Cliffside Ceremony Surrounded by Family and Friends
When I asked Rhianna and Owen what are their favorite things to do together, this was their answer "We share a love of traveling, roadtripping, the outdoors, mixing fancy cocktails, and playing Dungeons and Dragons." I love the fact that we got to include every single one of these in their wedding day. The couple started off their day getting ready at an estate Airbnb in Carmel Valley. They had all of their closest friends staying with them and celebrated the night before, enjoying the indoor swimming pool and hot tub. Once everyone was ready, I took the couple to a grove of trees at Garrapata State Park, where we photographed their First Look. This has to be one of my favorite parts of every wedding. I love when they forget that I am there, and just take in that moment of seeing each other right before they become husband and wife.
Rhianna and Owen knew they wanted dramatic cliffs as the background for their elopement, so we chose the perfect little spot of land to accommodate their small group of friends and family. Rhianna's dad walked her down the "aisle" and one of their good friends performed their ceremony. Their dog, "Miss Bonny" was present and watched along as the couple planted a lime tree together during the ceremony.
After taking a few group photos, I took the couple adventuring through Garrapata State Park for some epic cliffside portraits where we were able to hear all of the sea lions far out in the ocean. We then drove 5 minutes to Garrapata State Beach where the couple made their own special cocktails, followed by their First Dance in the sand.
Ending the night with their friends and family was very important to Rhianna and Owen, so we finished off the day with a mini reception back at the Airbnb. The couple opted for pie instead of cake and had a champagne toast with their loved ones. We made sure to include their love for Dungeons and Dragons by snapping a few photos of the group dressed up in their best attire. Rhianna and Owen's wedding day truly was what an intimate wedding should be about. The day was wholly centered around them, their favorite things, and their favorite people. Thank you for letting me capture these awesome memories Rhianna and Owen!
