One of my first big commercial projects was shooting for Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, MT. This chic Laguna Beach resort is a sister property and I was so tickled to be asked to shoot some of the very first photos before it’s grand opening fall of 2018.

I so vividly remember driving down to do a few documentation construction photos in December of 2017. I arrived just before sunrise to head down to the beach first thing. There was a peace that morning, the sky was candy-cane colors and the soft rolling waves made me feel like I was in another part of the world, not 49 miles from my home.

This coastline is an absolute California treasure.

My next visit to the Hotel Joaquin would be to photograph a sample room and co-create a Mediterranean-inspired scene with one of my design partners. Most of these photos are from that day, the very first look into what would be the beautiful property that it is today.

It’s remarkable how much style can be sprinkled into such a seemingly small seaside resort. The details are modern and sophisticated but with a certain soulful comfort. It’s certainly California but also reminiscent of something you’d find in your favorite European boutique inn. Everything is so well curated from the fabrics, to the beach-friendly room accessories and LeLabo fragrances. The thoughtful art pieces and spinning throwback records are enough to put any guest in relaxation mode. Another Auric Road Collection win.

Hope you enjoy these photos, they are some of my Cali favs.

-t