elopement in big sur, california

MONICA & HAYDEN

Everything about this day was an absolute dream… minus the weather giving us a run for our money! Days before the wedding, the forecast wasn’t looking so good and was calling for 80% chance of rain all day. So what better to do, then to PRAY! I kept praying and declaring for amazing weather all the way up until the morning of the big day. I wanted Monica & Hayden to have the wedding of their dreams (of course rain wouldn’t stop that…) but it would make things A LOT more difficult. 

In the morning, I watched as beams of sunlight began to enter our airbnb. I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief as I knew God was looking out for us and this day would turn out perfect. We drove over to Mission Ranch in Monterey where Monica & the girls were getting ready. The most beautiful scenery to get ready in… a balcony looking out onto the hills & the water (and little sheep too!). Truly mesmerizing & so peaceful. Monica wore the same gown her Mother wore on her wedding day...a unique strapless dress with a long flowy robe. Perfect for a simple & elegant coastal wedding. 

M & H read their vows privately to each other in the forest before the ceremony began, a sweet intimate moment by themselves to take everything in and remember what this day is all about. After the ceremony & dances we went to Pfeiffer beach just a few minutes away and captured their Bride & Groom portraits. I loved the mist and fog coming off the water…sometimes overcast can be nicer then full sun! There was also barely anyone on the beach which made it easier to explore & find the best spots. The day was finished off at a cute little restaurant called “Grasings” in Monterey for an intimate reception dinner. 

Photographing Monica & Hayden’s special day was an honour and I’m so happy they were able to have the wedding of their dreams (not to mention, just weeks before the coronavirus closed everything down!). Big Sur is one of the most beautiful places I’ve been too and I already can’t wait to be back!