Selena and Alec’s October Hacienda Wedding
Some love stories feel full-circle in the best way, and Selena and Alec’s October hacienda wedding was exactly that. They first met years ago in high school, orbiting the same friend group and occasionally crossing paths at parties. Life took them in different directions until, after college, a Bumble match reopened the door. Selena messaged Alec asking, “You moved back to California?” and the next day they were on a beach date. That same stretch of coast later became the setting for Alec’s proposal, when he surprised Selena on a San Clemente cliff overlooking the ocean at sunset. His brother was hidden nearby, capturing the moment as it unfolded.
I met Selena and Alec at Alec’s brother’s wedding the year before, which I photographed. Alec stood beside his brother as best man, and Selena experienced the day as a guest. They saw how I work, felt the energy I bring, and later saw the final images. When it came time to plan their own wedding, they reached out immediately. That trust means everything to me. Their celebration took place at The Hacienda wedding venue in Santa Ana, and my team and I documented the day from getting ready through their grand exit.
A Warm Hacienda Wedding Setting in Orange County
Selena and Alec chose The Hacienda wedding venue for its Mexican villa style and its Orange County roots. “We loved the aesthetic of the bricks, wood features, and orange tones,” they shared. “We also loved the ambiance at night.” As the sun dipped and string lights came alive, the courtyard transformed into an intimate, glowing space that felt both romantic and welcoming.
Photographing here again was a joy. I hadn’t been back in a couple of years, and it felt like reconnecting with an old favorite. Even my second photographer was the same one I worked with the last time I was there. The staff was friendly and attentive throughout the day, and having both the ceremony and reception in one place kept the timeline relaxed and seamless.
Style, Color, and Meaning Woven Into the Day
Selena’s gown was a beautiful balance of modern and romantic. The fitted silhouette featured a deep V neckline with illusion mesh and floral lace appliqué that continued into a lace-edged train. It moved effortlessly through the courtyard and photographed beautifully against the warm wood and greenery. Alec wore a charcoal suit with a crisp white shirt and neutral tie. It grounded the look and complemented the venue perfectly.
The bridesmaids wore deep blue and teal dresses in varied styles, adding richness without feeling overly formal. Florals carried intentional meaning throughout the day. “Selena selected the flowers based off what each color represented,” they shared. Yellow reflected her bright personality, blue represented her calm side, orange honored Alec’s childhood favorite color, and white added a traditional touch. Those colors appeared in bouquets, terracotta-style vases, and even cascading down the cake.
Selena and Alec wrote their own vows and chose not to see each other before the ceremony, letting that first moment happen naturally at the altar. We took portraits throughout the courtyard and inside the hacienda building, using fountains, benches, greenery, and string lights as natural backdrops. Throughout the day, I guided the timeline and portrait sessions to give the moments space to unfold while still capturing everything that mattered.
Selena and Alec, your hacienda wedding was heartfelt, joyful, and deeply personal. Congratulations to you both. It was an honor to continue telling your family’s story.
