Tanguy ("Nick") and I were friends for years before falling in love. We moved from NYC to Southern California together in 2014 to pursue new professional opportunities and in our first year living in California, we had no shortage of visitors come out to see us. We had a couple of "tours" we would take friends and family on when introducing them to the area, and the itinerary usually included a Duffy Boat ride around Newport Harbor and/or a drink at the beautiful Montage property in Laguna Beach. There was usually a meal at Javier's involved as well. On my birthday in late 2014, Tanguy proposed on a Duffy Boat in Newport Harbor.

With Tanguy being from Belgium and New York, and my being from Oklahoma, and our friends and family scattered throughout the U.S. (and Europe), it wasn't clear where we should get married. We settled on where we were starting our life together and where we already had enjoyed so many fond memories with our loved ones. The wedding weekend itinerary essentially followed the tour we had constructed for our out of town guests and included all of our favorite spots and activities. For our reception, we landed on the Montage in Laguna Beach for its impeccable service and breathtaking views overlooking the cliffs.

Since Southern California has so much to offer in terms of beautiful weather and countless activities, we wanted everyone to enjoy the area we had quickly fallen in love with. For our wedding and reception, the vibe we channeled was one of sophistication yet California cool. In planning our wedding, Tanguy and I agreed on most all of the major details including having a smaller wedding and being married in a church, but each had certain deal breakers as well, and it was funny to learn what those were for each of us. For me, I wanted a seated dinner and for the food to be delicious. Anyone who knows me knows that I love the experience of dining, especially with great company. Tanguy, on the other hand, channeled his energy into the band and music lineup and, after a lot of coaxing, convinced me that our first dance should be choreographed. We danced to a mash-up of Elvis Presley and Queen and it was so much fun! Hearing our family and friends singing along to the music and cheering for us is a memory we'll never forget.

We followed tradition on most details, but also made some adjustments to make the day more personal. For one, I wanted each of my four parents (two by birth, two by marriage) to play a special role in the wedding. We also wanted to pay tribute to Tanguy's late father and honor his Belgian heritage. Sabreing a bottle of champagne is both a long-held tradition in Europe and a party trick Tanguy's father loved to perform when he entertained friends. Lastly, our beloved French Bulldog, Beatrice, made a surprise appearance at the reception. Despite being a typically aloof bulldog, she is actually smiling in our wedding photos!

Words cannot describe the feeling of being surrounded by your family and closest friends and feeling their support at such a monumental moment. It's a feeling of love that is both humbling and uplifting, and one that we will cherish forever.

Margo + Tanguy's wedding rings sit atop their darling invitation suite during a pre-wedding shoot by Sylvie Gil

Olive and cream florals match the invitation suite - the couple's adorable French bulldog poses for the camera; photo by Sylvie Gil

Margo shows off her elegant jewelry and gorgeous lace gown before the ceremony, getting ready with her bridesmaids; photo by Sylvie Gil

Margo, the beautiful bride, poses in her simple yet elegant lace gown and veil, with a bouquet of cream and olive florals; photo by Sylvie Gil

Margo looks down at her gorgeous bouquet before the wedding ceremony; photo by Sylvie Gil

Margo & Tanguy at their wedding ceremony, in a church in Laguna Beach; photo by Sylvie Gil

Newly married, Margo & Tanguy walk toward their outdoor, beach reception at the Ritz Carlton in Laguna Beach; photo by Sylvie Gil

Newlyweds pause for a kiss in the sunset, just before their Laguna Beach reception; photo by Sylvie Gil

Guests mingle for cocktails during the outdoor reception, enjoying the Southern California sun; photo by Sylvie Gil

Gorgeous cream, olive, and blush florals decorate the blue linen reception tables, neutral placecards and wooden accents add to the nautical theme; photo by Sylvie Gil

Gorgeous florals and nautical blue linens add to the lovely ocean aesthetic of the Laguna Beach reception; photo by Sylvie Gil

Simple, dark wood chairs complement the light blue linens and cream, blush, and olive florals at the reception; photo by Sylvie Gil

A stunning view from the Ritz Carlton, of the luxurious pool and expansive Pacific Ocean at sunset, a lovely venue for a wedding reception; photo by Sylvie Gil

Tanguy opens a bottle of champagne with a saber at the reception - an impressive feat!; photo by Sylvie Gil

A closer shot of the ocean and luxurious green lawns of the Ritz - Margo & Tanguy mingle with guests at the reception; photo by Sylvie Gil

Looking down the coastline from the Ritz Carlton, Laguna Beach, a truly beautiful place for a Southern California wedding reception; photo by Sylvie Gil

Margo & Tanguy pose with their adorable French bulldog during a couple shoot with Sylvie Gil

Margo & Tanguy take a moment to look at the ocean on their wedding day, truly a couple in love; photo by Sylvie Gil

Margo & Tanguy share romantic moments during a couple shoot following their Laguna Beach wedding ceremony; photo by Sylvie Gil

Margo kisses her groom during a couple session with Sylvie Gil at their Laguna Beach wedding reception

Dusk falls over the outdoor beach reception, guests enjoy dinner lit by romantic string lights; photo by Sylvie Gil

Guests toast as night falls over the gorgeously laid reception tables lit by string lights; photo by Sylvie Gil

String lights provide a romantic atmosphere for the outdoor Laguna Beach reception; photo by Sylvie Gil

Margo + Tanguy Laguna Beach