Monterey Family Session // The Payne Family

Family Photos
Written By Flora Gibson

I’ve photographed the Payne family for the past four years and it’s so nice to see how they grow as a family year to year! They’re a local Pebble Beach family who spends a lot of time at Still Water Cove and wanted to capture their holiday session in a space they know and love. This cove can be tricky with tides but we got so lucky with a nice low tide and sunny weather! I love how Mandy styled her family, her dress is Anthropologie and the girl’s outfits are from Velveteen. Mandy always does a great job printing her pictures and I can’t wait to see what she does with these!

book your family session now!
Recent work
A Dreamy Glen Oaks Elopement in Big Sur: From Redwood Vows to Ocean Cliffs
A Dreamy Glen Oaks Elopement in Big Sur: From Redwood Vows to Ocean Cliffs

If you’ve ever dreamed of an intimate, wildly romantic day surrounded by redwoods and crashing ocean waves, this Glen Oaks elopement in Big Sur will steal your heart. Glen Oaks is one of the most magical elopement venues on the California coast — offering the perfect blend of rustic charm, cozy modern cabins, and private access to the serenity of Big Sur’s redwood groves for the ideal elopement day!

Read More →
A Whimsical Forest Wedding at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur
A Whimsical Forest Wedding at the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur

If you’re looking for a wedding venue that feels like a secret tucked away in the woods—with towering redwoods, eclectic charm, and a whole lot of soul—the Henry Miller Library in Big Sur might just be it. It’s one of my favorite hidden gems to photograph, and every time I shoot a wedding here, it feels like stepping into a storybook.

Read More →
A Dream Coastal Celebration at Crook Point Wedding Venue
A Dream Coastal Celebration at Crook Point Wedding Venue

There’s something truly magical about the Southern Oregon Coast—and Crook Point captures that magic perfectly. As a wedding photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to document love stories in many stunning locations, but Crook Point stands out every time. If you’re dreaming of a wedding surrounded by dramatic cliffs, sweeping ocean views, and golden light, this might just be your perfect venue.

Read More →
Hanna & Nick’s Carmel Beach Elopement
Hanna & Nick’s Carmel Beach Elopement

When Hanna and Nick invited me to capture their elopement—a dreamy, cave‑side ceremony with their favorite people, a shot‑ski that crackled with laughter, and private vows read high above the Pacific Ocean—it felt like the most perfect love story. It was equal parts intimate, wild, heartfelt, and oh-so-Carmel. And it’s the kind of story I live for as a Carmel elopement photographer.

Read More →
Intimate Elopement in Carmel-by-the-Sea | Villa Mara Carmel
Intimate Elopement in Carmel-by-the-Sea | Villa Mara Carmel

As an elopement photographer based in Carmel, I’ve had the joy of capturing countless love stories along this dreamy stretch of coastline—but there’s something especially magical about couples who choose to stay at Villa Mara. Whether you’re escaping the chaos of wedding planning or simply want your celebration to feel more intentional, Carmel offers a wildly romantic backdrop for your day.

Read More →
Moody Garrapata Beach Engagement Session
Moody Garrapata Beach Engagement Session

Some days, the fog rolls in and never quite lifts — and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. For this Garrapata Beach engagement session, we were gifted one of those moody Big Sur afternoons where the sky stays soft and grey, and the ocean feels like it’s whispering secrets. It was quiet, dramatic, and beautifully intimate — the kind of atmosphere that makes you slow down and lean in a little closer.

Read More →
Erika & Daniel’s Big Sur to Carmel Engagement | Glen Oaks + Garrapata Beach
Erika & Daniel’s Big Sur to Carmel Engagement | Glen Oaks + Garrapata Beach

This dreamy engagement session started in the redwoods of Glen Oaks, Big Sur, and ended with kite-flying at Garrapata Beach. Captured by Carmel engagement photographer Flora Gibson.

Read More →
What to Do During Your Mendocino Elopement
What to Do During Your Mendocino Elopement

If you’re dreaming of an intimate, wild-hearted elopement along the Northern California coast, Mendocino is the perfect place to say "I do." As a local elopement photographer with a deep love for this stretch of rugged shoreline, I've helped dozens of couples craft unforgettable elopement experiences here. Whether you're planning a simple ceremony on the cliffs or a full weekend adventure, here’s my guide to what to do during your Mendocino elopement—so your day feels as unforgettable as your love story.

Read More →
The Summer I Turned Pretty Inspired Shoot
The Summer I Turned Pretty Inspired Shoot

A romantic, foggy Pacific Grove couples shoot inspired by “The Summer I Turned Pretty”, featuring coastal cliffs, soft styling, and heartfelt connection.

Read More →
Eloping in Carmel, California: A Dream Destination for Intimate Weddings
Eloping in Carmel, California: A Dream Destination for Intimate Weddings

Discover why Carmel-by-the-Sea is the perfect destination for couples looking to elope. From breathtaking coastal views to charming venues, plan your perfect Carmel elopement today!

Read More →
Flora Gibson
Previous

Monterey Family Session// The Maskos Family visits Monterey
Next

Old Whaling Station Adobe Wedding of Sean and Nicole