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.

K & E eloped in the redwoods at the Sequoia Retreat Center in Santa Cruz California. There is a private redwood grove, with close access to the wildflowers and bluffs off the coast. K & E said their vows under the redwoods and had a first look outside of their suite. They had the sweetest cake from Gayle’s Bakery which they enjoyed on the bluffs, And they finished their beautiful elopement day with a first dance as the sun tucked below the horizon.

Camila and Greg Eloped this week at Garrapata Beach. When Hwy 1 had a rock slide a week ago we had to quickly pivot away from their original plan of getting married in the redwoods. They found an incredible Airbnb at Ribera Beach where they had their first look and ceremony. From there we adventured down the coast with an impromptu cheesecake on the hood of their rented vintage Thunderbird. They were both so full of joy and love it was infectious.

Rachel and Jonnie had the most beautiful elopement day at the Sequoia Retreat in Santa Cruz California. They originally planned their day in Big Sur but two days before their planned elopement the road slide happened and we had to re-plan to make their redwood dreams a reality. With the help of the Sequoia Retreat Center letting us use their beautiful property and the adventure to the coast in a rented vintage Mustang from Monterey Touring Vehicles and the most amazing picnic by the incredible Michelle with Forage Vintage rentals, their day came together beautifully.

M & J eloped in an intimate ceremony in Pebble Beach, California on a rainy afternoon last week. The private beach where the ceremony was held was one she had been tide-pooling since she was a child so it was extra special. After the ceremony they popped champagne and danced in the rain, as they finished their first dance the sun peeked out from behind the clouds and a rainbow appeared, It was beautiful!

Lauren and Courtney are Engaged!!! I felt so honored to work with Lauren on her proposal to Courtney at the beautiful Ventana Big Sur Hotel. Lauren and Courtney love playing Scrabble together and stay at Ventana Big Sur multiple times a year. Lauren had a custom Scrabble piece made on Etsy that said “Will You Marry Me?”.

Chris and Brice's Elopement at the beautiful Post Ranch in Big Sur was a magical day filled with love and stunning views. From the intimate ceremony among the Post Ranch redwoods to their beachside cake cutting at sunset, every moment was beautiful and felt so honest and fun.

Point Reyes, California is located on the Northern California Coast it offers one of the best coastlines in California with breathtaking views, rugged cliffs, and awesome sunsets. The area offers beachfront or rustic outdoor wedding venues, a lot of great places to stay, and great restaurants, it’s all here in my guide to Point Reyes.

Big Sur Elopement day on the stormy Coast of California. V & J had the perfect elopement day the stormy weather made for amazingly moody lighting which I love. To the vows in the redwood forest, picnic on the beach, and champagne popping on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean it was the perfect day!

K & B came from Texas to Big Sur, California for their engagement session. It was so fun to show them some of my favorite spots along the California coast and document their beautiful memories. Congratulations!

Kendall and Kevin were married at the Cliff House in Big Sur, California on a cliffside deck with a few of their best friends. We followed up their beautiful vows with an epic adventure session down the California coast. Kevin documented the day with some Super 8 mm films, which I can’t wait to see! Congratulations to you both!

Kirby and RJ eloped with their close friend and family present on the cliffs in Santa Cruz, California, their day was full of love, adventure, and fun! It was an honor to be a part of it. Thank you, Kirby and RJ for treating me like a friend and trusting me to capture your memories.

Big Sur forest and cliffside elopement.

From hiking in Yosemite, kayaking in Bend Oregon, or exploring the cliffs of Big Sur, I always carry a few key essentials. Here is what I generally bring along to photograph hiking elopements, from having sunrise coffee in the back of my car to sunsets with champagne!

Don’t get photobombed!! Follow my tips and tricks on when to elope in Yosemite and avoid the crowds. Yosemite elopement planning guide.