Adventure Elopement in Big Bear, California — Summit and Sur Photography

Adventure Elopement in Southern California | Summit and Sur Photography

Big Bear, California + Jeep Adventure Elopement

You know that saying, "everything happens for a reason"? There are a lot of times that I genuinely hate hearing it. But in other circumstances, Christian and Christina's day included, I am grateful for it. Their elopement planning started mid-winter with a plan for them to elope in early spring. They knew they wanted a Big Bear elopement where they could drive their Jeep around, as this was a special place since it was where Christian asked Christina to marry him! We started planning only to find out that many of the areas we were considering would be closed for the winter and wouldn't be accessible because of snow. We shifted and looked at doing more hiking instead but were halted when they decided to move their date to the summer due to some personal circumstances. This turned out to be a really cool change since they decided their elopement date would be July 11...aka...7/11!!! We worked on planning for the summer and were once again hit with more roadblocks in the weeks leading up to their big day. These two took everything in stride and pivoted once again and this time, it stuck.

Their relaxed elopement afternoon started with meeting me for a drive up to a gorgeous meadow tucked in the forest that they explored as the sun was still high. This was also a great time to let their pup, Finn, explore and get some zoomies out! After exploring, they hopped back in their Jeep and made their way up towards their ceremony location, taking a couple pit stops along the way for photos at some beautiful locations.

Once we arrived at the trail for their ceremony, we started to hike down and Christian realized he had left Finn's tuxedo in the car. While we waited for him to return, we came across two climbers and asked if they would be witnesses to Christina and Christian's ceremony (I legally officiated so we needed at least one person). Both were stoked to play a small part of their day and hung around as Christian made his way back and we hiked down the trail.

After arriving at their ceremony location, they got Finn dressed up and ready to start their vows. It was a gorgeous, intimate exchange and we all cheered after they had their first kiss. We stood and took in the high elevation view of the lake from where we were, taking some photos, and then eventually made our way back to the cars for our final stop.

We drove along for a bit, racing against the setting sun, before arriving at the location for their picnic. They toasted with custom Jones Sodas (their last names!!!!) and a tiny bit of champagne before digging into their AMAZING strawberry pie. Once the sun set, we spent a few minutes shooting in front of their Jeep to get some awesome twilight shots. After that, we drove down the mountain to get one last shot: in front of 7/11!!!

It was an incredible afternoon that was truly representative of them as a couple and one that truly makes me so happy I get to do this.

Brides make-up: Yolanda Herrera

Brides hair: Jamie Brack

Pie: With Love, From Scratch

Florals: The Little Green House Florist

Bride's Jacket: Dearly Threaded on Etsy

Custom Sodas: MyJones Custom Jones Sodas