Soldier falls in love with the nurse, they don’t talk for years, reconnect, and fall madly in love with each other. That’s Oksana and Nicolas’ story! How classically romantic?! We felt like we were in a movie with a story like theirs. Their wedding at the Pelican Hill Resort and the San Clemente Presbyterian Church in San Clemente, CA was the first military wedding we shot, and wow, what a cool, memorable experience.

After getting ready at the Pelican Hill Resort, we headed over to San Clemente Presbyterian Church for their first look alternative and ceremony/reception.  We love that they chose to forego the first look and keep things traditional with both of them holding hands on either side of a door, and a short prayer.  They were able to still create an intimate moment while maintaining the big reveal for the ceremony.  That moment, when Nicholas finally saw his bride, was priceless.  His love for her was so evident, that nothing and no one else mattered as she walked down the aisle.

Their ceremony exit into the reception was one of the coolest parts of the day.  As per military wedding traditions, they had a saber arch exit but added their own flare with paper butterflies falling as they made their way through the arch.  It was so beautiful, classy, and timeless. 

As the sun was setting, we were able to take them down to the beach for their creative session.  Shots of them walking down the beach hand-in-hand seemed like the perfect way to end their day.  We have never seen two people look so happy and joyous.  They truly were made for each other.

It was such a joy and pleasure capturing Oksana and Nicholas’ wedding day.  We hope their short film gives you a peek into the coolest wedding that blended of cultures and traditions so seamlessly.

Getting Ready Venue: @pelicanhillresort

Venue: @sanclementepresbyterianchurch

Photographer: @irinafab.collection