Artsy Garrapata State Park Wedding

The beauty of the Big Sur Coast provided the best backdrop for Kate and Danny’s Garrapata State Park wedding day. It unfolded with stability—no wind, just the calm embrace of nature. This California wedding and elopement location is one of my favorites, just a short drive from Carmel-by-the-Sea. For Kate and Danny, their intimate day was everything they had envisioned: a peaceful and loving celebration of their bond. Their dog, Bubba, was a part of their day and playfully explored the cliffs. A special moment came during their photos when a hummingbird, a symbol of Kate’s late mother, appeared nearby. This bird has been a comforting sign of her presence for the past eleven years, making it all the more meaningful to feel her spirit on their wedding day.

From a Missed First Date to a Photo Booth Kiss

Kate and Danny’s story began like so many modern romances—online. Then, Kate assumed it wasn’t meant to be after a canceled first date. But Danny, determined to break the mold, gave her a call—something rare in today’s digital age. That one call turned into hours of conversation, followed by even more the next day. By the time they met for their first official date at the Boardwalk, they had already shared nearly 10 hours of phone time, creating an exciting and comfortable connection. They spent the day riding rides, eating by the beach, playing arcade games, and capping it off with their first kiss in a photo booth. Their love story began to unfold from that first kiss captured in time.

An intimate wedding ceremony on the cliffs of Garrapata State Park

Finding the Perfect Fit for Their State Park Wedding Photographer

When planning their wedding, Kate and Danny knew they wanted something intimate and simple, where the focus was on what truly mattered to them. One non-negotiable was having their precious golden retriever, Bubba, by their side. However, for Kate, the most essential detail to lock down was the photographer. Danny found me online after Kate vetoed a long list of options that felt too stiff or posed. Once Kate saw my work, she knew I was fit for their Big Sur wedding. She loved how my style captures movement and feels natural, illustrating the deep love between couples and the stunning scenery around them. The icing on the cake for Kate? Discovering I also offer 35mm film photography. From there, I introduced them to Noelle, who creates the most breathtaking Super 8mm videos you’ll ever see.

Danny & Kate’s Garrapata State Park Wedding Day

After a wedding date change and a highway collapse that complicated plans, Kate and Danny finally said their vows in the presence of close family, with Kate’s best friend Erica officiating and Bubba joyfully by their side. Kate’s white, square-toe knee-high boots started as a practical choice for navigating the rugged California coastline but turned into a fun and stylish twist—especially after she found them for just $60. Her dried bouquet of vibrant orange and pink flowers, crafted by her friend and San Jose florist, Trish Nishikawa, matched perfectly with Danny’s boutonnière and Bubba’s flower collar (which didn’t last long, thanks to his enthusiastic leap into a stream). Tucked around Kate’s bouquet was a custom picture pendant, a sweet nod to her late mother, ensuring she was close by on this Garrapata State Park wedding day.

If you’re planning to have your wedding or elopement in this stunning location, you’ll want to take a look at my Garrapata State Park elopement guide!

Wedding couple walks through thick red foliage with their dog on the Big Sur Coast

Wedding couple kiss on a cliff ledge overlooking the Big Sur Coast

Garrapata State Park wedding near Carmel-by-the-Sea

“Evynn was beyond amazing!! She photographed our small wedding. She was flexible when we decided to change the date and was helpful when we needed to alter the location due to HWY 1 collapsing. Her knowledge of the area and her skill as a photographer provided us with photographs that we will treasure forever!”