Monterey Family Session //The Maskos Family visits Monterey

Sean and Nicole were married on a bright, warm day in Monterey. From their ceremony at Monastery beach to their reception at The Old Whaling Station in Monterey California every detail was thought out. From the beach balls the guests threw as they were announced husband and wife to the home-brewed beer they gave out as favors their wedding had so much heart. They even distilled their own peppered vodka for their signature cocktail from one of their favorite bars!

Cordero and Malina are locals of Monterey California and are high school sweethearts. They have been married for a year and wanted to capture their love in a more intimate way post-wedding. Initially, I had really wanted to have them on a rock surrounded by the ocean; as tides changed the rock was quickly covered and I was so grateful that Cordero and Malina were up for just jumping in!!

Family sessions in Monterey, Carmel, and Pacific Grove are quickly becoming my favorite way to document families. We make so many memories in our homes and it’s so rare we document them!

Melissa and Ed Eloped under the redwoods of Glen Oaks in Big Sur. The sun peaked through the trees during their intimate ceremony as they read their vows. Melissa and Ed were feeling overwhelmed with the planning process of their big celebration back in North Carolina and wanted to have a moment just for them. The day before their ceremony they hiked in Pfeiffer and enjoyed some fun breweries in Monterey.

Ali and John were visiting Big Sur from San Diego as a couple after being separated by deployments for many months. They have a son at home but really needed a reset to connect with each other. They decided to save the last day of their trip for an adventure down the PNW with me! From some beautiful Big Sur caves and remote beaches with cliff overlooks I truly feel like Big Sur still has some hidden local locations.

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.

Monterey Family Photos // The Robbins Family

Kacie and Sammie joined me on a dark and stormy day on the Big Sur coast to capture their engagement session. Sammy brought her best dad jokes and Kacie kept Sammy warm with lots of hugs. We explored the coast with an adventure session to two different locations and lots of fog! Growing up in Big Sur I think this has been one of the foggiest summers I can remember and I have no complaints about it.

I often offer suggestions to my photography clients while they are here visiting either for family sessions, elopements, or engagement shoots. I wanted to make those suggestions available to anyone on my site! Being a self-proclaimed foodie who loves good food but hates up-tight atmospheres this list will not include black tie locations although there is plenty of them in Carmel, Monterey, Big Sur, and Pebble Beach. (L'Auberge in Carmel was recently given one Michelin star and is phenomenal without kids) For those families visiting I have two kids and spend the majority of my time at the beach or river here, I’ll include my favorite fast places!

The Presidio Yacht Club in San Francisco offers a perfect wedding backdrop for your wedding day, with the Golden Gate Bridge in view you can’t go wrong! Cameron and Emily incorporated their love for sailing and the beauty of the sea under the Golden Gate Bridge for their wedding day!

Josh and Alissa were married this past week in San Francisco among their closest friends and family. Alissa saw all her friends who had big weddings and determined that was not for her. The day before her ceremony she had a backyard party at her friend’s house downtown complete with a donut table made by a friend. But on her elopement day, she only wanted 5 close friends and family.

Elopement and Wedding California Photographer

Big Sur Photographer // Big Sur Family Photos with the Layrisson Family