Engagement sessions peel back the layers of my couples and tell whether or not we’re a good fit, and with Matt and Meli’s Big Sur engagement + their Bernardus wedding, I know the three of us are a GREAT fit! These two came to my office aka The Cottage so we could talk all about albums and frames. It’s amazing to meet my couples and share champagne here at The Cottage. I can’t recommend it enough (plus, you can meet my golden doodle love bug, Tiger)! Our session involved my local Big Sur engagement photographer tour of the area, from green trails, to beach cliffs, and even Bixby Bridge!

How Did You Propose?

“On Melissa’s birthday in December 2020, I proposed in Napa after wine tasting and a bike ride through a vineyard. Our first date was back in August 2019 at Fool’s Errand, a wine bar on in San Francisco. Melissa had just moved to the city and was excited to explore her new home. I had an eight-year head start and like to think I proved to be an excellent tour guide. After a glass of wine, I suggested we continue the evening with a late dinner at Nopa across the street. This was also where I first discovered that Melissa would always choose the pasta dish. We ended the night at an arcade where we took pictures at a photo booth and realized that neither of us wanted the date to end.” – Matt

“On our second date, Matt and I saw live classical music in a beautiful Victorian home and bonded over our shared love of music. Four months later, Matt took me to Kauai for my birthday. This was hopefully the first of many globetrotting trips to come! Finally, in January 2020, we moved in together and soon after, the pandemic hit. Matt and I quickly realized that if we can survive and thrive being together 24/7 during a pandemic, we should do it for the rest of our lives!” – Meli

Engagement Session In Big Sur

These two have such a cheerful and bubbly dynamic. Meli is happy, smiley, and sweet, and Matt is head over heels in love with her. Even as the three of us are walking around to our spots, they’re lively and a joy to be around! I knew Matt and Meli were great sports when a huge wave came and soaked them but they still found it so fun and enjoyable, like they were having the time of their lives! This also goes to show that, with fog rolling in and rolling out, Big Sur can be unpredictable but it doesn’t mean your session won’t be filled to the brim with all sorts of amazing things- even if they weren’t the ones you were expecting!

Bernardus Wedding Photographer

I’m over the Moon counting the days until Matt and Meli’s Bernardus Lodge & Spa wedding in October. The only photos prettier than their engagement session will without a doubt be their wedding photos. Just when I thought they couldn’t be any more of a stunning couple! Matt’s dark blue suit was the perfect get up for Big Sur! I loved Meli’s white dress during the engagement session plus her cute camera that she wore. Not to mention her beautiful antique 1920’s art deco ring! The old European cut diamond is SUCH a timeless, princess-like look! Thank you, you two, for the privilege of capturing your love story from your Big Sur engagement to your Bernardus wedding!

I love photographing at Bernardus! If you’re looking for a local, seasoned Bernardus photographer for your wedding, you’ve found her! Contact me here.