We love couples that have truly unique love stories. Especially ones where there were sparks between the two at a younger age, but due to certain circumstances, things didn’t work out. But years later, they find each other together and their lives become one. Thanks to social media, this is happening more and more than ever before. These circumstances really shine through in the photography we shoot. Whether it be at their engagement photo session or the wedding itself, you can’t replace love and true emotions. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy being an Orange County Professional Photographer because I get to capture those emotions on camera to be preserved for a lifetime. This is the story of Lindsey and Monte, their love, and their Red Horse Barn Wedding.
Lindsey and Monte’s love story began all the way back in the 9th grade. Although they went to different schools, they were introduced by mutual friends and dated at 14! Many years later, they were brought back together and rekindled the flame. Their first date was at the Dueling Piano in Long Beach, a comedy show musical followed by dinner at Duke’s in Huntington overlooking the ocean. Since they had just been friends for so long, they were both nervous to be going out as more than just friends! Despite their nerves, they had an amazing evening together. Their newly rekindled love flame grew and grew, and before long Monte knew he wanted to marry this amazing woman!
Almost two years after that first date, the engagement took place! From the bride: “Knowing it was one of my favorite places to vacation, Monte planned a trip to Pismo Beach for what I thought was for my 30th birthday. He planned a whole romantic weekend for just the two of us! We ate delicious food together, walked along the beach, went on hikes, went shopping and enjoyed every moment of our getaway weekend together! On Saturday, April 22nd, 2017, Monte told me that he found this amazing restaurant overlooking the bluffs. After a great day of hiking and adventures, we got ready for dinner. He had planned for us to get to the restaurant early, which gave us time to walk down below the bluffs before dinner at sunset. There were more people down there with their cameras, so it didn’t occur to me that one of the people taking pictures was for us! Monte and I enjoyed some time by the ocean watching the sunset and then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! It was absolutely perfect!”
After celebrating the perfect engagement, it was time to start planning their stunning outdoor barn wedding! Lindsey and Monte love being outdoors and really wanted a smaller, quaint location that was local for all of their friends and family. The Red Horse Barn in Huntington Beach, California was exactly what they were looking for, and was the perfect intimate setting to say their “I do’s!
The Red Horse Barn’s spacious, green and sunlight lawn was home to the ceremony site, with a stunning wooden archway altar adorned with blooming florals. The pastel pink, green and gray color palette added elegant charm to this rustic barn wedding.
Lindsey’s bridal look started with a floral lace sweetheart gown and was perfected with a natural curl hairstyle. Her groom, Monte, awaited his bride in a handsome gray suit with a black tie and brown shoes. His groomsmen matched his look, and the bridesmaids created an elegant contrast with blush pink gowns. Altogether, this bridal party looked like a million bucks!
We would really like to thank Lindsey and Monte for allowing Three16 Photography 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.
Lindsey and Monte’s Love Story
How did you both meet and who liked who first?
We met in the 9th grade through mutual friends (we went to different schools). We actually dated back when we were 14! Life brought us back together many years later, and it was meant to be! And Monte liked Lindsey first.
Tell us about your first date. Who was more nervous and what did you guys do?
Our first date was at the Dueling Piano in Long Beach and then dinner at Duke’s in Huntington Beach with a beautiful view of the ocean. The Dueling Piano is like a comedy show musical. It was so fun! We were both nervous because we had been friends for so long and it was a little nerve wracking to go out not as friends. It was like we had to get to know each other in a different way.
What’s the proposal story? Give us all the details and who cried first?
Knowing it is one of my favorite places to vacation, Monte planned a trip to Pismo Beach for what I thought was for my 30th birthday. It was just the two of us, and he had the whole thing planned out! We ate great food, walked along the beach, went on hikes, went shopping and just really enjoyed each other’s company. Then, on Saturday April 22, 2017, Monte told me that he had found this amazing restaurant overlooking the bluffs. After a great day of hiking and adventures, Monte and I got ready for dinner. He had planned to get us to the restaurant early, which gave us time to walk down below the bluffs before dinner at sunset. There were more people down there with their cameras, so it did not occur to me that one of the people taking pictures was for us! Monte and I enjoyed some time by the ocean watching the sunset and then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him! It was absolutely perfect! He then introduced me to the photographer he hired to capture the entire thing. He knows me well! He knows how important photos are to me and I love capturing great moments.
As you approach the wedding day, what have you both enjoyed most about the wedding planning process?
The FOOD TASTING!! J
What has been the hardest part about planning your wedding?
The money, who to invite, figuring out all the details they don’t tell you about before you get married 😉
Why did you choose your particular wedding and reception venue?
We love being outdoors and wanted a smaller, quaint location that was local for all of our friends and family.
Where did you draw some of your inspiration from for your wedding day?
We wanted a timeless, romantic setting. And a lot of ideas came from Pinterest.
Where are you going for the honeymoon? Are you excited and why did you choose that destination?
We have no honeymoon planned because, during our wedding planning process, we bought a house. So, the house took all of our money L We are hoping to take one, even if it’s local. We just aren’t sure where.
Vendors used for Lindsey and Monte’s gorgeous Red Horse Barn Wedding:
CEREMONY, RECEPTION & CATERING: The Red Horse Barn
Address: 18381 Goldenwest St., Huntington Beach, CA 92648
WEDDING COORDINATOR: Robyn’s Event Planning
PHOTOGRAPHY & VIDEOGRAPHY: Three16 Photography
FLORIST: Flowers by Hampton
DJ: DJ Andrew Yates
HAIR: Cyn’s Salon
DRESS: The Wedding Day (no longer in business)
Brand / Designer: Stella
GROOM’S SUIT: Friar Tux
WEDDING INVITATION: Minted
Loved reading about Lindsey and Monte’s Red Horse Barn Wedding? Show them some love by liking and commenting below! Also check out some of our other recent blogs like this amazing Historic San Juan Wedding, and this gorgeous Beach Resort Wedding with a celebrity appearance!
