Natalie and Ryan, AKA, the sweetest couple in the world. There is so much I want to say about them and this day, and yet I don’t think I’ll be able to find the best words to embody the experience this sweet and intimate backyard wedding was. 

These two definitely had the run-around, having to plan their wedding three separate times because of Covid and then because of the wildfires that ripped through Southern California. Nevertheless, they persevered, and come hell or high water they were going to get married. Thank you, JESUS, for the end result. 

This elopement/microwedding was just insanely sweet and sentimental for everyone involved. Originally, they had planned a big wedding in Palomar Mountain, which got canceled because of the pandemic. So, like most 2020 couples, they came up with an alternate game plan which was to do a small elopement in Big Bear, CA with both of their immediate families. Insanely enough, just hours before they were to leave for Big Bear for their wedding weekend, they got a call from the Airbnb host that the area was getting evacuated because of the El Dorado wildfires. So in less than 48 hours they pulled together plan C and with the help of family, their best friends, and some seriously rock star florists, they made it happen and still got married.

They ended up having their intimate ceremony in the groom's long-time family home’s backyard in Point Loma, California. Every single second of this day was emotional and quite possibly even more beautiful than the other two weddings they planned would have been. The bride got ready in a nearby boutique hotel, The Pearl, where her sister-in-law did hair and helped her get ready. The groom got ready at his mom's house. Something about their ceremony being in a backyard made you feel so connected to the family and the groom's father, who had passed away years ago. Between almost every single family member wiping tears from their eyes, to the flawlessly beautiful experience it was, it just felt so perfect. 

The bride's father officiated, and the only people there in attendance were both immediate families. We ventured over to Sunset Cliffs in an old mustang to catch the last light of the day for some golden hour bride and groom portraits. The super smokey skies from all the wildfires created this moody and hauntingly beautiful atmosphere. As the couple and all their guests ate food from a local favorite restaurant, they watched videos of loved ones who couldn't be there and danced under the globe-lit sky to none other than “Lady May” by Tyler Childers. 

I cried. Then I cried some more. This day was just easy, mellow, and so brilliantly and authentically beautiful. The truest representation of Ryan and Natalie. 

To say I’m honored to have been a part of this from the very beginning, saw it all the way through, and delivered a gallery like this is the understatement of the century. There are no words. I’m grateful to know you, to witness your love, and to be able to share this story. 

Venue: Private residence

Florist: The Love Sparrows

Bridal Head Piece: The Love Sparrows

Hair: Jackie Bardelli

Videography: Ben Nease

Makeup: the bride

Dress: Vivienne Atelier

Cake: European Cake gallery

Favors: Bardelli Boards

Groom Suit: Friar Tux

Check out this wedding published on Storyboard Weddings!