Sunset Portraits During Big Sur Elopement | Big Sur Elopement Photographer
The Couple and Their Decision to Elope in Big Sur
Erica and Alex’s Big Sur elopement was a long time in the making. The couple had dreamed about having an intimate wedding for 6 years and knew they wanted a day where they could truly focus on each other. Although they had originally started planning a 180-person wedding, they realized that the day was more about pleasing others rather than a day focused on celebrating their love, so they pivoted and opted for an intimate elopement on the coast of California instead.
Their new plans revolved around creating a day that was full of meaning, adventure, and fun memories. This was so important to them because these values had become sort of a tradition for them. Erica and Alex have traveled to so many places and countries together. They have skydived, parasailed, flown a small airplane, and hot air ballooned all over the world. These adventures are all a part of their love story so they wanted that same element of adventure to hold true for their elopement as well.
We started planning a day for just the 2 of them along the coast of Big Sur complete with a vintage convertible car to ride along the coast.
Want to learn more about how to elope in Big Sur? Check out our Big Sur Elopement guide!
From Including Wedding Traditions in Their Ceremony To a Vintage Convertible Car Ride Along the Coast, this Is How To Elope In Big Sur Adventurously
On the day of their Big Sur elopement, I met Erica at her hotel room for getting ready photos while Alex picked up a ‘55 Porche!
After Erica had finished getting ready, we then met up with Alex and the officiant for their ceremony along the epic cliffs. Erica and Alex wanted a very private, quiet spot with amazing coastal views. I had scoped out a spot the day before and found the perfect Big Sur elopement location for them. Erica and Alex were in complete ‘awe’. The only sounds we heard were the sounds of the waves splashing against the cliffs and a faint cool breeze. To top it all off, there was nobody in sight, giving Erica and Alex complete privacy just like they had wanted!
One thing that was important for Erica and Alex to include in their ceremony was a feet washing ritual, symbolizing honor, respect, and humility. They wanted to keep some traditional wedding elements to help create a more intimate setting and provide some structure to their ceremony. That’s the best thing about elopements! You don’t have to cut out all traditions; instead, you get to choose the ones that are important to you.
We later ended up driving along the coast and stopping along the side of the road to get sunset photos, Queen B and Jay Z style 🙂 The whole vibe was sweet and romantic and we ended the night with headlight photos in front of their vintage convertible. It was magical!
Erica and Alex, thank you so much for allowing me to document your very special day! I am honored to have met you both!
– Sergio
Sergio had a game plan and didn’t let us worry about a single thing.
We worked with Sergio April 5th, 2022, and to describe this day as magical would be an understatement. Sergio has such an incredible talent and such a beautiful spirit. It felt as if I had known him our whole lives. We aren’t photogenic people but the way the pictures turned out would say otherwise. He made us feel so comfortable and confident through the whole thing. He had a game plan and didn’t let us worry about a single thing, besides the freezing cold wind lol. Even then, he knew how to work in the wind in our favor and it produced incredible outcomes. We keep getting compliments every time we share our photos and we are quick to refer Sergio! Truly our best investment from our day!
Meet The Best Big Sur Elopement Vendors:
Photographer: Sergio of Henry Tieu Photography
Elopement Dress: WONA
Suit: Express
Meet Your Wedding & Elopement Photographer
I’m Henry Tieu, a dad and the photographer behind these honest, meaningful, and artful images of weddings and elopements across Washington and around the world. Since 2018, I’ve documented more than 200 celebrations across six continents. My work has been featured by Junebug Weddings, Brides, The New York Times, Green Wedding Shoes, Dancing With Her, and Sony, and recognized with international awards. But more than anything, I care about creating photographs that help people feel their memories both now and years from now.
