S & N | Summer Romance at a Golf Course Wedding Venue | San Clemente

Stephanie and Nathaniel’s Talega Golf Club Wedding in San Clemente

Stephanie and Nathaniel met on Hinge. Their first date was sushi at Kabuki in Bella Terra, followed by a walk around the Huntington Beach mall. Then, during a spring trip to Tokyo, Nathaniel proposed in Shiba Park beneath the glow of Tokyo Tower. As Stephanie put it, “That night gave me more than memories. It gave me a forever.”

This June, the two said “I do” at Talega Golf Club, a golf course wedding venue in San Clemente. Talega’s team referred them to me, since I’ve photographed there several times and I’m on their preferred vendors list. From the start, they were a delight to work with and trusted my guidance on building a timeline with room to breathe. On the day itself, my team of three covered everything from their First Look to their send-off, and it was an honor to be part of it.

Why They Chose This Golf Course Wedding Venue

“We chose Talega because it felt romantic, elegant, and perfect for the kind of intimate but beautiful celebration we imagined,” the couple shared. Their favorite feature? “The ceremony space and overall scenery. It felt dreamy, peaceful, and perfect for photos.”

Honestly, I can’t argue with that. Talega is one of the most photogenic venues I work at. Plus, the staff, led by Michael Voorhees, always make the day easier for everyone. This time, they even took me to a lake overlook on the course I’d never visited before.

For their decor, they wanted “a modern romantic fairytale feel with warm, soft colors like terracotta, blush, ivory, and gold.” Out in the courtyard, bistro lights hung over rows of crossback chairs. Meanwhile, a dark-wood arch draped in white chiffon held ivory roses, hydrangea, and pops of rust. Ferns and gold bowls of blooms lined the aisle, and the two exchanged vows they wrote themselves.

Stephanie wore a Blush Bridal Couture ball gown with floral lace and a long tulle train. A crystal tiara, a cathedral-length veil, and a classic red lip finished the look. Finally, her bouquet from Fantasy Floral Designs mixed peonies, ranunculus, garden roses, and burnt-orange dahlias. Nathaniel, on the other hand, stood out in a cobalt three-piece suit from Art Lewin Bespoke Suits. Of course, his rust tie matched the bridesmaids’ mix-and-match terracotta gowns.

Golden Hour Portraits & a Reception Full of Dancing

Their wedding photography started in the hallway behind the bridal suite, where they shared their First Look. Later, we moved through the ceremony courtyard, the venue’s iconic tunnel, and the lake out on the course. They’d hoped for “golden-hour spots with the rolling landscape in the background,” and the sun cooperated. Along the way, I balanced elegant portraits with candid, emotional, and fun moments.

Inside, the ballroom glowed with gold candlesticks, tall tapers, and low centerpieces in rust and blush. During dinner, we shared Same-Day Edits with highlights from earlier in the day. Then the couple hit the floor for a choreographed first dance. Up on the cake, a custom koala topper put the groom in a navy suit and rust bow tie, just like Nathaniel. Later, the dance floor filled with traditional Cambodian dance moves. Finally, a sparkler exit sent them off in a classic Rolls-Royce, but not before we grabbed a few night portraits in the front roundabout.

Planning your own celebration at a golf course wedding venue? As a Southern California wedding photographer based in San Diego, I’d love to help with your wedding planning, from the timeline to the send-off. Whether you’re staying local or planning a destination wedding, let’s chat.

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The Wedding Vendors and Creative Partners Behind the Day

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PMC Photography captures weddings across Southern California, from golf course venues to oceanfront ceremonies and destination celebrations. Our approach is simple: guide you well, so you can relax and be yourselves in front of the camera. If that sounds like a good fit, we’d love to hear about your plans.