Ready for some romance? Nothing quite as romantic as a Santa Cruz elopement! 2 weeks ago Sherriee and Sammy were planning a getaway trip to Santa Cruz for his birthday when Sammy announced that for his birthday he also wanted to marry Sherriee! Now there was much more to plan for than just packing up some flip flops and sunscreen! They went into overdrive buying a ring, a dress, and sorting out logistical things such as someone to marry them and someone to photograph it! And then to figure out where!
Sherriee knew she wanted to get married near a lighthouse as lighthouses are something very dear to her heart as they remind her of her grandmother. They chose the Surf Museum Lighthouse at Steamer Lane in Santa Cruz! Sherriee had told me over the phone that it would just be her and Sammy at the wedding. Sherriee has an 18 year old daughter but she was busy at school with finals. We had found our location for the ceremony on the beach when all of a sudden Sherriee said’ “Is that?!?!….OMG!!!!!”
Sherriee’s daughter and her best friend were walking towards Sherriee on the beach! Sherriee’s best friend pulled her daughter out of school and they followed them to the location of the wedding! SURPRISE! And what a beautiful one it was too! The minutes that followed were a combination of hugs, laughter and tears! (the good kind)
Whew! NOW it was time to start the wedding!
The setting was just perfect, the air was warm, the breeze was gentle and these animal lovers didn’t mind at all the dogs running on the beach, the birds swooping through the air, the barking of the seals and later you will see, dolphins swimming by in the ocean!
Sherriee looks over to her daughter with so much love in her heart!
Hands waiting for rings, so sweet!
So grateful that Greg joined me for this wedding, who else would have quickly climbed up the cliffs and photographed the ceremony from afar! Thank you Greg for capturing this unique angle of the wedding ceremony!
Sherriee and Sammy exchanged vows that they wrote themselves. They were tender, funny and extremly touching, a perfect touch to this intimate ceremony.
The rings were exchanged and then after the official announcement KISS THE BRIDE!!!
And then hug the bride! These two are huggers- nothing better!!!
We took some time to take some family and some traditional bride and groom photographs! I think they are important for the family history books! I like a balance between old school and new school when it comes to wedding day portraits!
The dolphins came to say congratulations!
Sherriee made her beautiful bouquet!
It was now time to take the newlyweds away for a little bit to photograph their love and laughter, always such a fun part of a getting married! They were troopers about the water, California waters are not exactly warm but the temps were in the 90s that day and after the initial shock of the water it was actually quite refreshing! Ha, says the one who was not standing in it!
Between rounds of hysterical laughter there were these beautiful quite moments of connection.
Neil Diamond’s “Love on the Rocks” was playing throughout my head and I even had a few out loud moments where I serenaded the newlyweds. I’m sure that was a highlight of their day 😉
So cute!
Compliments of Sherriee’s daughter and a few doggy foot prints! Congratulations Sherriee and Sammy! Keep laughing, loving and hugging- you two are awesome at it!
Off in the distanced there was the Santa Cruz boardwalk- where these two were headed next- remember it was Sammy’s birthday too- it was time for a double celebration! Happy Birthday Sammy!
I would also like to mention Rev. Janet King who did such a wonderful job with the cermony!
Susie,
The simplicity of these photos is beyond beautiful. The love really shines thru all the soothing pastel colors.
xo Donna
Simple weddings are the best! I love the extended portrait session on the beach. The one with him poking her on the nose is completely adorable!!!! Congrats Sherriee and Sammy!
What a beautiful elopement! Such sweetness that her daughter surprised them at the beach, such wonderful memories having that moment captured! And Greg is totally awesome with that shot, great
different perspective.
Such great, meaningful snippets of the day. I love the closeup photo of their arms folded – you have a great eye for these unique perspectives!
I love elopements! You captured their raw emotion so perfect. 🙂
So sweet and beautiful! You captured the ceremony beautifully and I love all the portraits.
I love how light and airy the photos feel – such a beautiful day.
Sherrie and Sammy are so in love and look so happy.
What amazing memories you captured!