Prior to their European-influenced wedding day, I met these two lovely souls last year (2021).

They had booked me for not only their engagement photos, but their elopement ceremony, and full wedding celebration. We are talkin’ the full shebang.

They were some of the first clients I ever had that truly made me and my art feel so embraced.

Elana started sharing some photo inspo with me that made me SO excited to work with them. Their style and vision perfectly aligned with mine. I just knew this was a match made in heaven!! 

LEADING UP TO ELANA + TAYLOR’S ROMANTIC EUROPEAN-INFLUENCED WEDDING DAY

THEIR BEACH ENGAGEMENT SESSION

Let’s rewind the engagement session, shall we?

We were finally able to meet in person, and I felt like I had just met up with long-time friends.

They ran around the beach, snuggled up on the sand and their love for one another shone just about as bright as the sun that was setting. We were even accompanied by their sweet dog Cooper. He trailed along as mom and dad had their photos taken.

I could not have imagined a better start to their journey to becoming one!!

THEIR SAN FRANCISCO CITY HALL ELOPEMENT

I don’t think I slept the entire week before Elana and Taylor’s elopement. I WAS SO EXCITED.

Elana had shared some elopement inspo (you can never have too much inspo!!) and let me tell you – the vibe was IT.

She was going for a sleek bridal look that included a stunning suit from BHLDN. It was the perfect mix of sleek, chic, and modern. However, at the same time, it maintained a beautiful and elegant quality.

Taylor was as handsome as can be in his luxurious black suit. They literally could not have been more classy. Honestly, I was here for it!

Their day was filled with love and support with their immediate family by their side as they officially became one at City Hall. It was really the perfect day! After their sweet ceremony, we wandered around and took some stunning photos!!! This elopement made a huge impact on my career as it was my first session at City Hall.

Because of their elopement, I have had the privilege of shooting there many times since then. 

To say their day was absolutely perfect is a total understatement. It made me realize how lucky I was to be a part of such an intimate gathering. Not only did it make a lasting impact on my career and who I am as a person/creative… It truly helped me define what I love about photographing weddings so much.

THE FINAL GATHERING: Their European-influenced Wedding Day

I know that Elana and Taylor’s European-Influenced wedding day was going to be our last gathering. Honestly, I genuinely had to emotionally prepare myself for their final wedding.

We had truly come full circle from the time we met to their big wedding day. Even though Elana and Taylor were legally married, it did not affect all the anticipation and butterflies you get on a wedding day!

I really don’t know where to begin with their wedding! It was an absolute fairytale.

So, I guess I will just start by setting the scene…

Imagine a stunning European-inspired building. It was filled with cobblestone details and endless green vines covering the exterior. There were arches along the covered walkways, surrounded by vibrant green grass and fresh flowers growing.

Elana and Taylor elevated this stunning venue with luxurious black and white details.

It was some of the most tasteful decor that I had ever seen. There was nothing too over the top. It was honestly just so classy and intentional.

TIMELESS CEREMONY FILLED WITH ENDLESS MEMORIES

It was a hot July weekend and in preparation for a toasty ceremony, Elana and Taylor provided their guests with white paper parasol umbrellas. It was the cutest look for the ceremony and the perfect way to try and stay cool!

The ceremony was a stunning one. Elana and Taylor said their “I dos” a second time, and it was just as special as the first.

I absolutely loved watching Elana walk down the aisle independently in her stunning Monique Lhuillier Bride Gown. No one could take an eye off of her, especially Taylor 😉 

Their ceremony concluded with endless smiles, tears, and hugs! You could feel the abundance of love from all their friends and family!

Elana and Taylor kicked off the cocktail hour the best way ever – a champagne tower!

If there is one trend I don’t want to ever stop, it’s a good ol’ champagne tower! I think they are so fun while being so classy!!

The rest of their romantic European-influenced wedding day was a continuation of an amazing celebration!

Cocktails, amazing food, dancing, cigars, and a cozy fire pit outside.

I could not imagine a more perfect day for Elana and Taylor. It was bittersweet having to pack up and go knowing it was the last celebration together but I knew deep down inside this would only be the beginning of our friendship

Cheers to beautiful love, cheers to clients turned forever friends, and cheers to Elana and Taylor’s love story!!!

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