Danielle and Josh had a Big Sur River Inn wedding on a perfect and sunny day in Big Sur. There were two different sites: Riverside Camping Grounds and Cabins as well as the Big Sur River Inn Campgrounds. Josh proposed to Danielle in Point Lobos, so it was important for them to have a ceremony in Big Sur.

Disney Details

As if this iconic venue wasn’t enough, Danielle and Josh integrated swoon-worthy personal details into their wedding day. Danielle works for Disney, so their invitation suite, which was complete with a map of their venue, was a custom design by a Disney designer. Josh appreciates fine details and aesthetic, so he purchased a custom made Italian suit and a gentleman’s valet for their big day. The florals for their wedding included succulents grown from their own garden. For a local Big Sur wedding photographer like myself, everything was such a treat to capture!

Wedding Vibes

Tall green trees in the background. The bridesmaids dressed in slight shades of sky blue. The groomsmen in varying shades of navy. The sun was shining in Big Sur, and every detail of the day went as planned. You know how sometimes you see a group of friends and can tell they’ve all known each other for a long time? Danielle and Josh’s wedding party was something so precious to see. Everyone was encouraging, positive, and made this intimate wedding even more special.

Integrating Culture

Culture was a huge part of their wedding day. Danielle is very close to her family, and she thought of an idea of mimicking her mother’s bridal portrait so she could frame them side by side. In her mom’s bridal portrait, she was wearing a traditional red Vietnamese long sleeve dress with intricate embroidery. Danielle, too, wore a similar dress in her bridal portrait. During the wedding ceremony, they also had a tea ceremony where they served tea to the parents of the bride and groom. I adored capturing this beautiful moment as their local Big Sur wedding photographer.

Danielle and Josh’s darling miniature schnauzer made an appearance for their family portraits, donning a small green bowtie that matched the succulents. He even made an appearance later on while they were on the dance floor! I love photographing paw-rent’s fur babies!

Reflection

Weddings at Big Sur River Inn are always so fun. I love when brides integrate their own personalities and culture into their own wedding. It’s incredible to see which traditions are passed down to each generation and to be able to witness it all. Capturing these moments is also special because I know that I’m not just capturing the wedding day for the bride and groom, but also capturing moments for the parents to reminisce.

Danielle and Josh were a fun, sweet, and energetic couple. Their whole wedding felt organic and full of love. From the florals by Big Sur Flowers to the joy of the families uniting, everything had a little bit of magic to it.

This wedding also ended on such a fun note: a sparkler exit! All the guests raised their sparklers to the newlyweds as they exited the venue at the end of the evening.

Vendors

• Venue: Big Sur River Inn
• Flowers: Big Sur Flowers
• DJ/Photobooth: JMZ Entertainment
• Rentals: Chic Event Rentals
• Bride’s Shoes: Jewel by Badgley Mischka
• Bridesmaids Dress: Various (BHLDN, David’s Bridal, Weddington Way, Show Me Your Mumu)
• Bridal Gown: Sherri Hill

Let’s chat if you have a wedding coming up in Big Sur! I would love to be there for you as your local Big Sur wedding photographer.