Judy and Justin’s Big Sur Adventure Elopement

Getting Ready for their Big Sur Elopement

The day began when I met Judy and Justin at their  Airbnb. A sweet cabin-style property with a gorgeous garden. When I arrived, I found Judy casually putting together her bouquet and getting ready, while Justin enjoyed coffee on the deck. I was so excited for them to see this area, and the spots I had picked out for them! It was my first time meeting Justin, and we instantly bonded over our love for the stunning scenery all around us. The job of being an adventure elopement photographer, is often much more than simply shooting photos and videos. You are a confidant, a guide, maid of honor, coordinator, and so much more! Meaning, while my couples are getting ready they often need my assistance either zipping, or tying up wedding dresses. Checking makeup and hair, or putting on boutonnières.

While Judy and Justin got ready, I busied myself with taking plenty of ‘getting ready’ photos, and chatting to them about the day ahead. Judy knew she wanted to hit up a few key areas like McWay Falls and Pfeiffer Beach. She knew she wanted photos in these areas, but wanted to keep alive the element of surprise and keep the schedule of events fairly loose. I’ve found that’s the key to capturing natural reactions during adventure elopement photography, keep them guessing, and let the wonders of Big Sur reveal itself spontaneously.

That First Look Moment

As mentioned, the eloping couples’ pretty California Airbnb had an adorable garden attached, and it was surrounded by acres of woodland. And so, we felt that it was the perfect place for them to have their first look moment, as it followed on naturally into their ceremony setting. Once the pair were ready, Justin and I went outside and waited for his bride to enter the garden. Standing patiently, and looking out towards the forest, our groom quietly anticipated the big moment, while I positioned myself on the other side of the garden. During these ‘first look’ shots, I always attempt to remove myself from the grooms’ line of sight, or at least be as invisible as possible, so as not to alter any natural reactions. Once they had been reunited, Judy and Justin were giddy with excitement, and I left them to really soak up the moment, before we set off into the woods.

A Ceremony in the Woods

During one of my initial discussions with Judy, she mentioned that she’d always envisioned her wedding ceremony would be surrounded by trees. A natural, spiritual moment that she felt eloping to California could easily produce. And she was spot on! Big Sur is blessed with towering redwoods that create the most beautiful backdrop for elopement photography. Once upon a time, when destination elopements weren’t as popular, it was easy to get away with doing ceremonies on any ‘ol trail. Nowadays, rangers are on the lookout for couples without permits. So, it’s best to either rent an Airbnb with a groove of redwoods, or book stay accommodations with a grove of redwoods on the property for easy and permittable access.

Judy took the lead and it didn’t take her long to find the perfect little clearing for their ceremony. A serene setting, quiet and calm, only punctuated occasionally by the sound of birds, or breeze whistling through the trees. They began to read aloud their vows to each other. In turns, they declared their love and promises to one another, while I captured every moment from afar, and up close, during the more intimate moments. It was a very heartfelt, and special elopement, one that I felt privileged to be a part of, and glad to capture in both photography, and to have Dan alongside me for videography.

And So, the Adventure Begins

One of the major parts of my Big Sur elopement photography service that I am most proud of, is the fact that I am ordained and able to sign the marriage license as the officiant. To be an adventure elopement photographer that can actually marry a couple, means that said couple and I, can actually feel free from all constraints. We can have an experience, a trip together without the need to bring along another person just to perform the ceremony. And Judy and Justin really welcomed this freedom while eloping, and embraced the unique peace and quiet it gifted them, especially when allowed to explore the California woodland without the pressure of a tight schedule. It was, after pronouncing them man and wife, that we ventured deeper into the forest, and to McWay Falls, for some of my favorite environmental portraits I’ve ever taken! Judy and Justin were not bashful at all about taking off their shoes and walking across a giant fallen log for some killer shots! I love clients who love having photos taken and are up for all my ideas!

It Started with a Pizza

The beauty of a Big Sur elopement is not just the potential for incredible photography, but it’s also the wealth of quaint, and delicious places to host your ‘wedding reception’. The  Big Sur Bakery is one such spot, and a California location that I knew my eloping couple would adore. It was at this point of the day when I said that I wanted to give the very newlyweds a break, and spend some time together. But since they were so chill, they suggested that we all have lunch together. Judy is a no-fuss kinda girl and loves keeping things light and casual (remember that she got ready herself and made her own bouquet!). We were all starving at this point, and together we took a break, ate some
pizza, and soaked in the scenic views. As we were finishing eating, Dan and I had the server staff surprised our couple with a celebratory cupcake, (since Judy didn’t have time to order a small elopement cake.) That was a fun moment for all of us, and one they really weren’t expecting! It was a fun, and romantic time for Judy and Justin, who were still buzzing with excitement, and loving the wonderful setting.

A Sunset Ending

Following our late lunch at the bakery, Judy and Justin made their way to the final destination on our Big Sur elopement, in pursuit of some magical sunset photography at Pfeiffer Beach. This stunning California setting is much loved by eloping couples for its unique purple sand, and the unique blankkey hole. (Quick note: The sun shining through the keyhole can only be viewed during the winter months due to the earth’s rotation during that time of year.) The series of spots I had planned out for them were all at the beach, and we started by shooting on the sand. They throw caution to the wind, kick of their shoes again and play together as the sea lapped the shore. They walked, talked and hugged while I shot some gorgeous images of them, back dropped by the setting sun. And as the light began to fade, we made our way up to the cliffs overlooking the beach, and captured our closing shots of the day. One of my favorite pictures from their elopement was actually during this session. And it was when Judy hitched up her dress and made her way eagerly up the steep incline towards the lookout spot above, while Justin played catch up, racing along clutching her bouquet! Ha!

It was a true adventure elopement, and an unforgettable Big Sur occasion for both photographer, and couple. The special day allowed them to be able to focus solely on each other, and simply embrace the joy that they bring to one another. It was a day that I was immensely proud to be a part of, and I wish every happiness to them both now, and in the future.