An Intimate Big Sur Elopement

J & R traveled from Ohio to elope in Big Sur, just the two of them, on a sunny day in September. The coast was glowing, the air was warm, and it truly felt like we had the whole place to ourselves.

We started the day at their Airbnb in Carmel, a spot I had referred them to and one that couldn’t have been more perfect. Surrounded by towering redwoods, the sweet owner of the Airbnb, officiated their ceremony, creating an intimate, heartfelt moment that felt worlds away from everything else. After their “I do’s,” they cut their cake and soaked it all in before we headed toward the Big Sur coast to explore.

From there, the day unfolded naturally. Through digital, film, and Super 8 video, we documented their adventure as they wandered the cliffs and trails of Big Sur. Capturing their love was effortless. They’re the kind of couple whose connection just shows up without trying. At one cliffside stop, they squeezed in a quick game of Yahtzee, laughing and fully present with each other, before continuing down to the beach.

We ended the day with the most romantic, intimate first dance. As the sun dipped low and the light turned golden, they danced to their song and the sound of the waves crashing nearby. Perfect timing, unreal light, and a day that felt entirely true to them. One for the books!