Springtime California Elopement - Melissa and Jordan

From the first message Melissa sent me and meeting her and Jordan on the video call, I knew this California elopement would be magical.

They have been together for 16 years and have the type of chemistry and care for each other that inspires me deeply. They told me how much they love traveling throughout California and abroad, love visiting wineries, and working out together.

Mel and Jordan are truly life partners and show up for each other in such beautiful ways - something that was so evident in how they related to each other in communication and as I saw throughout their full-day elopement getting ready at Mountain Home Inn, taking photos at Golden Gate Bridge Overlook, exploring Sausalito and exchanging heartfelt vows at Mount Tamalpais.

Shall we begin looking through this Springtime California Elopement? Let’s do it!

Getting Ready at Mountian Home Inn

Mel just finished nursing school and also is a talented makeup artist so it was so fun to see her get ready at the cozy Mountain Home Inn, located among the hills and trees and just an hour and a half drive from San Francisco. The romance was palpable as Jordan adored her getting her final touches on her lipstick. They each took turns writing their vows and enjoying the scenery. Once they were ready, we went out to the porch and they toasted to this new chapter of their life over some champagne. 

Springtime in California feels so playful - the birds chirping and the flowers popping up through the trees. It was the perfect day to slow down and celebrate Mel and Jordan’s love.

Golden Gate Overlook

I feel like there’s something so epic in capturing love stories in near epic landmarks, like it marks this history and the place it all happened. Insert emoji of California elopements and the Golden Gate Bridge shaking hands.

It was so much fun to capture their incredible joy and connection on such a sunny San Francisco day! They twirled through the hills and kissed each other with excitement over what was about to come.

Sausalito

After the Golden Gate Overlook, we headed over to Sausalito, as one does on a perfect spring day to stroll through the shops, bakeries and enjoy the view of terraced homes that often reminds people of the Almalfi Coast in Italy. This charming coastal town was such a cute stop for strangers to cheer on and congratulate Mel and Jordan on their wedding. We stopped for some sugar cookies and iced coffee and basked in the warm sunshine.

Mount Tamalpais 

“Mount Tam” as we call it, is the highest point in the Marin Hills. This state park features deep canyons and sweeping hillsides and if you visit in the springtime like we did, these hills are as green as can be. We found a sweet little part of the hillside for the ceremony that was totally isolated and played Ed Sheeran songs as we set up the area for Mel and Jordan to exchange their vows as golden hour began.

There aren’t the right words to explain what it feels like to photograph a couple’s ceremony with no one else around. It’s incredibly personal and I feel honored each and every time to curate the space and hold this container for their love. It’s incredibly moving, like time has stopped and there’s nothing else going on in the world. I barely want to inhale as I click my camera to capture their tears, expressions, and the energy that the moment creates. 

One thing I do to help my couples feel comfortable in these moments is to play music and step back, I nod and smile to know that I am fully tuned in - but this moment is for them. After their vows, I offer them a song for a first dance (or sway hug situation depending on the cliffs) and once they show me that they are ready for me to come over, I give them a hug and say that we can stay in this moment, so they can sit down and snuggle in or we can take a photo to capture exactly how they feel. 

Eloping goes beyond a traditional order of wedding events, and I pride myself in supporting my couples to enjoy their day as best suits them.

Eloping in California 

if you’re a couple looking to elope in San Fransisco or neighboring areas, I would love to capture this day for you! If you are interested in a wedding experience that matches your personality and values and would like me to cultivate a space, you can learn more about me here!

If you think I’m the right elopement photographer for you, then inquire with me here. If you would like to see more inspirational blogs, feel free to check out these.