Some weddings are all about the big production—the long guest list, the fancy venue, the perfectly coordinated details. But then there are the ones that strip it all back to what really matters: two people, their love, and the ones closest to them. That’s exactly what my brother-in-law, Jamison, and his wife, Erin, elopement felt like—simple, stress-free, and filled with the best kind of moments.

They chose Badlands Park in Dana Point for their ceremony spot, which, if you haven’t been, is one of those hidden gems that makes you wonder how Southern California keeps surprising you. The cliffs drop off into the ocean and you can see all the way down the coast. It was just the two of them, their dog Brew, their officiant and a few happy tears. No fuss, no stress—just a quiet promise between them as the waves crashed in the distance.

After they made it official, we drove down to the beach for some portraits. It was a beautiful spring afternoon day in May and our focus for these photos was just to capture them at their favorite place with their favorite fur baby Brew. 

But the best part? The celebration that followed at Laguna Beach Brewery. They didn’t need a ballroom or a fancy dinner to mark the occasion—just some good beer, their favorite people, and a tiny cake-cutting moment that felt just right. Family and close friends toasted to their new chapter, clinking glasses in a way that felt more like a casual hangout than a wedding reception—exactly how they wanted it.

Photographing their day was special for so many reasons—getting to witness two people choosing their own path, making their wedding day about what truly mattered to them, and, of course, capturing every little moment along the way. It was a reminder that elopements don’t have to be about running off to a faraway destination (though that’s always fun, too). Sometimes, they can be as simple as finding a beautiful place, bringing your dog, and celebrating in a way that feels 100% you.

If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels more like an adventure than an event, take this as your sign—you can keep it small, make it meaningful, and still have the best day ever.