Tessa + Cyn’s Point Reyes Elopement
Gorgeous LGBTQ+ Elopement just outside of San Francisco
Point Reyes, CA | Summit and Sur Photography
Shooting an elopement at Point Reyes National Seashore had been on my photographer wish list ever since I visited this Northern California hidden gem the year prior. I was so incredibly excited when I met Cyn and Tessa because they were totally game for this absolutely breathtaking spot just over an hour north of San Francisco. It’s the kind of elopement spot where you have to be okay with a little bit of hiking and having the wind blow through your hair… but the trade-off is having this gorgeous, coastal landscape almost to yourself!
Tessa and Cyn had gotten married at the courthouse during the pandemic but wanted to celebrate by themselves in a gorgeous location before their big, blow-out wedding in Mexico later that year. As San Francisco locals, Point Reyes was a great spot for a short but sweet afternoon dedicated to just the two of them before heading back home that evening. And something that made it extra special? Cyn’s family owns an Airbnb in Guernville, California which is where these two decided to spend the weekend and get ready for their special day before driving to Point Reyes. It was the perfect location for them in so many ways and incredibly magical to watch it all come together.
When I arrived at their Airbnb, Cyn and Tessa were relaxing in the den, gearing up to write their vows for that afternoon. I love getting to capture this moment for couples because often, it’s one of the most relaxing parts of their day. It is an opportunity to set the stage for how they want everything else that day to feel and this was no exception. While writing, they laughed and talked about what they were looking forward to that afternoon and letting that excitement build. Once they were finished, they took a few minutes to cuddle up in one of their favorite parts of the house: a little corner nook fitted with a cozy seat and flooded with gorgeous sunlight. They told me they often enjoy their mornings here together so it made absolute sense to capture some photos in this special spot before moving on to start getting ready.
Eventually, Tessa and Cyn made their way to their room to start getting ready while I took some detail shots of their florals, vow books, and rings. Their gorgeous florals really added a pop of color to this spring elopement amidst their neutral outfits and the stunning green landscape of Point Reyes. Once they were both mostly dressed, I popped in to the bedroom to get some shots of their final moments of getting ready and caught some sweet moments before we started our drive down to Point Reyes.
Our first stop at Point Reyes National Seashore was the visit the Cypress Tunnel where Tessa helped Cyn put on her boutineer, since they had forgotten to do it back at the house. This is always a fun moment to capture because boutineers are such a gorgeous and timeless accessory for anyone wearing a suit but they are such a pain to put on the jacket! If I had a dollar for every time a couple had to re-do this process multiple times before getting it right, I would…have a lot of dollars. Anyway, it’s inevitably a fun set of photos with lots of laughter in between starting this process and finally getting it right.
After the classic boutineer ordeal, we spent some time taking photos in the Cypress Tunnel, taking in the magic of this unique spot on the coast. Before long, we were back in our cars and headed to their vow exchange location. Driving through Point Reyes is so spectacular from one spot to the next, it honestly feels like no time has passed. From cows on the road to elk in the meadows and rugged coastline everywhere around you, it’s hard to not feel entranced by this location and it’s a small wonder it hasn’t become more popular as an elopement destination (which I am grateful for, in a way).
After arriving at the trailhead for our main stop, we started the ascent up to the cliff where Cyn and Tessa had decided to exchange vows. The walk up was nothing short of spectacular and we truly couldn’t have asked for better weather for that afternoon. As we reached the top of the hill, we all were in awe as we looked out to the Pacific Ocean on one side and Drake’s Bay on the other. The two brides took some time to take it all in and then found the perfect spot to exchange their beautifully written vows to each other. They celebrated saying “I do” once again by exploring the area for some photos, admiring the wildlife (there’s quite a bit to see at Point Reyes), and even practiced the dance they were working on for their big wedding in Mexico that fall.
Elopements like Cyn and Tessa’s are hard not to feel all warm inside about because they are just so intimate, sweet, and personal. Every couple has their own plan for what their big day will look like: for some it’s a big blow out and for others it’s a small ceremony surrounded by just a few family members and friends. These are all great options (and hey, you can be like these two and have literally all three of those options) but there is something so incredibly special about sharing this moment with just you and your partner. It’s a big reason I advocate for my couples who are bringing guests to allow a couple hours for just the two of them to explore, relax, or do whatever fills their soul.
So whether your elopement looks like Cyn and Tessa’s or you have your nearest and dearest in tow, make sure you leave time in your day to just be and enjoy the fact that this is your wedding day—-a day you will want to remember as having spent lots of special moments with your partner in a place that makes you happy!
Vendors
Suit: Bespoke
Dress: Zara
Florals: Full Bloom Flower Farm
Airbnb: Juniper Haus
Vow books: TheCozyComfyHome on Etsy
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