Getting Ready at Le Petit Pali to Saying “I Do” on the Cliffs of Big Sur

The day began at Le Petit Pali in Carmel, a charming boutique hotel that is full of charm and romance. I arrived early, excited to document the bride and groom getting ready with their family members. As I moved through the space, I soaked in the delicate details—the warm glow of natural light streaming through large windows, the vintage charm, and the nervous yet joyful energy that filled the air. I felt privileged to witness Alex and Pat prepare for their big moment. Watching their family laugh, cry, and support each other, I knew this wasn’t just about capturing images; it was about freezing these raw, candid emotions in time.

Once Alex and Pat were fully dressed, we ventured to Devendorf Park for their first look. I quietly positioned myself to capture the anticipation building within each of them. When Pat turned to see Alex, the world around us faded. A rush of emotions swept through the park—their eyes locked, and I could almost see time slow down. With each click of the shutter, I could feel the weight of their shared vows, a promise of forever, echoing in the air.

Next came the journey to the cliffs, and as we drove along those winding roads, I was struck by the breathtaking views. Big Sur is an adventure in itself, and it offered this couple a stunning backdrop for their ceremony. The cliffs stood there majestic and timeless, and as they exchanged vows overlooking the ocean, it felt like the universe had conspired for their love to shine even brighter. With the birds and their family as their witnesses, Alex and Pat promised each other forever.

The challenge of photographing a wedding outdoors, especially on the cliffs, is always the unpredictability of nature. Wind, light, and tides all conspired to create unique moments. But in a way, that chaos fueled my creativity. The shifting light allowed me to play with shadows and highlights, creating a series of images that felt almost cinematic—images that would tell the story of their day long after it had passed.

After the ceremony, we headed to Garrapata State Beach, the scenery untouched and breathtaking. As the couple popped the champagne, laughter filled the air, echoing against the cliffs. That feeling, that spontaneity, was magic—the kind of thing you can’t script or stage.

As they indulged in their wedding cake nestled in a secluded sea cave, I felt a sense of intimacy that’s rare in larger celebrations. Here they were, in a moment of pure joy, sharing bites, giggling, and basking in the warmth of their love. The distant sound of the ocean provided a beautiful soundtrack to this serene setting, and I found myself framing the couple with the vastness of the sea behind them, capturing not just their love but the adventure they had begun.

In these moments—the laughter, the promise, the adventure—I realized that this was more than a job; it was an honor to witness two souls intertwining their lives in such an awe-inspiring landscape. Each image taken that day was a memory, a story waiting to unfold. Thank you for trusting me to create these memories for you Alex and Pat.

Vendors

Photographer

JAMIE LEMAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY

Hair and Makeup

MUAH

Florals 

FLEURS DU SOLEIL

Officiant

BRIAN BORGIA