Laguna Beach Wedding Photographer Celebrates 10 Years & 500 Weddings

When Adam Levinstein photographed his first Orange County wedding in 2014, he had no idea he would eventually document over 500 celebrations across Southern California. This month marks the 10-year anniversary of Adam Levinstein Photography, a Laguna Beach wedding photographer that has become a familiar presence at venues from Montage Laguna Beach to Pelican Hill Resort.

The numbers tell part of the story. Five hundred weddings. Ten years. A perfect 5.0-star rating from every client. But Levinstein says the real measure of success is something else entirely.

"I still remember details from weddings I shot eight years ago," said Levinstein. "The couple who got engaged at Heisler Park. The surprise at Pelican Hill. The grandmother who cried during every single speech at Mission San Juan Capistrano. These moments stay with you."

Levinstein's approach to wedding photography differs from the traditional posed style many couples grew up seeing. He calls it "guided documentary" photography. The method captures authentic moments as they happen while providing subtle direction when needed.

"Nobody wants to feel like they're doing a photoshoot on their wedding day," Levinstein explained. "They want to celebrate with family and friends. My job is to document those genuine moments without making anyone feel uncomfortable or self-conscious."

The technique requires both technical skill and venue knowledge. After 500 weddings at Orange County locations, Levinstein knows exactly where the best light hits at Montage Laguna Beach during golden hour. He understands the timing challenges at Mission San Juan Capistrano. He has backup plans for fog at Crystal Cove and wind at Dana Point.

This local expertise came from eight years of professional studio training before launching his independent practice. During that time, Levinstein worked alongside some of Orange County's most experienced wedding photographers, learning technical skills and building relationships with venue coordinators and wedding planners.

Those relationships have proven valuable. Levinstein now works regularly with planners like Love Like Crazy Weddings and has become a preferred photographer at multiple Wedgewood venues throughout Southern California.

"When you show up at a venue 30 times, the coordinators start to trust you," said Levinstein. "They know you'll be professional, stay on schedule, and work well with other vendors. That trust makes everyone's job easier."

Recent client Sarah Martinez, who got married at Newport Beach Country Club last summer, appreciated that coordination. "Adam knew exactly when to gather family for photos without disrupting the cocktail hour flow," Martinez said. "Everything felt effortless, and our photos are stunning."

Orange County's wedding industry has grown significantly since Levinstein started his business. Coastal venues like Laguna Beach, Newport Beach, and Huntington Beach have seen particularly strong demand. Many couples now book venues 18 months in advance for popular summer and fall dates.

Levinstein's calendar reflects that trend. His 2025 winter dates are nearly full, and he has already booked multiple weddings for 2026. He recommends couples start their photographer search early in the planning process.

Based in Laguna Beach at 92651, the studio serves couples throughout Orange County, San Diego County, and Los Angeles County. Levinstein also travels for destination weddings.

Engaged couples can learn more at www.adamlevinstein.com or call (949) 315-5977.