Small Wedding, Big Love: An Intimate Big Sur Lodge Wedding

When Colleen and Tim reached out to inquire about having me photograph their Big Sur Lodge wedding, we instantly clicked. They were just beginning to plan their small, intimate affair, and if you know me, that’s my jam! 

I had a lot of fun helping the couple plan their wedding. Colleen and I had a lot of the same visions for how the day would go, and Tim was a go-with-the-flow kinda guy, calm and quite like a Redwood, which was fitting. Ha!

If you love nature, then a Big Sur Lodge wedding will be perfect for your special day. I’ve had couples reserve the venue for only their reception while having their ceremony beachside. While others have decided to host their entire wedding day there, as these two did. Whatever you have in mind, trust me, it can be done.

But for now, let me share more about how Colleen and Tim celebrated their intimate wedding.

Getting Ready for a Big Sur Lodge Wedding: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

Picture this: a cozy cabin in the woods, with the sounds of nature filling the air. That’s exactly what it was like as Colleen and Tim got ready for their Big Sur lodge wedding.

The cabins at the lodge are perfect for getting ready photos because you’re close to everything. Just a short golf cart ride away from the ceremony and reception site. Plus, golf carts are pretty fun and a great excuse to run from place to place.

Colleen got ready in one of the cabins on the property with the help of her mom and one of my favorite hair and makeup artists, Liliana.

It was sweet to document Colleen’s mom helping her into her gown. I could tell it was an emotional moment for her mom. I suspect it’ll be that way for me too, when my kiddos are older. 

Tim’s dad was right there to give him a hand with his finishing touches – mainly helping him into his jacket. They have the sweetest relationship. They were both quiet at first, but I could tell there was a lot of love between them.

And speaking of love… I loved capturing the first look between Colleen and her dad. It was quick and sweet – but so meaningful. 

This is a perfect example of making your wedding your own. Sometimes first looks are between the couple getting married, and other times, it’s with a parent. Either way, they’re always special and fun to photograph.

Saying ‘I Do’ in the Redwoods: Outdoor Big Sur Lodge Wedding Ceremony

Colleen and Tim tied the knot just behind Big Sur Lodge, surrounded by towering redwoods and their closest friends and family. The venue set up a beautiful archway, chairs for guests, and little runway-style rugs for Colleen to walk down the aisle on.

The ceremony was short, sweet, and completely unplugged, allowing everyone to fully immerse themselves in the moment. As you can tell from the photos, it was a small wedding, but it was just right for these two.

Family, Friends, and the Wedding Party at the Big Sur Lodge

After the ceremony, it was time to round everyone up for group wedding photos. I usually plan about 30-45 minutes in the wedding day timeline to capture all of these different variations of posed photos. But it can always be adjusted to more or less time, depending on what the couple wants to capture.

Gorgeous Coastal Views: Couples Photos at Garrapata Beach

As a wedding photographer, I always make it a point to steal the couple away together for solo photos. For Colleen and Tim, we took a little detour to Garapatta Beach after the ceremony and before the reception. Spending time alone with the couple gives me a chance to document their intimate moments before continuing with the rest of their celebration.

If you have a Big Sur Lodge wedding, we can either sneak away nearby without venturing out too far, like I did with Jason and Lizzy. Or we can hit the road and take a cruise to the beach. Whatever you decide, it’s you’re day, and you’re in control. And trust me, either choice is a winner. The Big Sur area is huge, and there are tons of options. If you need help deciding, I’m happy to give you tips and show you examples of different areas.

Outdoor Elegance: Big Sur Lodge Wedding Receptions

Colleen and Tim’s wedding reception at Big Sur Lodge was a blend of outdoor elegance and romance. The amber-colored string lights overhead set the mood as the sun set for the evening. 

The convenience of everything being within a few steps of each other is part of the allure of Big Sur Lodge. Everything was conveniently located just a few steps from each other: the bar, the dance floor, and the gorgeous dining tables. And their catering is top-notch!

Once the party got started, it was a blast watching the couple’s friends and family let loose and have a great time. It was a night of pure joy and just what they had hoped for.

A big thanks to these amazing wedding vendors for pulling everything together seamlessly for Colleen and Tim’s wedding day.

• Venue and Catering: Big Sur Lodge
• Hair and Makeup Artist: Liliana
• Dress: Daphne by Rebecca Ingram
• Suit: Calvin Klein 
• Florals: Cassia Foret
• Shoes: Toni Pons
• Cake: Sweet Reba’s 
• Officiant: Ken Robins

Ready to plan your Big Sur Lodge Wedding?

If so, I’d love to be your photographer! Big Sur Lodge is one of my favorite venues in the area, so I’d love to help you plan your day, give you some tips and tricks, and answer any questions you might have.

Send an inquiry here to get started.

I’ll be in touch just as soon as I can to discuss what you have in mind for your big day.