California Redwood Elopement
K + J eloped this week in the beautiful redwoods of California. I grew up along the California Coast and I love combining the varying terrains on wedding days. K + J stayed at the beautiful Glen Oaks Big Sur and brought their amazing friend Micheal to perform a heartfelt ceremony in the redwoods. My favorite part of their day was how they got ready together in such a sweet way and set aside 10 min for creative photos in the light of their cabin. I’m so often rushed from location to location, to have the time to find light and be creative felt so exciting! They adventured from the redwoods to the beach, where they brought a small cake that their friend made them with the cutest cake topper I ever did see! ( a Polaroid of them!) and warm tea, which was perfect for such a cold November day. They had their first dance alone with the mountains and beach as their backdrop, and I couldn’t imagine a more beautiful day or couple.
Learn how to plan an elopement timeline that feels natural, romantic, and stress-free. Includes real examples for Big Sur, Carmel, and forest elopements.
If you’ve been dreaming of an elopement that feels both nostalgic and wildly free, a vintage car beach elopement in California might be exactly what you’re looking for. There’s something undeniably cinematic about the combination of salt air, windswept cliffs, and a beautifully restored classic car—it transforms your wedding day into a story that feels like it’s been lived a hundred times before, yet entirely your own.
As a California elopement photographer, I’m seeing more couples lean into this blend of retro romance and coastal adventure, and it’s easy to understand why.
If you’re wondering what to do for your engagement photos—you’re not alone.
Most couples come in saying:
“We want something natural… but we have no idea where to start.”
The truth is, the best engagement sessions aren’t built around poses.
They’re built around experiences.
At Flora Gibson Photography, I approach engagement sessions like a quiet story unfolding—something you step into, not perform.
Here are ideas that will help your photos feel like you.