Big Sur Elopement; Highway 1 and Wind & Sea Estate Wedding in California on Film + Digital

Big Sur Elopement; Highway 1 and Wind & Sea Estate Wedding in California

This Big Sur elopement had been in the making for well over a decade. Trey and Ally have spent the better part of the last 15 years loving each other unconditionally. They have woven their lives together in the most intricate fashion that two people who love each other can.

Two words come to mind when I reminisce on this September day; emotional and gratifying. What a thing to bear witness to – two people seeking unification in one of the most remote areas of the west coast, surrounded by the confidence of rugged coastlines and the unwavering support of their closest friends and family.

Let’s rewind to over a year ago. I remember sitting down with Ally and Trey in their kitchen. The air felt heavy with disappointment and uncertainty. Both felt equally frustrated. They vented their concerns about trying to plan their wedding day, as every direction they turned felt like a loss. Every venue they had toured, and every recommendation offered to them was not aligning with what they wanted. I knew we had to flip the script, and steer them into a new direction that felt true to who they are.

I asked them to explain to me what they wanted in their wedding experience. Both wanted seclusion and quiet moments of privacy, but still wanted to be around the loved ones dearest to them. They expressed that they wanted scenery that could attested to their shared love of travel and adventure. However, they wanted this to be easily accessible. Unbeknownst to them, they found hope in the unconventional.

And suddenly, that was when everything fell into place.

Trey had actually proposed to Ally in Southern California. I remembered how much they both enjoyed the specific charm the California coast offers, so, I took a leap of faith. I showed them images from a previous trip I had taken to Big Sur. It was in that moment, I think we all could feel the pressure dissipate from the room. Despite their previous angst, these two got excited about their future wedding again. The images and stories I shared clicked for them in the way I had hoped. Even though only mere moments had passed, they began planning their truly enchanting Big Sur elopement across Highway 1 and the Wind and Sea Estate.

Big Sur showed up for these two in a way that could make any skeptic believe in divine timing or fate. The land, sea, and sky worked together to give us a vastly diverse display of its natural appeal and beauty. Big Sur gifted us its flare for the dramatic – low-hanging clouds, cliffs that were simultaneously misty and sun-soaked, rolling fog that pierced the mountains, the presence of sea lions during their ceremony, widening blooms of pampas grass, and so much more. Surely, Trey and Ally’s elopement experience reflected all of the reasons why Big Sur is a worldwide spectacle.

The Details

Ally + Trey’s Big Sur elopement spanned across two days. On night one, they invited their guests to attend a lowkey Welcome Party at their venue. During the party, these two supplied their loved ones with an assortment of artisanal pizzas. Guests enjoyed a range of toppings from the classics like cheese and pepperoni, to mushroom truffle and duck confit. In addition to the pizza, folks had an array of white and red wine to pair with it. Ally and Trey encouraged everyone to explore the grounds, and enjoy the unique amenities this space has to offer. Consecutive to the unbeatable ocean views, the Wind and Sea Estate boasts a luxurious propane fire pit, sauna, hot tub, and outdoor soaking tubs. Their friends and family were undoubtedly impressed with their venue choice, only adding to the excitement for the following day.

Day two was the most special of all because it was Trey and Ally’s official elopement. Both wanted an easy start to their morning. Trey decided to slip away in the sauna for a some time, while Ally started to slowly get ready with the help of her friends. After they were both dressed, Ryan and I arranged for Trey and Ally to arrive at their first look location separately. Their first look would begin the half of their day spent in solitude with each other. These lovers exchanged private vows, then spent 3 hours exploring the wonders of California’s Highway 1. By the time they made it back to the venue, guests began arriving to spend the rest of the evening with them.

We carved out time for Ally to do an emotional first look with her father before the ceremony. It was important to this father-daughter duo that this be the first time they saw each other before they walked down the aisle together. Shortly after this, it was time for the ceremony. Ally + Trey’s ceremony was simple and sweet, but delightfully sentimental. They asked Mike, Trey’s uncle, if he would be their officiant. Mike accepted of course, and delivered an exceptionally heartfelt speech that would ultimately seal Ally and Trey’s marriage with wholesomeness. Afterwards, the newlyweds regrouped with everyone to kick off the after-party with cocktails, deliciously fresh hors d’oeuvres, and music from across the eras. It was, sincerely, a night to remember.

Every part of Trey and Ally’s experience transitioned seamlessly. Because there was no timeline rigidity or lingering stress, things happened when they wanted. Having this space allowed them the freedom to set their ideal pace for this once-in-a-lifetime experience, while enjoying it in whatever way resonated with them.

Meet The Team

• Venue: Wind and Sea Estate https://www.windandseabigsur.com/
• Photographer: Wild Elements Photography www.wildelements.photography
• Wedding Dress: Made With Love Bridal https://www.madewithlovebridal.com/
• Bridal Shop: Lovely Bride DC https://lovelybride.com/stores/washington-dc-bridal-shop/
• Groom’s Suit: The Black Tux https://theblacktux.com/
• Catering: MacDonald Farm https://macdonaldfarm2table.com/
• Hair: Mane Haven Studio by Vanessa LeClair https://www.bribragansalon.com/

Do you feel Big Sur pulling you in with it’s stark whimsy and moody allure? Does this gallery have you reimagining what your wedding day could be, how it can feel, or what it can look like? I want to explore your wedding day dreams, and help you make them a reality just like Ally and Trey. Fill out this form to get started. For more insight and inspiration to plan your very own California elopement, check out my post on The Best Places to Elope in Northern California.

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