A ROMANTIC SPRING WEDDING AT GRAND GIMENO | ORANGE COUNTY WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

There’s something timeless about a wedding at Grand Gimeno. Nestled in the heart of Orange County, this venue’s Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, tiled fountains, and vine-covered walls create an effortlessly elegant setting. When you add a genuinely sweet couple like J&E, you get a day that feels soft, sincere, and unforgettable.

Their wedding was filled with quiet, meaningful moments—the kind that stick with you long after the last dance.

Getting Ready: Calm, Intentional Moments

The day began slowly, with both the bride and groom getting ready on-site. Grand Gimeno’s getting-ready spaces are a dream for photographers—bathed in natural light and adorned with cool antique mirrors that reflect both the architecture and the emotion in the room.

The bridesmaids gathered around as the bride stepped into her gown. Then came one of the sweetest moments of the day: a first look with her bridal party. There were gasps, teary eyes, and lots of laughter. You could feel how loved she was.

Meanwhile, the groom shared quiet conversations and buttoned-up laughs with his groomsmen, all of them soaking in the moment before the day took off.

Bride and Groom Portraits Before the First Look

Before they saw each other for the first time, we spent a few quiet moments with each of them separately for some individual portraits. These early portraits are some of my favorites to capture—the stillness, the anticipation, the quiet glow of excitement just beneath the surface.

The bride looked stunning in her gown, standing against the soft greens of Grand Gimeno’s garden courtyard. Her bouquet, filled with blush and white blooms, popped beautifully against the neutral backdrop. There’s something so powerful about the way a bride holds herself in these moments—graceful, present, and full of emotion.

Meanwhile, the groom took a few moments alone in the courtyard, adjusting his boutonnière and taking a deep breath. He was calm and composed, but you could tell he was counting down the seconds until he could finally see her.

A Quiet First Look in the Courtyard

Before the ceremony, the couple shared a private first look near the courtyard fountain. It was peaceful and still—just the two of them surrounded by classic architecture and the soft trickle of water. In that quiet moment, they exchanged personal vows, speaking words they had saved just for each other.

There was laughter, tears, and gentle touches as they held hands and soaked in the significance of the day ahead. The groom wrapped his arms around the bride and rested his head on hers—a grounding moment that felt both sacred and incredibly intimate. This private exchange set the tone for the rest of the day: intentional, heartfelt, and centered on their connection.

Ceremony in the Garden Courtyard

The ceremony took place in Grand Gimeno’s stunning garden courtyard, with a wooden cross covered in pink and white florals as their altar. String lights hung above, and the modern window-lined facade framed everything with soft light.

Guests sat between white columns topped with lush blooms, and the entire space felt serene and sacred. The couple included a heartfelt prayer led by a family member, and you could feel the spiritual warmth surrounding them.

Family and Bridal Party Portraits Full of Joy

After the ceremony, we gathered the couple’s closest loved ones for family portraits. The soft afternoon light filtered through the trees, creating the perfect glow for these classic, heartfelt moments. You could feel the pride and love in every embrace.

The bridal party was a beautiful extension of the couple’s calm, warm energy. The bridesmaids wore soft sage and blue tones that complemented the pink and white florals, while the groomsmen kept things timeless in black suits with sage green ties.

Whether it was a quiet smile from a proud parent or a joyful laugh from a bridesmaid, these photos captured not just the faces, but the deep connections surrounding the couple.

Soft Portraits Full of Heart

After the ceremony, we wandered through the venue for portraits. The architecture here makes every backdrop feel special—the fountain, textured stucco, and soft greenery all worked in harmony with the couple’s natural, quiet chemistry.

They didn’t need much direction; they were simply present with one another. That authenticity made for some of my favorite portraits of the day—especially near the courtyard fountain, where the bride’s bouquet mirrored the soft florals of the ceremony.

Reception in the High-Ceiling Hall

The reception moved indoors to Grand Gimeno’s high-ceiling event hall, where exposed beams and soft uplighting created a cozy, celebratory atmosphere. Long wooden tables were dressed in floral arrangements that tied back to the ceremony palette—blush, white, and fresh greens.

From heartfelt toasts to the sweet moments of their first dance, the night flowed with laughter, joy, and a sense of community. Once dinner wrapped up and toasts were made, the lights dimmed and the energy shifted—everyone was ready to celebrate.

Soon after, the dance floor filled with family and friends, and the joy was contagious. Whether it was a high-energy group dance or a spontaneous sing-along moment, the room buzzed with happiness and celebration.

From quiet romance to full-on fun, this day had it all—and it ended just the way it began: with love at the center of everything.

If you’re planning a wedding in Orange County and looking for a venue that blends classic old town style with warmth, Grand Gimeno is a gem. And if you’re the kind of couple who values connection, candid moments, and effortless beauty—I’d love to be part of your story.