A Foggy + Intimate Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

Shaina + John met in high school on the island of O’ahu in Hawaii. Only friends at the time, sparks flew 7 years later when they reconnected  in California! They decided to elope one foggy day in Big Sur, bringing along two main essentials: a puppy and a photographer!

Jacki Potorke was up for the adventure, ready to tell Shaina + John’s story with an keen eye for detail and capturing the raw emotion of the day. And while most brides tend to pray for sun, we’re totally digging the moody, romantic vibe. Call it the magic of Big Sur, but we’d argue these two love birds have something to do with it!

Let’s have a look!

Big Sur Elopement

couple with pup

Big Sur Elopement

So sweet!

Zenith Cream Lace Maxi Dress

Shaina wore the Zenith Cream Lace Maxi Dress from Lulus–a steal of a stunner for under $100!

bright bouquet

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

leather jacket bride

Big Sur Elopement

S+J’s elopement was simple and stress-free. They set out together to find the perfect cliff view to state their vows.

Big Sur Elopement

bright bouquet

Paeonina Floral Designs created Shaina’s peach-pink bouquet, hairpiece, and even a little something for the pup!

Zenith Cream Lace Maxi Dress

bride and groom with pup

pup flower wreath

CUTE.

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

Just dreamy, right??

Big Sur Elopement

pink bouquet

When the day was finished, Shaina gathered and pressed flowers from each of the arrangements to make a framed collage keepsake. Love that idea!

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

Such a beauty! We love the romance of the pinned flowers and Shaina’s sultry cat eye by Rhonda Johnson.

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

We have two favorite memories. First, at the beginning of our shoot, our photographer brought an old-school Polaroid and took a photo for a keepsake. We knew then how GREAT our photos were going to turn out! It was the first photo we took as a married couple and since it was a Polaroid, we only had one shot! Knowing it's the only photo in that style makes it a lot more special and unique.

Our second-favorite memory was exchanging our vows by the cliff side. Sharing that moment and hearing how much we mean to each other brought everything together and made this simple, low-key event, that much grander!

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

Big Sur Elopement

vow books

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Try to keep everything simple! Enjoy the process of planning and try not to get stressed out. It's going to be one of the best days of your life so take the time to relax and enjoy it all!

Big Sur Elopement

Epic, romantic, and truly memorable. Many congrats to Shaina + John!

photography: Jacki Potorke // florals: Paeonina Floral Designs // wedding dress: Zenith Cream Lace Maxi Dress // hairpiece: Paeonina Floral Design // bride's shoes: Sam Edelman - Circus // bride's ring: Custom made by South Coast Jeweler // hair stylist: Rhonda Johnson // makeup artist: Rhonda Johnson // groom attire: By Design Custom Tailor

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