A Big Sur Elopement

This couple wanted to elope in Big Sur, but seeing as they lived on the east coast and had never visited the area, they needed help making their elopement come to life. Being busy professionals, running a business and raising children, they didn’t have the time to plan their elopement and vacation along the California coast.

They wanted to have a full day of being immersed in this special occasion, just the two of them, but also find special ways to incorporate their families that couldn’t be with them on their wedding day. It was important to them to have multiple places or “stops” throughout Big Sur they could explore, sight see and also have a variety of locations as the backdrop to their wedding photos.

We worked with the Delauras to plan multiple stops throughout Big Sur to have special moments through the day. The day focused on allowing them to relax while also including special elements that meant something to them and their relationship. We started the day at a beautiful luxury rental home in Carmel overlooking the ocean. They made the home in Carmel their home base for their time in the central coast so they could explore and relax. They both took their time getting ready and then had a first look over the ocean in Carmel. The emotional first look was one of the highlights of the day.

Afterward, they headed south toward Big Sur and into the Redwood forest. They spent some time in the forest, hiking, relaxing and celebrating a sand ceremony to honor their children, who couldn’t join them. It was important to them to celebrate their child and how much they mean to their union.

Sharing in the sand ceremony to incorporate their families.

After the Redwoods, they went to the Big Sur cliffs to get some images with the impressive ocean views. They each read a letter from their parents in addition to letters from each other to commemorate this day.

After that they came back to north Big Sur to the Garrapata area for the actual ceremony on the cliffs. Johan Soltero, a local guitarist/vocalist, sang some of their favorite songs acoustically while they exchanged vows. They were married overlooking the ocean in a simple, heartfelt moment.
Afterwards they enjoyed some more music by Johan before heading to Garrapata beach for a picnic and cake to end their day and watch the sunset!