Avenue of the Arts Wedding | Juan & Megan
Orange County Professional Photographer
We have many reasons to love what we do for a living, but being Orange County Professional Photographers, not only do we adore the couples we meet, whether it’s to photograph their engagement session, their wedding, various stages of their family life or any combination of those, each one of our couples are truly great to work with. But perhaps our favorite part of working with them is hearing their stories.
This is especially true for Megan and Juan. A truly wonderful couple that we had the pleasure of photographing their Avenue of the Arts Hotel Wedding located in Costa Mesa, California.
Having an Avenue of the Arts wedding is like having a twist of luxury, chic and contemporary décor, and is considered as one of the best wedding venues in Orange County. They combine their modern architecture and nature, along with a lakeside setting, and are committed to making your wedding and reception fit to express your personal style. It’s no wonder why Juan and Megan’s story led them to such a beautiful location.
After meeting online, Juan planned an EPIC proposal in Central Park! Him and Megan spent a week in New York City, and on the third day he took her on a carriage ride through the park. When the moment came, he told her that he didn’t want to return to New York with her as his girlfriend, but instead as his wife. Before she could even fully comprehend what he was saying, Juan popped the question! Of course, Megan said, “yes” and these two literally rode off into the sunset! What a dreamy proposal!
After such an incredible proposal, they had to have an equally amazing wedding! Fortunately, Megan works in the wedding industry and has had years of experience connecting with various wedding vendors. So, planning her wedding came a little bit easier for her than most! First for the planning was the venue – and they definitely picked the perfect venue for their ceremony and reception (and by the way, it’s one of our absolute favorites!). The lakeside ceremony space at Avenue of the Arts in Costa Mesa was a gorgeous backdrop for these two to say I do, and the indoor ballroom was just right for their reception celebration!
Megan was an absolutely stunning bride in her wedding gown! We’re definitely obsessing over the layers of dreamy tulle and the elegant, intricately detailed sweetheart bodice. She finished off her bridal look with hair and make-up on point and a bouquet of blooming violet florals. All dolled up, she was ready to walk down the aisle!
Juan awaited his bride in a black tux, with his groomsmen in matching tuxes by his side. To carry out the color palette of black, gray and violet, the bride tribe wore perfectly mismatched gowns of gray tones. All of the details of this classy and elegant wedding came together perfectly!
To start off the ceremony, jazz music set the tone by Vaughn Fahie Jazz as Megan walked down the aisle. The hexagon-shaped altar decorated with lush eucalyptus framed these two lovebirds as they exchanged vows. Alan Katz from Great Officiants “accidentally slipped” during the ceremony and threw the “rings” into the lake, but fortunately it was just a show! After all the guests gasped in astonishment, he quickly revealed that it was just a prank. Once these two said “I do”, it was time for the celebration in the ballroom!
We would really like to thank Megan and Juan for allowing us to be part of your special day. We wish you many years of love and happiness!
Check out their love story. We hope you enjoy it, and their photos, as much as we do.
Megan and Juan’s Love Story
How did you both meet and who liked who first?
We met online on OK-Cupid. Juan Like Megan first.
Tell us about your first date. Who was more nervous and what did you guys do?
Juan was more curious than nervous. We met up at Gastro Pub on Second Street. We had a couple of drinks then we walked to Taco Surf for dinner, even though Juan left a full Guinness behind at Gastro Pub. Megan ordered Ensenada Shrimp Tacos and Juan ordered the Ensenada Shrimp Burrito. Megan was surprised to see how Juan cut his burrito down the middle to eat inside of the burrito. After dinner we talked some more before Juan dropped her off on the corner of the street where she lived.
What’s the proposal story? Give us all the details and tell us, who cried first?
Juan took Megan to New York. His cover story was that he needed a vacation after a long training class. We spent a week in New York City by Central Park. On the third day we went on a carriage ride in the park. Juan had planned to propose to Megan since January, and he wanted to do it in Central Park towards the end of the day. When the moment came, Juan told Megan, “he didn’t want to come back to New York with Megan as his girlfriend. He wanted to return to New York with Megan as his wife.” Megan looked confused and that’s when Juan asked Megan to marry him. Megan accepted and Juan cried from joy of hearing Megan say “yes.” When they got back to the hotel Juan was so tired due to the stress from the proposal he passed out and woke up the next morning.
As you approach the wedding day, what have you both enjoyed most about the wedding planning process?
Our dance lessons together. They have been the one moment where we have fun and get to be really silly with each other.
What has been the hardest part about planning your wedding?
Dealing with all the curve balls life has been throwing us during the process.
Why did you choose your particular wedding and reception venue?
We needed a venue that could provide room and lodging for the family that is traveling from abroad.
Where did you draw some of your inspiration from for your wedding day?
From the bride’s many years of working in the wedding and events industry. We focused on providing a fun and festive atmosphere for the guests.
Where are you going for the honeymoon and why did you choose that destination?
We are going to Barbados for a week to an all-inclusive resort. We are also going to New York for a week in order to fulfill a promise that was made during the proposal of going to New York once a year. We are excited to go as we have been looking forward to this time together.
Vendors used for Megan and Juan’s gorgeous Avenue of the Arts Hotel Wedding:
Location Information
Ceremony, Reception & Caterers: Lakeside at the Avenue of the Arts Hotel
Address: 3350 Avenue of the Arts, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Vendor Information
WEDDING COORDINATOR
Company: Lizzy Liz Events
Website: www.LizzyLiz.com
Instagram: Lizzylizevents
PHOTOGRAPHY
Company: Three16 Photography
Website: www.three16photography.com
Instagram: @three16photography
VIDEOGRAPHY
Company: Water Tree Studio
Website: www.Watertreeevents.com
Instagram: watertreestudios
FLORIST
Company: Oceanic Flowers
Website: www.Oceanicflowers.com
Instagram: Oceanicflowers
DJ
Company: Waveform Events
Website: www.waveformevents.com
Instagram: waveform_events
LIVE MUSIC
Company: Vaughn Fahie Jazz
Website: www.Vaughnfahiejazz.com
CAKE
Company: Amazing Cakes
Instagram: @acakecreations
HAIR & MAKE-UP
Company: Golden Glow Beauty
Website: www.golden-glow-beauty.com
Instagram: crystal.goldenglowbeauty
DRESS
Company: Mon Amie Bridal
Brand / Designer: Justin Alexander
GROOM’S SUIT
Company: Friar Tux
Brand / Designer: Michael Kors
Website: www.friartux.com
Instagram: @friartux
DECOR
Company: Oceanic Flowers
Website: Oceanicflowers.com
Instagram:Oceanicflowers
WEDDING INVITATION
Company: Hoopy Designs
Name of Person: Maya Savic
PHOTO BOOTH
Company: Water Tree Studio
Website: www.Watertreeevents.com
Instagram: @watertreestudios
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