It’s not hard to see why California is such a popular destination for eloping couples. The rugged coastlines paired with the most beautiful sunsets make for a combination that is hard to pass up. I travelled up the West coast in 2018, photographing elopements, creating some portfolio work on the way, and visiting a conference for elopement photographers. While scouting the coast for the best locations, I got to photograph Alden and Alex during a coastal couples session in Encinitas.

WEST COAST ROAD TRIP

It was perfect. When we organised the shoot, I had no idea that these two were going to show up in the most perfect white, vintage Ford-van. They parked the van on the side of the road, from where we hiked down the little pathway down the cliffside. I loved photographing these two, while having the Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. So playful, not taking life too seriously, and genuinely mad about each other. We talked all about how they were renovating their home, which they had fondly called: ‘The Avocado House’.

CASUAL COUPLES SESSION BEFORE YOUR ELOPEMENT

A casual photoshoot like this one, is the perfect example of a so called ‘add-on’ to your elopement coverage. When done before the elopement, it provides a nice way to experience what it is like having me photograph you. Most of my couples have never really been photographed before, so doing an extra session like this truly helps with easing into everything. Including a prop, something to incorporate into your session, like the van in this example, also gives a nice casual twist to things.

POST-ELOPEMENT COVERAGE

Adding on an extra session on the day(s) after your elopement is also a great way to make the adventure last longer. More time together, gives us the opportunity to explore more places, and make the most of beautiful light. Most couples who elope with me, travel in from overseas. They don’t really have photographs of them as a couple together in a casual setting so adding on an extra morning, afternoon or even day, is a great way to get those photos too.

I hope this coastal couples session in Encinitas will inspire you, to show you what we can create together.

IF YOU’D LIKE TO SEE MORE EXAMPLES OF CASUAL SESSIONS, HAVE A LOOK AT THESE PAGES:

Adventurous road trip in Cappadocia, Turkey 

Motorbike adventure in Cape Town, South Africa

Waterfall session in Georgia, USA

Beach session, California Coast, USA

ARE YOU LOOKING AT PLANNING YOUR ELOPEMENT? NEED SOME ADVICE, NOT JUST A PHOTOGRAPHER?