We loved Caroline and Nick right away, they are a charming, friendly couple with a cute love story! Caroline is also a Gamma Phi Beta which was even more exciting for me being a fellow sister! I admit I’ve been out of college for some time, so it was a fun reminder of the bond and good times I had with my sisters.

Caroline and Nick went to different high schools in Colorado, but met on the way to a track meet. Nick stepped foot onto Caroline’s bus, and right away she knew he was special. She immediately nudged her best friend and future bridesmaid, and called “dibs”. The two dated and eventually called it quits, but found their way back to each other.  

After Nick proposed to Caroline, their wedding venue was an easy and quick choice. Caroline grew up visiting her aunt in Dana Point, CA. As a little girl she would see wedding ceremonies at the Doris Walker Overlook, and dream about her big day. Now living in Florida with family and friends coming from all over the states, Dana Point was the perfect destination wedding. The pair said their “I dos” at the Doris Walker Overlook,  followed by a backyard reception. Guests were treated with California Sunshine, a warm breeze and beautiful blue skies!

The beautiful bride got ready in front of a large window overlooking the backyard with natural light streaming in; this makes a world of difference in the pre-ceremony photos! The hair and makeup team were amazing and right on time, resulting in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. The couple decided to see one another for the first time when Caroline walked down the aisle; but she did do a first look with her bridesmaids and their reaction was complete awe. In a funny moment pre-ceremony, Caroline’s bridesmaids and mom inhaled helium then serenaded the soon to be Mrs. Kravek.

Nick is one of three boys, and the first to marry. He got ready at a VRBO conveniently a few doors down from the girls. Looking dapper in their ties and cumber buns, the guys goofed off with their creative groomsmen gifts—swords filled with liquor and engraved flasks.

The ceremony was gorgeous overlooking Dana Point harbor and only a short walk from Caroline’s aunt’s home and their reception. The rustic backyard reception was decorated in fine detail with hanging lanterns, antique goblets, and gold flatware. Our favorite wedding décor were the black and white photos of family members wedding days, dating back to 1930. Even the cake table was lined with cake cutting photos from weddings past. Nick's grandparents showed us their old wedding photo hanging on the wall decorating the bar room. It was a clever idea and brought up all kinds of entertaining family stories.

Before the sun set, we snuck away from the reception to capture epic photos from the Bluff Top Trail in Dana Point. Below the cement trail and brown cliffs is Dana Point Harbor where hundreds of sail boats line the docks. We paused at three vine covered cement arches, which are the remains of the never completed Dana Point Inn, the grandiose dream of showboat developer S.H. Wodruff (famous for development of Hollywoodland). The arches were originally supposed to be giant bay windows framing the rocky peaks of the 188-foot headlands which hug the harbor. The Dana Point Project was halted by the 1929 stock market crash.

After first dances, toasts and dinner, the party kicked up with an always packed dance floor. There was a game of limbo using the best man’s crutch, a sultry garter toss and a friendly cake cutting!

When the night came to an end the new Mr. and Mrs. Kravek exited through a tunnel of light up streamers, waved excitedly by their guests. At the end of the tunnel, Caroline and Nick showed off their perfect dip with a kiss. They then, then rode off into the dark in their get-away golf cart complete with just married streamers and cans.  

We had a great time getting to know Caroline and Nick’s families, and documenting their gorgeous day! We wish them a bright and happy future and an amazing honeymoon in Antiqua.