Big Sur

Leslie + Shawn's Big Sur Dream

Maybe I shouldn’t admit this, but sometimes weddings are not worth it… the stress, the money, all the moving parts can combine and create an exhausting whirlwind where the couple doesn’t even remember what the day is for. As someone who is lucky enough to capture wedding days, I witness the good, the bad and the ugly, but sometimes I film a wedding and I am overwhelmed by the love between the couple, the joy of the guests, and the beauty of the day.

Leslie and Shawn’s wedding was one of these.

It was impossible to not instantly like Leslie and Shawn. They had fun the ENTIRE day and never once did I see the stress of having a wedding far from home interfere with the real reason of the day. Their love was obvious, funny, affectionate, and contagious. They stayed at Glen Oaks in Big Sur and held their wedding at Loma Vista Gardens. Classic Big Sur. Redwoods, the river, views of the mountains and an outdoor wedding and reception all came together for a gorgeous day.

Also, I finally got to work with my husband Ryan of Ryan Chard Smith Photography! We usually keep our work lives separate, and I was a little nervous about combining forces, but it was so easy and fun. His photos are magical and I am so lucky we got to capture these two together.

Thank you to all of the amazing vendors that made this day seamless and beautiful.

Venue: Loma Vista Gardens

Photography: Ryan Chard Smith Photography

Accommodations: Glen Oaks Big Sur

Planning: Golden Coast Planning

Catering: Chef Hyson

Music: Anne Sibly

Florals: Big Sur Flowers

Rentals: Chic Event Rentals

Dress: Sarah Seven

Super 8 Film Process and Scan: Pro8mm

Music in Film: The Wild by Hazel Ra, All Your Arms by Big Haunt, Eternity by Hazel Ra

T + F's Wedding at Big Sur River Inn

Some couples and some weddings inspire feelings of romance, and some inspire feelings of I-wish-they-were-my-friends-in-real-life. Tamar and Fred’s wedding did both. When I first met them, I couldn’t believe how relaxed they were. They never elevated to an even slightly stressed level, and if anything, relaxed more into the day. She strolled through the redwoods barefoot, not caring that her dress was catching on pine needles and he smiled and went along with river wading, tree stump climbing and dancing in the forest.

Music:

Hans Zimmer: You’re So Cool

Grateful Dead: Sugar Magnolia and Not Fade Away

All in all, I had an amazing time filming their wedding and hanging out with Tamar and Fred’s friends and family.

It didn’t hurt that I got to work with an amazing team of vendors, including my BFF Evynn LeValley. Her gorgeous photos are below.

Coordinator: Elegant Events + Big Sur Weddings (Diane Allen) 

www.bigsurweddings.com 

IG: @bigsurweddings  

831-625-3523 

Ceremony + Reception Site: Big Sur River Inn

www.bigsurriverinn.com 

IG: @bigsurriverinn 

831-667-2700 

Photographer: Evynn LeValley  

www.evynnlevalley.com 

IG: @evynnlevalley 

831.917.3450  

Video: Noelle Smith 

www.noellemsmith.com 

IG: @nmsmithsuper8films 

831-277-4053 

Rentals: Forage Vintage Rental:  

www.foragevintagerental.co 

IG: @foragevintagerental.co  

Florist: Laughin’ Gal Floral  

www.laughingalfloral.com 

IG: @laughingalfloral 

Beauty: Britt Barrett 

IG: @britt_barrett 

Brides Dress: Happy Isles 

IG: @happyisles_salon 

Brides Shoes: Gucci 

IG: @gucci