Jeanette & Garrett's Prairie Creek Redwood State Park Elopement
When J & G first reached out to me, I was so excited because I had photographed J’s sister’s family photos in Yosemite the year before. J had been following my work for the past three years, and after showing G my past elopements, they couldn’t see them getting married any other way. They knew they wanted to be surrounded by enormous trees, so I recommended a Prairie Creek Redwood State Park elopement in Redwoods National Park, known for it’s grand and magical locations- the perfect redwood forest elopement location!
After chatting, they fell in love with an Airbnb property in McKinleyville, and the decision was made! Redwood National park consists of three state parks (Jedediah Smith, Del Norte, and Prairie Creek), each with its own unique character. McKinleyville is just a 40-minute drive from Prairie Creek State Park, making it the perfect location for their elopement.
They got ready in their beautiful Airbnb property and had their first look in the backyard redwood forest. It was a beautiful and emotional experience, reflecting on how far they’ve come.
Amazing Vendors:
Photographer: Julia Mina Photography
Florist: Buttermilk Floral
An Intimate Prairie Creek Redwood State Park Elopement Ceremony
After getting ready and sharing a first look, we all headed out to Prairie Creek Redwood State Park for their redwood forest elopement ceremony, and we were amazed to see the sun still shining! The forecast for their elopement day had indicating a week prior that it was going to rain during their ceremony. We held meetings to discuss a plan B. However, J & G decided to stick with our original day, so we adjusted our timeline to start earlier, trusting our faith that it would all work out.
On their elopement day, not only was the rain forecast pushed back to after their ceremony time, but we were also greeted with a beautiful sunny morning. J & G truly wanted to be immersed in nature for their ceremony, and we couldn’t have asked for better lighting!
J & G's Prairie Creek Redwood State Park & Trinidad State Beach Elopement Portraits
After a heartfelt redwood forest elopement ceremony with their closest family and friends, we headed out to take their newlywed photos. We were amazed to still had sunlight filtering through the redwood trees! We then made our way to Trinidad State Beach, which was on the route back to McKinleyville. The weather drastically changed to misty and sprinkling, but J & G decided they wanted a few last photos on the beach!
Since there was a forecast for rain, I brought clear umbrellas and they turned out so cute in their portraits! They ran around and let their inner child come out! Even though it was overcast and raining, I loved that they got to enjoy the beautiful coast and we were the only ones there!!
An Intimate California Airbnb Elopement Reception
After their Prairie Creek Redwood State Park elopement portraits and running around on Trinidad State Beach, we returned to the Airbnb to find a beautiful candlelit reception, lovingly decorated by their amazing friends.
One of their friend, a wedding coordinator, helped transport all the decor from San Diego just for their elopement day. The dinner was absolutely amazing, and they ended the night with a first dance, cake cutting, and cherished moments with their closest friends and family! <3
Planning Your Own Prairie Creek Redwood State Park Elopement?
If you’re planning your very own Prairie Creek Redwood State Park Elopement and looking for a California elopement photographer to capture your special day, then I would love to hear from you. You can’t go wrong in choosing the California redwoods as your elopement location. Make sure to check out my ‘Complete Redwood Elopement Guide‘ on the blog to see ALL the information you’ll need to plan your California redwood elopement!
In the meantime, you can learn more about me here. If I sound like the perfect intimate California wedding photographer or California elopement photographer for you, then inquire with me below (or to the right if you’re on desktop!)
