The wedding vision? An elopement set high upon a cliff with the ocean waves crashing below. And if that alone isn’t enough to hook you, the photos from Michele Beckwith certainly will. With Bella Notte Events by their side, Amanda and Chad planned a destination elopement on the California coast and brought in vendors like Skyla Arts Makeup & Hair to make sure their special day went off without a hitch. Spoiler alert: it totally did.
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From Michele Beckwith Photography… During out first phone call, the bride Amanda described her vision of getting married on a cliff above the ocean. I couldn’t have been more excited and want to capture their intimate wedding!
The couple was coming in from Texas just for their elopement and I knew I wanted to help them make sure it was something really special by being their eyes. Despite being 35 weeks pregnant at the time I was determine to find an epic location and spent an afternoon searching for the perfect spot. Luckily my assistant and I stumbled upon this rocky location that had sweeping ocean views. We took loads of videos and send them to the bride. They arrived into town a few days later and visited the location. They loved it and instantly knew it was the exact place they had envisioned saying their vows!
Even though Amanda wasn’t having a large wedding with all her friends and family, she took meticulous care in choosing her details. Together with her planner, they made sure everything was arranged beforehand so the day went smoothly. Amanda also took great care in choosing her details that she brought with her. From her BHLDN dress, to their handwritten vows, the family heirlooms she wore, to the Tag Heuer watch she gifted Chad after slipping into her gown.
We knew the location on the cliff would be windy, so Amanda chose to do a classic updo to make sure she could keep here eyes clearly focused on Chad’s. The floral designer incorporated pampas grass into the ceremony circle to mimic the movement of the waves down below. Amanda even called up Ginny Au from Frou Frou Chic about sending her the most perfect shade of blush silk ribbon that would blow in the wind on her bouquet.
Since this was a destination wedding for the couple, their family was not able to attend. As a surprise, Amanda’s family had Thomas Hughes video fly a drone over the scene. The couple’s faces when they found out that their family had made the secret arrangement was priceless! Now they have a lovely short film that really captures the awesomeness of the cliffside location.
After the couple said their vows and watched the sunset during the portrait time, they hoped into a hired car and had an intimate dinner for two in San Francisco.
Photography: Michele Beckwith Photography | Videography: Thomas Hughes Films | Event Planning: Bella Notte Events | Floral Design: Angella Floral Arts | Dress: BHLDN | Hair and Makeup: Skyla Arts Makeup & Hair | Officiant : Minister Maggie | Silk Ribbon: Frou Frou Chic
