When Emily and Justin started planning their wedding, there was no question that they wanted to tie the knot on Catalina Island. With Emily’s grandparents living there and her parents having said their vows on the island, Avalon was more than just a destination.
When she initially reached out looking for wedding videography for their wedding last fall, I was beyond stoked because she and Justin are the sweetest (wait until you hear their love story in the vows), but also because I’d never been to Catalina in all my years living in SoCal!
Their stunning wedding day was filled with lots of color, laughter, and a crew of friends and family who really know how to have a good time! The day started with Emily and her girls getting ready in a suite overlooking the ocean, while Justin and the guys prepped at Emily’s grandparents home (how sweet is that?!). Emily’s dad even drove us in their family’s vintage VW bus to their first look at the iconic Casino- the same place where her parents got married. And that view from the top?! SHEESH. It felt like we teleported straight to a European beach town.
After their first look, we snagged some shots of just the two of them before heading to their ceremony at Descanso Beach Club. Facing the beach with towering palm trees as their background, these two tied the knot and exchanged the freakin sweetest vows <3 (did you cry?- bc I def did).
We finished off the night with gorgeous sunset photos on the beach at Descanso Beach Club, and a reception to remember inside, with a confetti cannon grand exit!
To say this Descanso Beach Club wedding was special is an understatement.
It was such an honor to be part of your wedding day Emily and Justin! Cheers to you both!!
And shoutout to this amazing vendor dream team who made it all possible!
Couple: instagram.com/emburnzy
Planner: instagram.com/coastalcoordinates
Videographer: instagram.com/milkandhoneyfilmco
Photographer: instagram.com/erinwiesephoto
Makeup and Hair: instagram.com/glowingwithkori
Florist: instagram.com/maddipcreative
Cake: instagram.com/islandcupcake
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Are you looking for things to do on Catalina Island? Need some inspo to send your guests that are coming to your Descanso Beach Club Wedding? Here’s some inspo for activities and places to eat!
My favorite places to eat/drink on island:
– Cafe Metropole (amazing breakfast and fresh cold pressed juice. They also have a cute little boutique section of the cafe!)
– The Naughty Fox (great for lunch and craft cocktails)
– Catalina Coffee and Cookie Co. (THE ABSOLUTE BEST GLUTEN FREE COOKIE I’VE EVER HAD. They also have incredible build-your-own breakfast sandwiches (with gluten free and dairy free options as well!))
– Pancake Cottage (always a massive line, though!)
– Descanso Beach Club (a long list of fun cocktails! and a gorgeous view right on the beach)
Things to do:
– Parasailing
– a tour at the famous Casino
– rent a cabana or a lounge chair at Descanso Beach Club
– mini golfing! (so fun! and you can grab a drink at the place next door and bring it on the course)
– actual golfing
– shopping along the main road
– fishing with a local!
– hike up to the see the best views!
Places to stay:
– Hotel Atwater all the way. The best (and my favorite) place to stay on island!
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Are you planning a Catalina Island wedding?! And are you looking for a Catalina Wedding Photographer and/or Videographer? Then I’ve gotchu covered! Head over to my contact page and fill out my inquiry form and I’ll be in touch! 🙂 Happy planning!
