Big Sur Elopement by the Sea // Big Sur elopement photographer

Elopement
Written By Flora Gibson

Kait and Matt decided to elope in Big Sur after the wedding planning in Virginia became overwhelming. They started to feel like they were planning a day for everyone else instead of celebrating their love. After seeing photos of Big Sur, Kait and Matt knew immediately this was the place. I talked to Kait on the phone several months ago and we decided on a cliff side location but Kait and Matt decided last minute to change locations, after seeing a recent shoot I had done. Kait and Matt were such troopers on their wedding day hiking up a hill to a beautiful ceremony and down to rocks on the shore.

I always aim to capture an elopement the same way I would capture a large wedding. That means all the details are important not just the ceremony or portraits after, I want to be able to tell a story of their day. I met Kait and Matt at Hotel Pacific and captured them getting ready together. The careful way Matt buttoned Kait’s dress, to the sweet way she looked at him in his suit. I would never want to miss the opportunity to document a full elopement day! Kait soon ditched the heels for simple flats and I had the opportunity to show them the California Coast I know best. Beautiful dresses on our rugged coast with sweet newlyweds are my absolute favorite! Congratulations Kait and Matt!

Hair and Makeup: Katrina Styling

Florals: Burst & Bloom

Dress: Maggie Sottero- Nola Dress

Officiant: Denise Adkins

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Garrapata Beach Elopement
Garrapata Beach Elopement

Claudia and Avery Eloped this week in Carmel, California, with both their best friends, all the love in the world for each other, and nothing but laughter. We adventured to the cliffs where their friends led them through heartfelt vows; they celebrated with a champagne spray and shots. We explored Garrapata Beach for couples portraits and their first dance on the beach. They had the most beautiful, heartfelt day, and I felt so lucky to be a part of it.

Natasha Hall and Leo Howard are married!
Natasha Hall and Leo Howard are married!

Natasha Hall and Leo Howard were married in Big Sur this week. They had a private vow exchange by the river under the redwood trees in the forest of Big Sur, followed by an adventure on the coast, which we drove up the Ridgeline I saw the moon peek out above the Bixby with the golden field in the foreground. Then we greeted all their family and friends at the Airbnb. It was such an honor to document their love.

Deetjens Big Sur Elopement Photography
Deetjens Big Sur Elopement Photography

L & P eloped this week at Deetjens Big Sur for their California elopement; they are high school sweethearts who have been together for years and wanted to explore Big Sur for the first time together on their road trip from Washington. I suggested Deetjens for its proximity to beautiful redwoods with overall charm. We started their wedding day with a quick cuddle in the cabin before having a first look in the redwoods; then, it was off to the cliffs and beach for a champagne toast at sunset.

Flora Gibson
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