If you know me, you would know that as a Carmel-by-the-Sea wedding photographer, one of my favorite events to photograph is an intimate wedding. There’s something so magical about them! Maybe it’s that the entire day is reduced to what traditions are most meaningful for the couple, or maybe it’s because I feel like I’m an honored guest at a special event. Ultimately, I just love capturing a couple that vows to love each other for the rest of their lives. So when Emily and Matthew reached out to me about their casual and intimate Carmel-by-the-Sea wedding, I knew I wanted to be there for them!

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Non-traditional Getting Ready

Most of my couples choose to get ready in separate rooms and have me photograph their first look together. (It’s also no secret that I love a good First Look!) But when Emily and Matthew proposed getting ready together and spending the entire day near each other’s side, I was so excited to do something that was not traditional. It’s my bread and butter as a local Carmel-by-the-Sea wedding photographer!

Emily and Matthew rented a quaint and charming home through Airbnb in Carmel-by-the-Sea. When I asked what kind of wedding day they wanted to have, they said that they wanted the entire day to be relaxed. Their getting ready images and morning reflected this serenity in the atmosphere and their demeanor.

From New York To California: The Intimate Ceremony

Emily and Matthew are both from New York, so it was important to them to have a wedding in California that overlooks the coast. They chose a beautiful location in Big Sur, and as a local Big Sur wedding photographer as well, it was the perfect pick! They exchanged handwritten vows and enjoyed an intimate ceremony.

Private Big Sur Portraits

After the ceremony we took advantage of the perfect weather and view to take a couple of wedding portraits. As a local photographer, I knew where to lead them for a variety of backgrounds. I think what I love about their images is how grounded and calm they appear together. They look like they could conquer anything together.

Carmel-by-the-Sea Reception

After we took a couple of wedding portraits in Big Sur, we returned to Carmel-by-the-Sea for some sweets and cake cutting. They brought popcorn from Brooklyn and everyone was able to casually mingle with the couple throughout the evening.

More Than A Photographer

When Emily and Matthew sent me a thank you card, I was so touched by their genuine appreciation. I feel like they were surprised that when they chose me, they weren’t just choosing a photographer. I helped plan some of the wedding details with them in order to create photos that help tell their story. It meant so much to me that they saw that and thanked me for it!

I would love to be your photographer for your intimate Carmel-by-the-Sea wedding! Please reach out here.