Big Sur Weddings

Beautiful weddings in Big Sur California. Weddings feature Pfieffer Beach & locations around Big Sur.

Point 16 Big Sur Wedding

With the recent weddings of Natalie Portman & Anne Hathaway, the south coast of Big Sur is becoming all the rage. I was fortunate to shoot a wedding at the exact same place where both had their receptions, right in between the 2 superstars weddings!

Nevertheless, there is an equally majestic, awe inspiring venue halfway between Cambria & Big Sur proper, called simply “Point 16″. It’s rolling lawns & beautiful vistas lead to an unrivaled ceremony site on a “finger”, or small ridge, that extends out into the abyss. This perfectly-placed natural ceremony site features stunning views of the Big Sur coast that unfold for over a dozen miles.

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Ceremony site at Point 16, Big Sur.

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A beautiful bride in Big Sur.

I have to say that this couple is now very near & dear to our hearts. During the course of helping them work out the details of their big day, my wife & I found that we share a lot of similar hopes, desires & goals. My wonderful wife, Rhonda, did hair & makeup on the big day – awesome as always.

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River Inn Big Sur, gorgeous spot;)

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The guy in front on the ground gets the door prize. It’s funny, I can’t say that I’ve ever had a group that didn’t want to do a fun photo after the nice one. It’s always pretty hilarious;)

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Cheri Gladstone’s A Big Sur Affair Catering did an incredible job with locally-sourced, sustainable, uber fresh produce & entree’s. The meal was served family style with plated salads prior.

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Bread from “The Bakery”, insane as always;)

 

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A glorious sunset on a warm summer night, perfect!

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There’s a great fire-pit right in the middle of the lawn. Hosts light it up while furnishing blankets & chairs for all the guests. It’s like camping, the right way;)

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A starry night looking south toward Cape San Martin, past Pacific Valley, Kirk Creek & Plaskett Creek Campgrounds. There are virtually no city lights within 100 miles. Pretty awesome.

Photographer; Peer Johnson (contact me here)
Makeup & Hair; Rhonda Johnson (my wonderful wife)
Ceremony & Reception; Point 16 Big Sur (Cheri Gladstone with A Big Sur Affair Catering handles the property)
Cocktails & Dinner; A Big Sur Affair Catering
DJ – Entertainment; Chris Bailey from Bailey DJ’s (a true pro)
The Bride’s Dress; Martina Liana, Grooms suit; J.Crew
Floral Arrangements; Elisha Jaffee-Truitt
Accommodations; Big Sur River Inn

Ventana Inn Wedding, Big Sur

A few weeks ago, I was honored to shoot an intimate-classy destination wedding for a very special couple at the beautiful Ventana Inn & Spa in Big Sur California. Coincidentally Natalie Portman & Benjamin Millepied had their wedding reception at the very same spot only a week before – I found no black feathers anywhere. Update, Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman just had their reception at The Ventana Inn & Spa – guess the place is going to become pretty popular in the future;)

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A beautiful dress, beautiful light, a beautiful pose, a beautiful background & of course a beautiful bride.

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The happy couple, family & friends had traveled a long way and they weren’t disappointed. The ceremony was on a private-cute little terrace featuring forever views – drinks & dinner following. (There are 2 wedding sites at the Ventana Inn, this one took place at the smaller one.)

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A very special moment…

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Forever views abound as the ocean & mountains unfold down the coast.

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A Ventana Inn Wedding, always a great idea;)

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There are no “photo rules” among family & friends. But seriously, we always do a nice one before the “fun” one.

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A view of The Restaurant at Ventana, Big Sur.

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The Patio at The Restaurant at Ventana

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The patio overlooking the pacific features complete privacy, unobstructed views for miles & is positioned in a part of Big Sur that’s sheltered from the ocean wind. The food, service & Big-Sur-modern architecture are as good as it gets;)

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Ventana Inn Wedding

 

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One of the mom’s is in the wedding biz. Her styling was spot on! Gotta love it;)

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Hors Devours!

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The table arrangements & flowers were gorgeous. Service by the staff at The Restaurant at Ventana was top-notch.

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The endless views stunned the guests during cocktails. Occasionally we have high clouds above the marine layer far below. There is a point during sunset when the sun falls between the high clouds and the horizon. A beautiful beam of golden light cuts across the ocean, hitting the Santa Lucia Mountains for one last time. One of the guests remarked it’s called “Aspenglow”; also the title of a bad John Denver song.

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The image above & the next 3 are part of a 360 degree collage (Hockneyesque panorama) from the patio of The Restaurant at Ventana.

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Ventana Inn & Spa Panorama View 4 of 4

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From my website the Bride & Groom had learned that I am the proud owner of an incorrigible Australian Cattle Dog a.k.a a Blue Heeler. The couple & their families have had 8+ of these wonderful dogs over the years and missed theirs terribly. They begged me to bring mine on to the patio for a pic;) I asked the manager first of course.

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“Tubby the Heeler” mobs the Bridemaids! They loved it, apparently my pup looks just like theirs! No Bridesmaids were harmed during the taking of this photo, they might have gotten some crumbs on them though!

Photographer; Peer Johnson (contact me here)
Ceremony & Accommodations; Ventana Inn & Spa
Cocktails, Dinner & Reception; The Restaurant at Ventana