June Lake Beach Wedding | Maxx & Kelli

I love unique venues. Although I have been part of many weddings in the June Lake area, Maxx and Kelli’s Beautiful June Lake Beach ceremony was a first. This was also a very special wedding because this was the first time I would be joined by Steve Dutcher at a wedding. I used to be a second shooter for him for many weddings, but this time he was booked for video and I was booked for photos. I was so excited to work together again!

The day started with the Kelli and her bridesmaids getting ready at the Westin Monache Resort in Mammoth Lakes. Everyone was so relaxed and excited for the wedding day. All of the girls had matching drink glasses, so after hair and makeup were completed, some portraits with all of the bridesmaids holding the glasses were essential! I had been shooting some details and was given the rings to photograph. Maxx’s wedding ring was the most unique ring I have ever seen. Both he and Kelli are very interested in outdoor adventures, and his wedding ring has that written all over it. I love it.

It was then time to get Kelli into her beautiful wedding dress. She was helped by her mom Karen, who I had been talking to since the beginning of the booking process, and she is so sweet. The genuine smiles shared by the mother and daughter were precious. Kelli was joined by her brother Nick, who was her “Man of Honor” during the wedding. I thought this was so special. I love when a brother and sister have a strong relationship bond, one that’s strong enough to put him among the bridesmaids.

Maxx and his groomsmen were in another room preparing to leave the hotel. I caught them soon enough to grab some shots of Maxx getting dressed. I was in awe of his tie. The colors had so much vibrancy, and if this was a good indication of the wedding colors, I couldn’t have been more excited.

It was time to head to June Lake for the beach wedding. The backdrop could not have been more beautiful. Although the Sierras had been battling a lot of smoke all summer long due to wildfires, we got a mostly clear day and everything worked out great. The white sand, baby blue water, and the mountains in the distance provided wonderful views.

The flowers were set up by “Mums & Roses” and they were stunning. I have to be honest, I don’t know a lot about flowers but these were the perfect pick. The orange complimented the purple dresses so well, and the blue backdrop allowed them to truly pop.

Before sharing their first kiss as a married couple, Maxx and Kelli tied a knot (literally) together. Again, bringing their love for the outdoors to their wedding day.

For the wedding party photographs, I would just like to say, LOOK AT THE COLORS. I honestly love that purple and orange mix. If you had asked me before this wedding if that was something I would ever pick, I would have said no. Things have since changed. Good Job on this guys! I mean, Maxx’s tie had purple, orange, and the same baby blue that June Lake was presenting. It was absolutely perfect.

June Lake Beach was perfect for some bride and groom portraits. We got really lucky with the lack of a crowd as well. It was a Saturday afternoon in August so I was not sure what to expect, but I was very satisfied. Of course, I had to include the wedding arch in some of the photos because it was too pretty not to.

Just when I thought the day couldn’t get any better, it did. Steve showed us all a spot near the reception to take a few more portraits, and it was insane! I’m glad I didn’t have to choose one location or the other because I wouldn’t have been able to. Maxx and Kelli, thanks for looking so good in both locations.

It was now time to head to Mammoth Brewery for the reception. The reception was coordinated by Kelly Segura, who did a wonderful job. The food, the desert, and of course the beer were outstanding.

The Man of Honor Nick got the reception started with a toast.

Maxx and Kelli continued the reception with their first task together as a married couple. The cake cutting. I thought they might be cake smashing candidates, but they were so nice to each other. No faces were harmed in the making of these photos.

The coolest part of this reception, besides the bride and groom dancing NON-STOP, was something that happened near the end. Maxx and his groomsmen all broke out into song for “Start Wearing Purple.” They were all so invested in it, and it was very entertaining to watch.

Congratulations Maxx and Kelli, I wish you and your new family the best. I hope you guys never cease to explore the world and embark on camping adventures. Thank you for being awesome.

-Nic

• Ceremony Venue: June Lake Beach

• Getting Ready Venue: Westin Monache Resort

• Reception Venue: Mammoth Brewery

• Reception Coordinator: Kelly Segura

• Videography: Steve Dutcher

• Flowers: Mums n Roses

ABOUT ME: Hi! My name is Nic Hilton. I am a destination wedding photographer based in Los Angeles. I shoot many weddings in the Mammoth Lakes area as well as Southern California but I am available to travel worldwide! Contact Me today because I would love to tell your story.