Wow. I have really struggled to find the words for these two. Words that bring them, this elopement session, and their sweet marriage justice. 

For a little backstory, Emily reached out to me back in 2019 to photograph her and Chris’s intimate ceremony and elopement in Sorrento, Italy for June 2020. And we all know what happened from here. A pandemic that’s halted a lot of plans for a lot of people. Emily and Chris decided to elope anyway, but they decided to do it locally in the DC area instead. Then this spring, they reached out to me and told me they were coming to San Diego for a little getaway and wanted to have their photos taken while dressed in their wedding attire. 

Emily actually never got to wear her wedding dress, believe it or not! When they went to elope, the dress shop that was doing her alterations was closed as a result of the pandemic. So, this would actually be the first time they would see each other fully dressed in their wedding wardrobe as bride and groom. Since they were far from home, I let them come over to my house for a proper get-ready space (I actually know Emily from college, so everyone was totally comfortable with this). Kandra from Twirly Shears met us there and did Emily’s hair and make-up. 

Emily and Chris did a first look before we left for Torrey Pines and it was so dang cute. Full of excitement, giggles, tears, kisses, and the cutest high five. 

When we got to Torrey Pines, these two crushed it hiking a trail along the cliffs. It was a little windy (which we took full advantage of with that insanely beautiful flowy dress), but the weather was so perfect. These two just laughed, snuggled, kissed, and danced their way through this whole session. 

I could not be more honored to have still been a part of capturing this day even after all the changed plans. At the end of the day, no matter where we shoot, it’s the love and the relationship that is the best part to experience and document. They kept mentioning how much fun it was and how awesome everything was going. They were so excited to be together and married, no matter if it’s a cliffside in Italy or a cliff in San Diego. 

If you’re currently planning a wedding or elopement, take this as encouragement. Always do what feels true to you. Plans may have to change or cancel under different circumstances. It’s okay to be sad about canceling, but when you do move forward with planning, make sure it’s something special to you both, whether it’s waiting longer or coming up with a new plan entirely. 

DREAM TEAM

MAKEUP + HAIR: Twirly Shears

GOWN: Haley Paige gown at Coastal Knot Raleigh