I can’t be the only one who loves beach elopements, can I? Especially sunrise elopements? The peaceful sounds of the waves crashing with no one around while digging your toes into the sand and smelling that fresh ocean air. It’s one of the most majestic beaches to have an intimate elopement. So when Bemi and Jesse were searching for their Malibu elopement photographer, they found my site, and I’m so glad our paths crossed! Together, we decided to have their elopement session to be an El Matador Beach Elopement!
Bemi and Jesse have known each other since they were kids and knew they wanted to keep things simple and intimate by having the “Just us” experience with no guests. Bemi had a professional bouquet made and did her hair and makeup by herself. This day was all about keeping it simple and focusing on the intimacy of the day as well as the creative portrait session.
Bemi went to Pepperdine University, so Malibu was already special to her, but she had never been to El Matador Beach. This made their experience ten times more special!
El Matador Beach Elopement Itinerary
We had an early start to the day as Bemi knew right away she wanted to have a sunrise elopement. One of my favorite things about sunrise elopements is that the earlier you get on the beach the fewer people! We had the entire beach to ourselves for the ceremony and most of the beach to ourselves for the rest of the session.
Beach Elopement Ceremony
The ceremony took place at the water’s edge where they grounded themselves into mother nature with their toes in the sand. Bemi and Jesse exchanged their vows while the ocean kissed their feet, it was such a spirited and intimate moment.
Sea Cave Portraits
Since we had a sunrise session, the tides were low enough for us to go explore the sea caves and get some portraits. El Matador beach is one of my favorite beaches because of the sea caves, so I tend to schedule sessions around the time the tide is low so we can get some unique photos here!
Water Portraits
We finished the day with some water photos on the beach! Bemi actually asked if they could do photos in the water which I was surprised to hear but also extremely delighted so I, of course, said yes!! She was even more excited when I told her she could use one of my dresses from my client’s closet so that her dress didn’t have to get wet or dirty!
One of the many things I love about having a client closet, you can change if you are hesitant about getting your wedding attire dirty!
I loved the time and adventures with Bemi and Jesse on the beach! They are complete love birds! They were so excited to get married and have this little adventure! After the ceremony, Jesse, the groom, kept saying, “Wow, I’m married! Wow, I’m married!”, it was so sweet!
I truly appreciated how they kept things simple and were open to having an adventure and going with the flow. I’m so glad so many beautiful memories were made before they headed off on their honeymoon to Catalina Island!
Elopements like this are why I love being an Elopement photographer!
Congrats Bemi and Jesse! And thank you for allowing me to be a part of your special day!
Read about what’s included in my beach elopement experience package in more detail. If you want to look for more inspiration from El Matador Beach check out my blog on Nicole and Eric’s Malibu Engagement session in the Sea Caves. And contact me through my contact page to book your own shoot!
