Wind and Sea Wedding California

This wedding at Wind and Sea in Big Sur was filled with big personalities, big laughs and big love. Melissa and Ghady chose to have a micro wedding at Wind and Sea Estate in Big Sur, surrounded by a small group of their closest family and friends. It was a clear, sunny day on the coast — bright blue skies, ocean views, and perfect weather for an outdoor ceremony.


Ceremony at Wind and Sea Estate

The couple held their ceremony overlooking the water. Wind and Sea Estate is ideal for intimate weddings because everything can happen in one place — getting ready, ceremony, portraits, and dinner. The setting is private and quiet, which makes it especially well suited for micro weddings in Big Sur.


Melissa and Ghady kept their ceremony simple and intentional. With fewer guests, they were able to focus on what mattered most: their vows and time with the people closest to them.


Cake & Champagne

After the ceremony, everyone gathered for cake and champagne on the terrace. It was relaxed and unstructured — no rushing, no strict timeline. Just time to celebrate, talk, and enjoy the view.


This is one of the biggest advantages of planning a Big Sur micro wedding — the day feels flexible and personal.


Portraits at Pfeiffer Beach

After spending time with their guests, I took Melissa and Ghady to Pfeiffer Beach for portraits. It’s one of the most iconic beaches in Big Sur, known for its rock formations and dramatic coastline.


We got there at just the right time as the sun was setting and got all that gorgeous golden hour light, and the beach gave us a completely different backdrop from the estate. We kept things natural and movement-focused, letting the landscape do most of the work. Adding a second location like Pfeiffer Beach is a great way to bring variety into a Wind and Sea Estate wedding gallery. Pfeiffer Beach is only about a 20 minute drive from Wind and Sea, so you don't have to leave your guests for too long to get some gorgeous bridal portraits on your wedding day!


Private Chef Reception Dinner

When we returned to Wind and Sea Estate, a private chef had prepared dinner for the group. Instead of a large reception, the couple opted for an intimate seated meal together. It felt elevated but still comfortable — a thoughtful way to end the day.


Hiring a private chef for a small reception is a great option for couples planning a luxury micro wedding in Big Sur. It keeps the experience personal while still feeling special.


Melissa and Ghady’s wedding is a great example of how simple can still feel complete. A beautiful venue, a sunny day, meaningful vows, time at the beach, and dinner with the people who matter most.


If you’re planning a Wind and Sea Estate Big Sur wedding and want an intimate, well-paced day with incredible coastal views, this type of timeline works seamlessly.


Venue Tips: Wind & Sea Estate

Planning a wedding at Wind and Sea Estate gives you the opportunity to create an intentional, full weekend experience rather than just a single-day event. With the privacy and space the estate offers, many couples choose to hire a private chef for a seated dinner, allowing for a curated, restaurant-quality meal tailored to their guests. It’s also common to build in outdoor activities — like guided hikes along the Big Sur coastline, morning yoga overlooking the ocean, or simply relaxed time enjoying the views together.


Because Wind and Sea is surrounded by natural beauty, it’s also a great setting for couples who value sustainability. You can incorporate locally sourced, seasonal ingredients into your menu, minimize waste with thoughtfully planned portions, and choose reusable or compostable tableware. Many couples lean into the landscape itself for décor inspiration — keeping florals minimal, using in-season blooms, or opting for candles and simple design elements that complement the environment rather than compete with it. The result is a wedding that feels elevated, personal, and aligned with the natural setting of Big Sur.





Vendors

Photographer

JAMIE LEMAIRE PHOTOGRAPHY


Venue

WIND AND SEA ESTATE


Hair and Makeup 

GEORGE MAURICE


Private Chef 

JESSE MCCLELLAND


Cake 

GOLDEN BEE

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Hey! I’m Jamie - a destination wedding photographer servicing Big Sur, California and beyond. Epic landscapes, non-traditional, storytelling, real emotion are what I'm all about.


Thinking of getting married in Big Sur? Check out my work and reach out to learn more.