While working as a public relations photographer, a lot of the things I do are based around celebrations, high end parties, and upscale events – it’s not every time that I get to include my girlfriend in the experience.

This weekend, I was invited to cover a media retreat at the Surf & Sand resort in Laguna beach. The hotel is right on the water, and over the course of a night/morning – Sherry and I got to experience all the amenities the location had to offer.

We arrived & were treated to a mixology lesson by the oceanfront restaurant’s head bartender. Drinks to start off the working-weekend? Sounds good to me.

After having a couple cocktails, the group went on to experience the resort spa. Complete with a personalized skin exfoliator crème, everyone was treated to a back & hand massage by a message therapist.

After some relaxing massages, we headed on to taste some of the catering department’s best hors d oeuvre atop the hotel’s rooftop patio. It had a gorgeous panoramic view of the ocean and our visit was timed perfectly to catch the sunset over the coast.

Next up, a first class taste test of one of the menu item’s off the hotel’s restaurant. I ordered the filet, Sherry had the fish. Both were great, and I can attest to both as I’m usually the one finishing both plates :)

After dinner, the group all headed up to the poolside patio, where we were served desert with cocktails to compliment. Everyone in the group had an interesting story to tell about where they were visiting from, who they worked with, and where their articles were published. I’m sure this little blog couldn’t hold a candle to their publications, but it was still fun to talk about writing and the elements that go into producing a good piece.

After hanging out for a bit, Sherry and I decided to head onto the beach to walk along the shoreline and really take in the atmosphere. After about 10 minutes, one of us (can you guess who) got tired and wanted to go back to the hotel room.

Falling asleep to the sound of waves crashing on the beach put the finishing touch on an awesome night.