It was such a joy and honor to be Erin and Martin’s wedding photographer for their intimate Big Sur elopement! They had an intimate two-hour session at Wedding Rock in Carmel by The Sea, California. Her dress was BHLDN, their flowers were from Fionna Floral, and their wedding bands were custom made. They had a long and detailed ceremony where both of them wrote their own vows and spoke powerful words about their love for each other.

Elopement Vibes

At the beginning of their day, they felt like everything about their wedding was going wrong. They initially wanted to elope at Pfeiffer Beach, but it was closed. The water heater in the AirBNB cottage broke so the bride wasn’t able to shower. Their initial photographer canceled last minute and, exasperated, they asked: “Why isn’t this easy?”

The beauty of their story is that their wedding day came, and at the end of the day, they were able to look back in hindsight and think: “That was all perfect. It was exactly as it should have been.”

Non-Traditional Ceremony Carmel by the Sea

Their ceremony included non-traditional rituals by their officiant. The officiant asked them to kiss each other’s hands after they put the rings on. At one point, the officiant asked them to face the ocean and feel the sun on their face. These little rituals were to encourage them to truly be in that exact moment. The officiant was organic and refreshing; he truly tailored the ceremony to them.

A Photographer’s Perspective

In a very intimate elopement of four people by the sea, I had the privilege of being their Big Sir elopement photographer and to capture the pictures that would last them a lifetime. I love doing elopements as a Big Sur elopement photographer because they are intimate and I get to witness the couple’s love in a small setting. When there are only four people present and I’m one of them, it’s really an honor to be there. It’s a funny thing to say, but, I feel like every couple I meet is one I am supposed to meet. As Erin and Martin were looking at the ocean reflecting on the vows they just took, I also had a moment for myself: I am so grateful to do what I get to do.

If you’re looking for an experienced elopement photographer who can photograph your Intimate Carmel by the Sea elopement, just contact me here! I’d love to be apart of your adventure!