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If you’re looking for inspiration to help you plan a nature-inspired spiritual Big Sur wedding, you’re in the right place, friend.

Jason & Lizzy took every step of their wedding day to heart and made it meaningful. The ceremony began on Garrapata Beach with an open meditation. And the reception took place at one of the gorgeous venues surrounded by the California Redwoods, Big Sur Lodge! From start to finish, no detail was overlooked.

black and white portraits of bride and groom in redwoods after their big sur wedding

Jason & Lizzy’s Love Story

Jason and Lizzy are a connected, laid-back, adventurous couple. They met at an Eclipse Festival, hiked to the summit of Mount Whitney, where they shared their first kiss at the top (swoon!), and got engaged on the Kalalau Trail in Kauai! They also practice acro yoga together. Check these two out…they’re awesome!

To say they are nature enthusiasts would be an understatement! In Lizzy’s own words, “Our spirituality is based on nature and the interconnectedness of all creation.”

They wrapped all their interests into their spiritual Big Sur Wedding beautifully, so let’s dive in, and I’ll share some more details of their big day!

bride and groom practicing acro yoga during their big sur wedding reception

Big Sur Wedding Ceremony at Garrapata Beach

Garrapata Beach is a gorgeous location for any wedding. But I must admit, when they told me the ceremony would be smack dab in the middle of the afternoon, I was nervous about how the photos would turn out. As a photographer, we’re always looking for the best light (usually early morning or toward sunset.) But, Jason is a great photographer, knew the sun would be bright, and wanted to go for it!

photo of sand with bride and groom initials on their big sur wedding day on the beach
photo of guitar play and groom walking with his mom during big sur wedding at photos of groom reciting his vows to bride at their big sur wedding at Garrapata Beach

Open Meditation by Deanna Renee Falge

The couple didn’t do a first look, so the first time Jason saw Lizzy was as she walked toward him on the beach. Once she reached Jason, they had an open meditation, song, and prayer led by Deanna Falge, followed by moving readings from each bridesmaid and groomsman. 

photo of bride being walked down the beach aisle of her big sur wedding
photo of open meditation at a big sur wedding Garrapata Beach
photo of open meditation at a big sur wedding Garrapata Beach
photo of open meditation at a big sur wedding Garrapata Beach
photos of bridal party during open medication in big sur wedding

Lizzy and Jason had very personal vows that were intuitive and lovely to listen to. Everyone was captivated by their loving words for each other.

photos of groom reciting his vows to bride at their big sur wedding at Garrapata Beach
photos of bride reciting her vows in big sur wedding at Garrapata Beach

The couple then planted a Redwood tree and had their Moms water it with them.

photos of bride and groom planing a redwood tree during their big sur wedding ceremony

They exchanged rings, said ‘I DO!”

close up photo of bride, groom, and officiant at big sur wedding
photos of bride and groom exchanging wedding rings during their big sur wedding on Garrapata Beach
bride and groom kissing during their big sur wedding at Garrapata Beach

To top it all off, the newlyweds danced back down the aisle in joy, setting the tone for their fun-filled reception!

photos of bride and groom dancing on beach after saying "I do" in their big sur wedding on photos of groom reciting his vows to bride at their big sur wedding at Garrapata Beach
bride and groom walking away from camera after their big sur wedding ceremony at Garrapata Beach

After the ceremony, we took group photos on the beach before heading to the reception area. When I say they have a fantastic group of friends and family, I’m not joking. This group was so much fun, and really enjoyed the camaraderie with each other. And I can’t help but smile seeing these mini-friend huddles they had! 

friends huddling around in embrace after big sur wedding ceremony
formal wedding photos of bridal party and friends at big sur wedding on Garrapata Beach

Big Sur Wedding Photos in the Redwoods

With all of my wedding couples, I ask what photos are the most important to them. For Lizzy and Jason, it was to capture intimate photos of just the two of them!

So once we got back to the lodge from the ceremony site (about a 25-minute drive), I snuck Lizzy and Jason away for a few minutes for some couple’s photos in the Redwoods! Their dreamy Big Sur wedding photos reflect their passion for each other, with a backdrop that highlights their love for nature!

portraits of bride and groom in redwoods after their big sur wedding
portraits of bride and groom in redwoods doing acro yoga poses during their big sur wedding reception
portraits of bride and groom in redwoods near big sur lodge
portraits of bride and groom in redwoods near big sur lodge
black and white photos of portraits of bride and groom in redwoods after their big sur wedding

Big Sur Wedding Reception at Big Sur Lodge

Big Sur Lodge is one of my favorite wedding venues for receptions in the area. The space can hold up to about 80 guests, but Lizzy and Jason had about 40-50 guests, and to me, that seemed like the sweet spot. Not too crowded, with plenty of space for dancing, and still very intimate!

Jason and Lizzy went the extra mile to make their special day even more meaningful – they included a land acknowledgment speech at their wedding reception in Big Sur! This was a meaningful part of honoring the traditional caretakers of the land who have such a rich history in this area. It’s just another way they made their wedding day meaningful for them.

bride and groom giving a land acknowledgement speech to guests at their big sur wedding reception

Remember how I said this couple practices acro yoga together? Apparently, that’s not all. They also had an awesome dance choreographed, and Lizzy did a backflip during their dance IN HER WEDDING DRESS!! It was a surprise to the guests, and wowed everyone!

Moments like these make me pinch myself that I get to be a Big Sur wedding photographer!

photos of bride and groom dancing at their big sur wedding reception
photos of bride and groom dancing at their big sur wedding reception
photos of bride and groom dancing at big sur lodge during their wedding reception

The fun and dancing didn’t stop with these two! The dances with their parents were equally as lively and fun! And props to the DJ (also part of their community of friends)…she was amazing!

photos of bride and her father dancing at her big sur wedding reception
photos of groom and his mom dancing at his big sur wedding reception
photos of guests dancing at a big sur wedding reception at big sur lodge
two photos of bride tossing her bouquet during her big sur wedding reception
photos of groom removing the brides garter at big sur wedding reception
photo of groom throwing the brides garter to his male friends at big sur wedding reception

It’s All In The Details and Vendors

Jason and Lizzy really embraced the details of who they are and what they love to make their wedding feel special and intimate. From the ceremony meditation, the planting of a Redwood tree, the sentimental brooch Lizzy attached to her bouquet from her grandmother, and so much more…this wedding is one that I still remember vividly.

The incredible vendors that contributed to this wedding played a key role in making this wedding one to remember. Let’s take a look at all the amazing people who made Jason and Lizzy’s Big Sur wedding so perfect!

three photos of wedding ceremony details at big sur lodge
three photos of wedding ceremony details at big sur lodge
close up photo of bride holding her wedding bouquet before her wedding in big sur
photo of bride's grandmothers brooch she placed in her wedding florals
two photos of table decor at wedding reception at big sur lodge

Another fun little surprise of their day was a gift from Lizzy to Jason! Prior to their wedding, Lizzy and I did a boudoir photoshoot together (you can see check it out here!) She put together an album of her photos and surprised Jason with it the morning of their wedding as a spicy little gift! Jason absolutely loved it! 

portraits of bride and groom in redwoods after their big sur wedding

I hope this has helped you feel inspired by all the ways you can make your wedding day special, intimate, and unique for you and your partner!

portraits of bride and groom in redwoods near big sur lodge

Ready to say ‘I Do!’ in a Big Sur Wedding?

If you’ve been dreaming of a dreamy coastal wedding, you can make it happen! Contact me today, and let’s see if I’m the right fit to be your Big Sur wedding photographer!

You can fill out my contact form here to get started!

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