Golden Hour wedding photos at Garrapata State Park
If you’ve ever wondered what love looks like on the edge of the world, let me introduce you to Ada + Jack’s formal portrait session at Garrapata State Park. We spent three hours chasing light along the cliffs of the Soberanes Trailhead before making our way down to the beach, trading the salty wind for sand between our toes. The whole evening felt like a movie—sunlight breaking through fog, waves crashing on the rocks, and these two in the middle of it all. If you’re dreaming of Garrapata State Park wedding photos, this place is one of Big Sur’s best-kept secrets.
Ada and I actually go way back—we went to preschool together—so reconnecting for her portraits felt surreal in the best way. She and Jack are engineers who traded Seattle rain for Bay Area sun, building their life together one day at a time. They’re getting married in San Francisco this September, but wanted a set of portraits that felt elevated and timeless, captured in a place that’s both wild and cinematic.
Ada wore two different cream and white formal dresses, and Jack kept it classic in a suit—an understated but elegant look against the rugged coastline. We started at the cliffs, weaving carefully along dirt paths while making sure not to trample the wildflowers (protect the parks always). Later, they switched looks and we headed to the beach just as golden hour tipped into fog—the kind of Big Sur magic that happens when the coast decides to play both moody and romantic at once.
By the time the sun dipped low, we ended with some sleek shots alongside their Porsche—a perfect blend of editorial edge and timeless romance. The whole evening felt like a love letter to California’s wild coast: untamed, beautiful, and unforgettable.
If you’re planning a wedding or elopement in Big Sur and want portraits that feel cinematic but real, I’d love to help you plan your session. Whether it’s the cliffs of Garrapata, the quiet corners of Carmel Highlands, or anywhere along Highway 1, I’ll be there with my camera (and maybe a bottle of champagne).