring" perfectly captured the mood - joyful, triumphant, and filled with the promise of new beginnings. As the newly pronounced Mr. and Dr. Clark made their way back down the aisle, their faces shining with pure happiness, the celebration truly began.

CALIFORNIA PORTRAITS: CAPTURING THE GOLDEN STATE

Following the ceremony, we whisked the newlyweds away to the main campus of Monterey Peninsula Country Club - a photographer's dream with its manicured grounds set against the dramatic Pacific backdrop. Here, California showed off its best self, providing that magical golden light that makes every photographer's heart sing.

HJ and Andrew moved with natural ease through these portrait moments, their joy so evident it seemed to create its own light source. We love when couples are so present in their happiness that they almost forget we're there, creating images that feel observed rather than posed.

Family portraits followed, with everyone still riding high on the emotion of the ceremony. What struck us most was how these two families, coming together from different backgrounds and traditions, already felt like one united group, laughing and teasing each other with the ease of people who've known each other for years.

As we moved through the grounds capturing these precious moments, the California light worked its magic, bathing everything in that distinctive golden glow that can't be replicated anywhere else in the world.

BEACHSIDE CELEBRATIONS: DANCING INTO THE AFTERNOON

The reception at MPCC's exclusive Beach House continued the day's perfect blend of elegance and relaxed California charm. As guests enjoyed cocktails with views of the Pacific, HJ and Andrew made their grand entrance, transitioning seamlessly into their first dance to "Can't Take My Eyes Off You," beautifully performed by groomsman Tommy.

The space was transformed by the stunning work of Mystic Garden and Valley Flore Designs, with arrangements that perfectly captured the natural beauty of the California coast while adding touches of sophistication.

What followed was a celebration that reflected HJ and Andrew perfectly - heartfelt speeches that moved seamlessly between tears and laughter, a meal that brought people together in conversation and connection, and dancing that continued with enthusiastic abandon well into the afternoon.

The cake cutting, a Parker Lusseau creation that was as delicious as it was beautiful, gave way to the father-daughter and mother-son dances - moments that reminded everyone of the family foundations that had shaped these two into the people they had become.

As California sunshine flooded through the windows of the Beach House, casting long golden rays across the celebration, the joy was palpable - a perfect day for a perfect couple.

SUNSET FAREWELLS: CALIFORNIA DREAMING

As the celebration continued and the afternoon sun began its descent toward the Pacific, the light transformed once again into that magical California golden hour that photographers dream about. Guests spilled onto the terrace, cocktails in hand, to witness nature's show of pink and gold stretching across the horizon.

These final moments of HJ and Andrew's celebration had a dreamlike quality - the kind of perfect ending that feels almost scripted in its beauty. As the newlyweds took a moment away from their guests to stand together watching the sunset, their silhouettes against the Pacific seemed to capture not just a day, but the beginning of a lifetime.

What struck us most throughout this incredible wedding weekend was how perfectly HJ and Andrew balance each other - her vibrant energy complemented by his steady calm, creating a partnership that feels both exciting and grounded. These are the relationships that inspire us most as photographers - ones where two people are wholly themselves while bringing out the best in each other.

As the last dance approached and the celebration began to wind down, the glow of happiness that surrounded everyone seemed to match the golden California light - warm, encompassing, and unforgettable.

HJ and Andrew, from the moment we met you, we were captivated by your incredible spirit, generosity, and the beautiful way you love each other. Thank you for inviting us into your California dream and trusting us to capture these precious moments. Your wedding wasn't just a beautiful day to photograph - it was a reminder of why we do what we do.

We left California with full hearts, incredible memories, and two new friends. This is just the beginning of your adventure together, and we couldn't be more excited for all that lies ahead for you both.

With all our love,

Dominic and Ruby xx

THE DREAM TEAM BEHIND THE MAGIC:

📸 Photography: @dominiclemoinegrams

🎥 Videography: @dominiclemoinegrams

💐 Florist: @mysticgardensf @valleyfloresdesigns

💄 Hair & Makeup: @evolvesaloncarmel

👗 Wedding Dress: @lace_and_liberty @andsomethingblue

👠 Bridal Shoes: @jimmychoo

✨ Bride's Accessories: @swarvoski

🌸 Bridesmaid Dresses: @kennedyblueofficial

🤵 Groom's Tuxedo: @dgcustomsuits

👔 Groomsmen Ties: @harrods

🍰 Cake: @parkerlusseau

🎵 Entertainment: @tommyeconomy @chrisgarciadj @dnaentertainment

💍 Wedding Rings: @tiffanyandco

🖋️ Stationery: @thequill @mintedweddings

💒 Ceremony Venue: @churchintheforest

🏡 Reception Venue: MPCC Beach House