Monique & David Surprise Wedding - Newport Beach

Well, I had a first recently...a surprise wedding. When Monique called me for the first time inquiring about wedding photography she told me it was a surprise wedding. I had to have her explain that one to me... The plan, she explained, was to invite their closest family and friends to the Newport Dunes for an engagement party. The twist was that in the middle of the party they would surprise the would-be wedding party with the news that they would be getting married that night. What a unique idea - I was hooked from the beginning. Here's some highlights...

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Dave and Monique's vows... They read their vows in private in an empty hotel room (with the exception of me of course).

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It was a moving and emotional moment.

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I can't express how amazing it is to be the only person to witness moments like these. I get to do it over and over again. It is truly humbling.

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Dave and Monique told their family and friends that this was their engagement party.

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Then the surprise unfolded... Dave gave each of the would be groomsmen and bridesmaids a card that let the secret out. No one expected Monique to walk up behind them in a wedding gown.

SURPRISE!

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With the sun setting over the beach, a succulent wall was their backdrop for the surprise wedding ceremony.

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A cheerful and easy going crowd laughed and cheered when they forgot the rings. I love it when you can laugh off something like that.

But the rings weren't far...

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This was their response to "show me your surprised face".

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And boys will be boys...

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Congratulations to Dave and Monique!!!

Wedding photography by Brian Knott, Forget Me Knott Photography.