Where to Take Pre-Wedding or Cocktail Hour Photos Around The Estate on Second

August 29, 2019

So, you’ve booked The Estate on Second for your wedding day – Congrats! We know you’ve got a ways to go to finish wedding planning so we’re taking the opportunity to hopefully alleviate some of the stress that comes with your wedding day by showing you our favorite pre-wedding or cocktail hour photo spots. Whether you’re planning a first look before your ceremony or wedding party pictures during cocktail hour, these spots can be found in close proximity to our beautiful venue and act as stunning backdrops for your special day!

THE FOUNTAIN

Walk a few steps outside The Estate on Second and you’re almost guaranteed to see this beauty. The fountain can be found in the courtyard area just in front of The Estate between the local businesses and cafes. Catch gleams of light bouncing off the fountain water during golden hour. Even on a gloomy day the fountain acts as a gorgeous statement and backdrop for any and all wedding photos.

Bride holding a bouquet beside an outdoor fountain

Photographer: Rachel Solomon

Groom walking with attendants on a city street

Photography: This Wild Romance

Couple walking together along a sunlit city sidewalk

Photographer: Victoria Gold Photography

Newlyweds embracing beside an outdoor fountain

Photographer: Emma Hopp Photography

Groom and groomsmen posing together on a tree-lined street

Photographer: Michael Ryu

THE ALLEY

Looking for an edgy, industrial feel for your wedding photos? Just behind the parking garage on 3rd and Sycamore lies multiple textured buildings that can provide you with an assortment of backdrops. Exposed worn brick, painted white brick, a cement staircase, building windows and rust painted walls are just some of the many photo moments available to you. Catch light flares at sunset or sneak away in the shadows for moody photos.

Couple kissing beside an outdoor brick staircase

Photographer: Cassy Smith Photography

Newlyweds standing against a whitewashed brick wall

Photography: This Wild Romance

Bride and groom kissing on a sunny outdoor walkway

Photographer: Emma Hopp Photography

Couple holding hands in front of a pale wall

Photographer: Mazelma Photography

PARKING GARAGE ROOFTOP

If the cityscape is more your thing, head over to the top level of the garage on 3rd and Sycamore. Catch views of the tall surrounding buildings and blue skies for some really romantic and free-spirited photo opportunities.

Bride and groom embracing against a city skyline

Photographer: Kevin Rogers

Couple standing together in an open elevator doorway

Photographer: Cait & Co. Photo

Bride posing with bridesmaids beneath a city building

Photography: This Wild Romance

Couple standing on an elevated outdoor walkway

Photographer: Emma Hopp Photography

Couple leaning together in a rooftop parking area

Photographer: Geoff Rivers

Photographer: Mazelma Photography

Couple standing together in front of a pale building

Photographer: Cait & Co. Photo

WOODEN GATE

If you’re looking directly at The Estate, to the right lies a rustic wooden gate. Grab your groomsmen or bridesmaids and take group shots here or capture your first look with this wooden backdrop.

Groom embracing the bride from behind before tall wooden doors

Photographer: Cassy Smith Photography

Wedding party posing before wooden doors

Photographer: Mary Claire Roman

Couple posing together beside wooden doors in a brick wall

Photographer: Cassy Smith Photography

SANTA ANA STREETS/SHOPS

Explore the streets of Santa Ana right around the venue. There are cute coffee shops all around. The Gypsy Den cafe is just across the courtyard of The Estate and offers eclectic decor for fun, quirky images. So many of the buildings surrounding The Estate provide different colors and textures, so you’re more than likely to find something you like!