Elopement at Malibu Solstice Vineyards

This was my last shoot of the year and it was perfect! Something I got booked for extremely last minute because Chaunice and Mike’s plans changed so much (thanks Covid, more on this below!) - but it felt so meant to me that I got to be a part of it and capture this. I love these images so much!

Q: What did you love about your wedding location?
A: We had both mountains and ocean views. For me, that's a perfect combination. Our original venue was back home, but we have made our life in California. I couldn't imagine anything more California than our Malibu location. Everything about it was picture perfect.

Q: Tell me a bit about planning a wedding during a pandemic. How did it affect your plans, how did it change your plans, etc etc etc. Anything you want to share about this journey from your original plan to what your day was!
A: Ah! I don't wish wedding planning during a pandemic on my worst enemy. I will not sugar coat it. It was not fun.
Our original plan was a 300+ barn wedding in June 2020. I had the works, big barn, farm tables, florals galore, horse-drawn carriage—all of the things. We first decided to postpone, but we quickly realized that wasn't going to work. With no end to the pandemic insight, we decided instead to scale back. So in September, we decided to do a 25 person small intimate ceremony with our immediate family and wedding party. Everything was coming together quickly (we hired a wedding planner this time around), but then the "Stay At Home" order came. When we started planning the second ceremony, one of our agreed-upon conditions was if the pandemic got crazy, we would cancel without hesitation to ensure our friends and family's health. So with further broken hearts, we pivoted to an elopement 2.5 weeks before the date.
A BLESSING IN DISGUISE. Despite all the craziness, I was totally at ease on our wedding day. It was just the two of us doing what we wanted how we wanted to do it. I had a few sad moments of missing my family on such an important day, but there was still something indescribably special about just having the two of us. Plus now I can throw a big reception and focus on enjoying the celebration.

Q: What advice would you give to future couples who are getting married? During a pandemic or in general?
A: Best advice on wedding planning, in general, but definitely during a pandemic: Ignore wedding advice.
We received so many opinions, some we asked for, most we didn't. "Do this," "Don't do that," "At my wedding this," "You'll regret doing that" This isn't to say I didn't value input on other people's experiences. At the end of the day, everyone has their own agenda or point of view. Did I want my sister t help if my wedding dress was the most radiant? Of course,! Did I want extended family members telling me that I needed to have 5 tier wedding cake? No.

Q: How did you two stay positive / keep whats important in mind through all the planning craziness of 2020?
Perspective was key in staying positive. We realized we were in such a fortunate situation to be planning a celebration during a global pandemic, never mind all the other events surrounding 2020. We decided to look at this as the beginning of our story. We have a lifetime together to celebrate, grow, and make memories.

Q: Is there anything else you'd like people to know about your experience?!
A: It was worth it!