This beach elopement at El Matador Beach with SanT’Asha and Mario was unforgettable! SanT’Asha knew right away that she wanted to elope in Malibu with Mario and their closest loved ones. She loves the weather and the beaches here so I knew exactly where to suggest!
Elopement Location and Itinerary
El Matador Beach! One of my favorite beaches to shoot elopements due to the stunning rock formations and sea caves! The weather was excellent, there wasn’t any wind and we had clear skies for their whole elopement. We started the day off with a first look overlooking the oceanside while waiting for the family to arrive. First looks are such a great way to add an intimate and solemn moment to the day and it gives you that privacy to have an emotional time with just the two of you.
After the first look, we headed down to the beach and found a secluded area to have their ceremony. They chose a small rock to stand on to exchange their vows and rings and share their first kiss. I love when my clients choose the spot they want to have their ceremony as it makes it much more special.
First Dance
After the ceremony, they had their first dance together and so did the bride and her dad! This was so sweet as it was not planned that they were going to have a father-daughter dance. I loved that this couple had their family here for their special day as it added to the fun! Sometimes having too many family members at your elopement can be stressful, especially if you are looking for the “Just Us” experience, but their family added to the mood and energy of the day!
Her aunt was in charge of the playlist and was very energetic about playing the tunes on my Bluetooth speaker (I bring this to every session especially for elopements so you can have your first dance to a song of your choosing) and her parents were in the background being so supportive and polite the whole day. You really can’t ask for much else!
This is a great example of making sure to only invite a few close loved ones to your elopement, those you know will add their presence and energy to your special day!
SanT’Asha and Mario’s beach elopement at El Matador beach was originally a two-hour elopement, but later on, turned into 3 hours. As they opted to have their ceremony video recorded, added drone footage, and did a dress change.
Dress changes are always an option, especially for my clients as I always bring one dress from my client closet and a changing tent in case the client doesn’t want to get their elopement dress dirty or wet.
P.S. I always allow couples to upgrade their package if they choose to, later on, add additional items such as these!
Feeling inspired by SanT’Asha and Mario’s morning El Matador Beach elopement? Check out Bemi and Jesse’s beach elopement!
And if you are ready to plan your own beach elopement check out my beach elopement package!
