A Glamorous and Sophisticated Wedding at Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Coast, California

It was purely by chance that Denise Nguyen and Randy Mendoza met each other in a community gym, as Denise never would have set foot in the gym if it weren’t for her sister that day. “You hear about all the clichés about love at first sight and would never think it’s actually real,” says the couple, “but in this case, we really did feel like we already knew each other and that we already loved each other.”

After three years of dating, Randy proposed after a romantic walk along the shore in Newport Beach, California. It was an unexpected surprise for Denise when she came across the words, “Will you marry me,” written in the sand. 

The wedding planning process soon began, and for the next year the couple worked to piece together a glamorous and elegant celebration at Pelican Hill Resort. Denise always had fond childhood memories with her father at the resort, so it was the perfect location for him to “give her away” on her wedding day.

On October 21, 2017, an elegant and floral-filled wonderland provided a beautiful and sophisticated ambiance for the bride, groom, and their guests. Live violinists played classical music as guests filed into the ceremony, and a large floral gate framed the aisle for the bride’s grand entrance. When the newlyweds shared their first kiss, 20 doves were released as a symbol of becoming one and leaving the past behind them.

During the reception, a live jazz band performed while everyone dined on a dinner of filet mignon and lobster. Oversized floral centerpieces topped every table, and one of the décor focal points was a stunning cake swing covered in roses. Dinner was followed by a night of dancing, and the newlyweds had a bubble exit before a Bentley whisked them away to their honeymoon suite.

Denise and Randy took off to Santa Barbara immediately after the wedding, thoroughly enjoying their time together as husband and wife.