Real Weddings: Nichole + Joel

I am in love with every detail of today’s wedding, photographed by the fabulous Aaron Shintaku (assisted by Ashley Rose) in San Clemente, CA.  Nichole and Joel pulled together the entire event themselves - with the help of Nichole’s mother – and it’s one of the most beautiful DIY weddings I’ve ever seen! 

Nichole is positively stunning, isn’t she?

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

Peach is one of my favorite colors for weddings and it’s not used enough – so I was so excited to see these gorgeous peach bridesmaid dresses, paired with casual gold sandals.  Perfect for a beach wedding!

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Ashley Rose}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

Not to be outdone, the men were handsome in light blue suits.

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

The ceremony was held at the Calafia Beach County Park in San Clemente.  There were tons of great spots for photos!

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Ashley Rose}

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{Ashley Rose}

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{Ashley Rose}

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{Ashley Rose}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Ashley Rose}

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{Ashley Rose}

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{Ashley Rose}

All of the programs were accented with fabric flower details.

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Ashley Rose}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Ashley Rose}

(how cute are the ring bearers?)

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{Ashley Rose}

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{Ashley Rose}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

The reception venue, The Historic Cottage at San Clemente State Beach, was the perfect backdrop for all of Nichole and Joel’s DIY details.

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{Ashley Rose}

Nichole’s aunt created all of the flower arrangements and her mother sewed these gorgeous table runners!

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{Aaron Shintaku}

handmade table runner with white fabric flowers
{Ashley Rose}

orange and white DIY tablescape
{Ashley Rose}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Ashley Rose}

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{Ashley Rose}

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{Ashley Rose}

orange and white DIY tablescape
{Ashley Rose}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

escort card tree
{Ashley Rose}

Guests were treated to homemade cookies and cupcakes and lemonade in mason jars.

homemade cookie wedding favors
{Aaron Shintaku}

lemonade in mason jars with orange slices
{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Aaron Shintaku}

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{Ashley Rose}

Last but not least, my favorite photo – I love how happy and relaxed Nichole and Joel are. That’s what a wedding should be all about!

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{Ashley Rose}

Aaron, thank you so much for sharing Nichole and Joel’s wedding with EAD! 

E.

we heart your comments!
  1. I’m always a sucker for portraits on/near train tracks – gorgeous! I also haven’t seen mason jar drinks in a cooler like that before, with the lids on – what a great idea!
    .-= Kathryn’s most recent blog post: Sneak Peek =-.

  2. Thank you soooo much Ami for feature this wedding =) it was an honor to capture the day alongside Aaron and an honor to be featured on your lovely blog =) xo.

  3. Looove the dress and shoes not to mention the beautiful backdrop, thanks for sharing!
    .-= Encore Bride’s most recent blog post: The Encore Bride Style File-Fiji Elopement =-.

  4. Michael Tex Cook writes... {September 22, 2009 at 5:32 pm}

    Aaron, way to capture the moment, you are one of the best photographers I’ve ever seen! And might I add, I was at this wedding and they did an awesome job at celebrating their big day. So excited for Joel and Nichole!

    - Tex

  5. Wow, super, super, super cute wedding. First of all, I love her dress and LOVE her shoes. The programs are lovely. Thanks for sharing!
    .-= Becky @ Weddingistas’s most recent blog post: Boudoir Photo Sessions =-.

  6. Beautiful job, Aaron! It was a true honor to be at this wedding. Nicole and Joel are such a great couple AND had the most beautiful wedding style! Thanks for posting these, EAD!
    .-= Cori Cook’s most recent blog post: Savvy Succulents =-.

  7. [...] from: Style Me Pretty, Design Sponge, Elizabeth Anne Designs, Design Sponge, Santa Barbara Chic, Green Wedding Shoes, Ritzeebee Blog, Santa Barbara Chic, [...]

  8. I love how so many grooms are going away from the traditional black tux. Very stylish!

  9. Beautiful pictures……….
    Its just amazing……
    The couples are complimenting each other
    .-= josh who’s most recent blog post: Basic Information For Taking Wedding Portraits =-.

  10. Stefanie writes... {November 6, 2010 at 8:15 pm}

    I’m getting married next Sept. 3rd…
    We share the same colors
    There is just something so stunning about your wedding photos… absolutely speechless.!

  11. Loving the bride’s dress and the shots on the railway tracks. The table settings are also styled beautifully.

  12. I love the old truck! Where was that taken?

    • victoria writes... {May 25, 2011 at 2:25 pm}

      I would love to know as well – so cool! I have been to the state beach a number of times but have never seen it!

  13. jacquie writes... {March 22, 2011 at 12:28 pm}

    HI! I am gettting married at the cottage in OCT and I have been looking everywhere for tables like the ones u used. Can U let me know where u found them! thank u soooooo MUCH! your wedding was stunning!
    jacquie
    jacquieandersonatc@yahoo.com

  14. Kathryn Mees writes... {November 27, 2011 at 2:47 pm}

    hello, I am also getting married at the cottage and I love these tables that you had. I would love to know where you found them at. Beautiful wedding:)

    thank you,

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