Tracy & Alan’s Intimate Big Sur Elopement by the Ocean
In 2018, I took a road trip down the coast from San Francisco with a friend and we were walking out to this beach in Big Sur and we saw a bride and groom with a photographer walking back to the parking lot and I remember thinking, “MAN, it would be so cool to shoot here someday.”
Well, it finally happened – Tracy and Alan found me on Instagram and asked me to come to California to capture their best day ever in Big Sur! They chose Big Sur for their elopement because they got engaged here at Pfieffer State Park, and they wanted to host an intimate celebration of their love in the same place Alan proposed, surrounded by stunning scenery. We picked this particular beach, because not only is it incredibly beautiful and meaningful to them, but this spot was a hop skip and a jump from their ceremony site, and I knew it would be quick and easy to head out and back in time for their vows.
They brought just 20 close friends and family members to celebrate with them, and said their vows to each other under the redwood trees. After their sweet ceremony in the forest, we headed to the beach for an hour of portraits. Everyone gathered together around a long banquet table for dinner, and Tracy and Alan shared their first dances out in the open air. It was truly a perfect day, and I’m manifesting more weddings like this here.
I honestly can’t tell you how much it truly means to me that this job of mine connects me to couples all over the world and allows me to work in so many beautiful places. Plus, it pays off to have a photographer who understands how to research the area, gets the correct permits and guides you through how to get them, and can be a resource for you as you plan.
I looove being hands on and helping my couple as much as I can, even researching vendors in the area they’re getting married at. If you’re wanting to get married on the west coast with your love where the edge of the earth meets the sea and you can smell the salt in the air and you’re dreaming of romantic, timeless & nostalgic imagery, reach out. I have 2024 books open, and I’m so ready to document more California weddings.
Vendors:
Photography: Grace T Photography
Edited with @gracetpresets ✨
Venue: Big Sur Lodge
Dress: @bhldn
Floral: @big_sur_flowers
Hair/MUA: @paintedladiesforever