Private Estate Elopement Big Sur

One day long ago, Sherril had an unforgettable spiritual experience in a California redwood forest. She told me about this memory over the phone and how important it had been in her life. That was why she chose the redwoods of Big Sur to start a new chapter with her love, Phillipe. They flew in from their respective homes in Florida and Belgium after a long separation during the pandemic.

Sherril and Phillipe held their intimate ceremony under the redwoods at Glen Oaks Big Sur. Subtle smoke from a nearby campfire highlighted the beams of sunlight and made everything even dreamier. Naomi, the officiant, sprayed some sage fragrance over them to ground them in the space and set a mood for their ceremony. Not surprisingly, these two professional speakers wrote deeply intimate and moving personal vows to each other. I loved the way they took their time with the ceremony and appreciated it as a powerful transitional space. Having a long ceremony means there is more opportunity to feel its power.

When we walked away from the ceremony, Sherril told me that she had always thought of smoke rising in sunlight as someone’s soul ascending up to heaven. Her grandmother had recently passed, and weeks earlier Sherril had told me that she knew her grandmother would be looking down over their ceremony that day.

Afterward, we took a scenic drive down the coast to a private estate. Sherril and Phillipe had arranged for a curated picnic to be set up where they could enjoy sunset over the ocean. The couple took their first dance and soaked in the scenery while I quietly photographed them from afar. I always love being able to give a couple their space while documenting them, so that they can actually enjoy their day!

Photography: Melissa Ergo

Planning and coordination: Big Sur Weddings

Officiant: Naomi Ehrich

Flowers: Barefoot Floral

Ceremony: Glen Oaks

Picnic location: Private Estate (contact Big Sur Weddings)

Rentals: Chic Event Rentals

Ceremony Rug Rental: Forage Vintage Rental

Dessert: Layers

Elope with Melissa

Are you interested in planning an intimate elopement getaway? I would love to help you plan and document your elopement day. Reach out to me today for more information!