No doubt, it’s a wild time for the wedding industry but Lauren and Collin’s love story has been such a dream to capture for this local Monterey elopement photographer! These two are really made for each other. Collin is an attorney and Lauren’s a pastry chef, not your typical bride to be sure! I totally felt an immediate connection with them both. They’re a superstar couple and spending the day with them for their Monterey elopement was a real treat!

The Elopement Route Is A Sweet One

It’s my number one recommendation for all wedding plans that have had to be rethought to consider taking the elopement route. For Lauren and Collin, their Monterey elopement is just the tip of the iceberg until their real wedding at The Berkeley City Club. That isn’t to say, of course, that their Monterey elopement fell short of anything magical and dreamy!

Love Is In The Details

Capturing their getting ready and the first look at the Jabberwock Inn (peep the Alice in Wonderland reference!) was such a whimsical, fairytale feel. From the trees growing up and around the whole property, to the picturesque views of the ocean and Monterey Bay, they couldn’t have picked a better place to stay!

Lauren is truly done up to the nines with moons and stars in her hair. And her Ralph Lauren dress has these epic arm capes for this gorgeous celestial look that’s SO stunning! Collin was looking dapper too with his handmade wool suit. It even has a pocket watch! Capturing all these thematic details as their local Monterey elopement photographer gave their special day such an intimate and quirky feel!

“The ring itself was designed by us both after the proposal. Collin proposed with a “travel ring” that I can wear when we travel so I’m not neurotic about my “real” ring. It’s an emerald that Collin’s dad had purchased back in the 80’s. Apparently he was in the emerald business for a brief time, which I found out AFTER the proposal! One of the diamonds on the side of the band is from on of my grandmother’s rings. She passed away but I was extremely close with her. Collin had already asked my mom if we could use it before the proposal. His band also has an emerald in it from his dad.” – Lauren

Monterey Elopement Portraits & The Ceremony That Made My Day

After their getting ready and first look, we took off to City Hall. I captured some beautiful portraits there and at their cozy ceremony at Wave Street Studios. These two wanted to get married at Wave Street from the get-go, but it was just too small for their initial wedding plans. Since they revised and went way smaller, they ended up going with it after all! Their vows were simply lovely. It was all about the honor and blessing that Collin felt to marry Lauren, his best friend, and getting to spend the rest of their lives together.

Everything about Lauren and Collin’s Monterey elopement made me feel so bright and full. Especially after a prior accident had ruined a lot of my equipment. While admittedly I had a rough start to the day that morning, I always strive to have positivity in spades for my couples. Lauren and Collin ended up giving that back to me! I loved seeing their Zoom call hellos to their friends and family. It’s a privilege for me being their local Monterey elopement photographer that I could see their special day in person.

While it may not be feasible to have a grand ol’ wedding at the moment, don’t lose hope that it WILL happen. I’d love to be your elopement photographer, you can reach out to me here and I’ll happily capture your love story!