Ventana Elopement

Elopement

Nov 5

Carina and RJ came to Big Sur for their adventure elopement during Covid. They stayed at the beautiful Ventana hotel and included Carina’s parents, even having her dad officiate. Their first look was under towering redwoods and their ceremony was on the cliff edge of the Big Sur coastline where they each had the sweetest words to say while reading their own vows.

I had so much fun showing them some Big Sur locations they hadn't explored while visiting in the past. I’m often asked about the final rocky cliffside location with the rock bridge, it’s one of my favorite spots and a place I go often with my friends. It’s not always accessible so I was so glad that Carina and RJ were up for the hike to get there, pop some champagne and take in their day.

A little about them in their own words

Where did you two meet?
We met on Memorial Day weekend in 2017. Carina crept on RJ prior to meeting him. Carina noticed RJ from across the bar and was intrigued. Hours later, at a different location, RJ then coincidentally walked up and introduced himself. RJ asked Carina on a date, and she then said, "well why not now?". We had a late-night rendezvous at Denny’s. The rest is history.

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When did you know he/she was THE one?
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Carina- I knew very early on that RJ was the one. Specifically, it was shortly after the meeting when we stayed up all night talking at RJ's apartment. He is my dream husband! RJ- It felt strong right off the bat, and as we got more comfortable and settled with one another, it only strengthened my instinctual feelings that I loved her.
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Why did you decide to elope?
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Initially, we started with the idea of having a larger celebration in Santa Barbara with all of our closest friends and family but as we considered different options, one option was the idea of eloping abroad. The idea of an elopement resonated with us both, especially given our shared passion for adventure and travel. We settled on a domestic elopement, to have the chance to share the day with our closest loved ones while maintaining an intimate and unique experience that we could call ours.
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Why did you choose Big Sur, have you been here before?
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avid campers, Big Sur was an easy choice for us. Carina grew up camping there with her family, together we've taken many weekend trips up the coast to explore our shared favorite piece of California.

Dress: Grace Loves Lace

Hotel: Ventana Big Sur

Florest: Fleurs du Soleil