A proposal in Big Sur and their love of the stunning California coastline was inspiration enough for Beth & Chris, when it came to planning their wedding. Once they secured their venue the rest fell into place. With the surrounding nature being so stunning it didn’t require a whole lot extra so they kept it simple and elegant. They enlisted local vendors to handle the details like flowers and catering and Danielle Poff was there to document all the simple, rustic beauty.
Tell us about your proposal: Chris proposed to me in February at Pfeiffer Beach in Big Sur while we were camping for the weekend . We had arrived on Friday evening and set up camp. Saturday morning we drove down Highway 1 to do some hiking and see some of the beautiful waterfalls in the area. On our way back to the camp site to cook dinner we took a detour down a narrow, 2-mile-long dirt road to hang out at Pfeiffer Beach before the sun went down. Pfeiffer Beach is secluded by cliffs on all sides and has beautiful tan and purple sand that comes from garnet rock. Chris had carried the ring around in his day pack all day! We were enjoying the ocean view when Chris popped the question. My first response was “you tricked me!” because I was so surprised! I of course said yes many many times after that!
Tell us about finding your wedding dress: I found my dress at a local boutique named Nouvelle Vogue near my apartment in San Mateo, California. I was looking for something slim and lace with some movement and lightness. I had only tried on a few other dresses at another store so I thought I was at the beginning of my search. However, the minute I tried on my Cymbeline gown at the salon I knew it was perfect! It was beautiful, elegant, and comfortable. The asymmetric layers of lace reminded me of the ocean and my wedding venue. My very talented mom made a beautiful belt to go along with my dress.
Any DIY/Budget elements? I created the invitations myself using materials from my favorite craft store Paper Source. I had a blast designing and making each piece! It allowed me to add a very personal touch and really set the tone for the wedding. I also made the name tags for the dinner table, the guest “book” and the program. My husband put together a DIY photobooth that was a huge hit!
Describe your wedding flowers: Kate Healey from Big Sur did our flowers. She uses all in-season flowers that she grows herself. I sent her a few pictures of my vision and she created some beautiful arrangements! We decided on a color scheme of coral, succulent green, deep purple, light pink, and cr me. My vibrant bouquet was stunning; I was able to put my great-grandmothers brooch on the ribbon around the flower stems as my “something old”.
Most memorable moment? The most memorable moment was sitting next to my new husband at the end of the evening around a giant fire pit on the property next to the Pacific Ocean. We were surrounded by our favorite people listening to the waves and the crackling fire. Everyone was laughing and smiling. It was the perfect start to our married life.
Photographer | Danielle Poff, Florist | Kate Healey Flowers, Venue | Wind & Sea Estate; Big Sur, Dress Designer | Cymbeline
Hair & Make-up | Rhonda Johnson, Bridesmaids Dresses | J. Crew, Caterer | A Big Sur Affair
