Adventure Weddings + Elopements, Big Sur, Portfolio

Moody and Elegant Big Sur Elopement in a Black Wedding Dress // Shelby & King

Shelby and King’s Big Sur elopement was moody and elegant in a black wedding dress! This couple, who traveled from the Bay Area, tied the knot on a warm fall day, surrounded by the natural beauty of Big Sur’s redwoods and cliffs. Their day was filled with personal touches, showcasing their classy, non-traditional wedding style.

Big-Sur-Elopement_Shelby-and-King_0047 Moody and Elegant Big Sur Elopement in a Black Wedding Dress // Shelby & King

Non-Traditional Elegance and Style

Shelby looked stunning in her black wedding dress, a bold yet elegant choice that perfectly complemented the moody vibe of their day. King matched her timeless aesthetic with a formal black suit, and their matching rings, bouquet, and black boots tied everything together seamlessly. From start to finish, their elopement filled up with meaningful moments and beautiful details.

Big-Sur-Elopement_Shelby-and-King_0047 Moody and Elegant Big Sur Elopement in a Black Wedding Dress // Shelby & King

A Heartfelt Morning Together

The morning began at a cozy cottage in Big Sur, where Shelby and King got ready together. Their connection and excitement were palpable as they prepared for one of the most special days of their lives. They shared an emotional first look, with King seeing Shelby in her gorgeous black wedding dress for the first time—a moment filled with joy and love.

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Vows Under the Majestic Redwoods

For their vows, Shelby and King chose the base of a towering redwood as their ceremony site. The grandeur of the tree added a sense of timelessness and significance to their heartfelt words. Afterward, we captured breathtaking portraits in the redwoods, where the filtered sunlight and earthy tones created a magical atmosphere.

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Dramatic Cliffside Photos in Big Sur

As the day unfolded, we headed to the iconic Big Sur cliffs. Shelby and King’s non-traditional wedding attire looked incredible against the dramatic cliffs, misty ocean backdrop, and moody beaches. The cliffside photos are some of my favorites ever—they radiated elegance and emotion while perfectly blending with the natural beauty of the setting.

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Ethereal Blue Hour Moments

As blue hour arrived, we added a creative twist with lanterns, capturing ethereal and intimate portraits that felt straight out of a fairytale. Shelby and King’s Big Sur elopement truly captured the magic of this stunning location, making their day unforgettable.

Big-Sur-Elopement_Shelby-and-King_0047 Moody and Elegant Big Sur Elopement in a Black Wedding Dress // Shelby & King

Plan Your Dream Big Sur Elopement

If you’re dreaming of a romantic, personalized Big Sur elopement, let me, Jennifer Whalen Photography, help you create and capture the perfect day.

To view more photos of Shelby in her black wedding dress and the rest of their Big Sur elopement, keep scrolling!

Whether you are planning to wear a non-traditional elopement wedding dress, or not, get in touch with me to begin your Big Sur elopement adventure!

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From hiking up mountains to running into the ocean, I’m ready to capture your big day just as you imagine it. Let me help you create an experience free of stress and full of what matters most to you. 

I’m your California wedding and elopement photographer turned adventure buddy.

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