We originally wanted to do a camp style wedding in Big Sur with a few close friends and family. We imagined people coming in and all of us spending time by the fire, exploring the area, and staying in cabins. When we saw how uncertain things were and how bringing in friends from all over the country may affect local residents, we felt it would be safer to elope. In the end, we had the most relaxing, no stress wedding ever! On the day of our wedding planner and photographer, The DeLauras, guided and took us to everywhere we needed to be. Now, we get questions from our friends all the time about how to elope. Some of our friends were even inspired enough by us to elope themselves!
First Dance Song
“Loving is Easy” by Rex Orange County
Looking back, what do you think your guests will remember most about your wedding?
How breathtaking the land was that we were on. Big Sur is so beautiful and we couldn’t ask for more awe-inspiring nature to be surrounded by.
What was your favorite detail from your wedding day?
The flower bouquet! I wanted something really unique with a focus on seasonal and more local flowers. Eothen Floral delivered her vision perfectly! The look was soft and romantic, while being a bit whimsical too.
Any memorable moments from your reception?
The beach picnic before dinner was full of laughter. I took a candid photo of my in-laws but the photo came out blurry, making my beautiful in-laws look like monsters! We had a monstrously large (and delicious) carrot cake that everyone else felt too rude to eat, but we did try to stuff as much as we could in to each other’s mouths when we cut it. At the end of the picnic, we danced in a ring of lit candles on the beach. My veil caught wind over the candle ring and everyone thought I was about to catch fire while dancing for my first, and almost last, time with my new husband.
At the dinner at Glass House, we are able to see the fog roll in over the mountains. Above the fog were all of the stars. If you’ve seen La La Land, seeing that view felt like we were floating in the planetarium. That was the most memorable view of my life so far.
What was the best part of your day?
Bride: Seeing how handsome Andrew looked, and feeling like he had never been so in love and attracted to me made me feel really celebrated. Growing up, for most of my adolescence, my family never really celebrated me at birthdays or for my accomplishments. I thought I hated being the center of attention but having someone to show me that I was someone special and deserving of unwavering love made me also appreciate myself more.
Groom: When we actually got to be together. We were separated while Shelby got ready and I remember waiting and being anxious and bored because we couldn’t hang out. While the trip was for our wedding, it was also one of the few times we got to focus solely on each other. I didn’t want to lose even a second of that time together. I remember my dad asking if I was nervous about the wedding and I said, “No, I just want to be able to hang out with Shelby.” My brother Zach called me too and even offered to hop on a four-hour flight and make the hour drive to me and be there if I needed anything. While I appreciated the sentiment I told him pretty much the same thing I told my dad: That I was ready for the wedding but didn’t like being away from Shelby. When it finally came time to do the first look I was excited because it felt like the morning took forever. I remember hearing Shelby talking to the photographers, and I laughed to myself imagining how careful Shelby had to be to walk down the pretty steep forest trail. Hearing her voice and thinking about her being only a few steps away…that was the first time I started to relax that day. When Shelby finally got to me and gently held my hand, I remember finally feeling relaxed and was excited to spend the rest of the day and my life with her. When I turned around and saw her for the first time, I felt so lucky.
Advice from the Couple
Your wedding day is just one step on your journey with someone you love. Hopefully, you can make it everything you want and not have to bend your will to what others want too much. However, even if you do or even if you feel your wedding wasn’t what you thought it would be, there’s still many ways you will get to be celebrated for your love, and celebrate others supporting your love. Don’t let your love be shaped by just one event, continue finding ways to show you care.
Vendors
Ceremony + Reception Site:
Big Sur Officiant:
Andrew Wighton Photographer, Videographer and Elopement Planner:
The DeLauras Floral Designer:
Eothen Floral Cake Designer :
Isabella Hacker Wine:
Folktale Winery and Vineyards Bride's Attire:
Grace Loves Lace Bride's Hair + Makeup Artist:
Malina Terra Hairstylist & Makeup Artist Mother of the Groom Attire:
BHLDN Groom's Attire:
Ticknors Men's Clothing Father of the Groom Attire:
Tom James Jeweler:
Tiffany & Co.