Om Oasis Retreat Elopement / Aptos, California

Harley and Josh are one of the couples who had to make the difficult decision to postpone their big wedding day because of the pandemic this year. However, they decided to elope on their original wedding date so that they could still be married and celebrate in a meaningful way before the big party. Harley found a gorgeous retreat style lodge in Aptos called Om Oasis Retreat that would be the perfect place for their elopement.

I met Harley the afternoon of her elopement in one of the retreat’s treehouses. Her mother was putting the finishing touches on her daughter’s stunning braided hairstyle. I have always loved documenting the moments that happen during the getting ready process, especially when family is around. Harley’s and Josh’s immediate families gathered to witness the ceremony on the redwood deck at Om Oasis. They popped champagne, ate Harley’s homemade cake, and watched them take their first dance under the towering redwoods.

Afterward, we drove down to the nearby coast for a few sunset portraits. I let Harley and Josh chat and show affection in the way they chose to during their portraits. It is not always easy to be under the prying eye of a camera, but they were complete naturals. The sun dipped below the horizon and we said goodbye before they headed off to their family dinner celebration. It felt so good to document a happy celebration after months of being under lockdown!