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big sur destination wedding true to life wedding

Paul and Lindsey – Spring Wedding at the Big Sur River Inn, California

vast ocean scene with couple looking out over pacific ocean bluff off highway 1 in big sur california - fuji 400h medium format film look wedding photography

A dream of mine has been fulfilled. We photographed a wedding in Big Sur, California…and it was the most chill wedding ever. I’ll let you decide which one was the dream.

OK. It was both. The whole thing was a dream. A chill dream. The kind you wake up from, smiling. Plus we got to camp up in the coastal mountains the night before. Win win win win win. Until the night after. We slept in the jetta at a rest area across the Golden Gate Bridge. Terrible terrible sleep.

I digress. Throughout Paul and Lindsey’s day, Lindsey’s carefully crafted schedule allowed for several hour-long stretches of chill time. Seriously folks…put simply: this is how it’s done. Nothing was rushed. Nothing was missed. Paul and Lindsey were married. Portraits were captured (on film!). Vinyl was played. People danced. Dinner was served. Toasts were made.

By the end of the night we almost felt like we were a part of the family. That’s the kind of people the Koro and Miles families are…I hope you enjoy one of my favorite weddings of all time.

view of coastal mountains and redwood trees from the window of big sur bakery during a springtime california wedding - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors
father of bride looks over ceremony location from balcony at big sur river inn - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors
bride getting hair done looking through door into room at big sur river inn  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
bride looks into mirror at big sur river inn documentary style moment before wedding
relaxed groom reading a book Great Plains in his room at big sur river inn - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors
father helps groom with tie - unstaged documentary wedding photography moment
groom and groomsmen look towards big sur river from balcony deck of big sur river inn - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
birds eye view of children practicing walking into wedding ceremony - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors
brides sister bringing dress for bride to put on at big sur river inn wedding - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors
documentary style wedding photography with acros black and white film look - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors
bride and sisters laughing in robes at big sur river inn - documentary photography natural authentic unstaged wedding moment
bride portrait with eyes closed next to big sur river - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors
documentary style wedding photography in black and white acros film look - bride runs behind cars to hide before groom exits his room at Big Sur River Inn Motel - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors
groom getting his jacket fixed as he descends staircase next to the big sur bakery - - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors
groomsmen group portrait next to big sur river - - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors
bride descending staircase at big sur bakery - - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors
bride and groom posed kiss next to the big sur river - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors
bride and groom posed kiss next to the big sur river - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california
bride and groom running along the big sur river before their wedding - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - true to life colors in wedding photos
wedding day closeup of groom's "love" tattoo as he holds hands with bride - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california
panorama of pacific ocean at big sur - fuji acros black and white film simulation
black and white film photo of wedding couple looking out over pacific ocean in big sur - big sur wedding photographer - california film wedding photographer
this one is special – shot with the Mamiya 645 on Kodak Tri-X, self developed in our bathroom darkroom
vast ocean scene with couple looking out over pacific ocean bluff off highway 1 in big sur california - fuji 400h medium format film look wedding photography
documentary unstaged moment at big sur river inn  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
guitarist poses for camera at big sur river inn wedding - fuji acros film simulation for documentary look
florals at big sur river inn wedding details
groomsman carries plant on lawn at big sur river inn
birds eye view of ceremony next to big sur river - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
bride enters wedding ceremony with her parents - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji acros black and white film look - documentary photography style
groom smiling big watching bride enter at springtime california wedding ceremony next to the big sur river - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
bride enters wedding ceremony with her parents  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
bride and groom standing next to cottonwood trees during their wedding ceremony in big sur california  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - shot on fuji 400h medium format film
family members laugh during wedding ceremony  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
groom smiles as he listens to his bride read the vows  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
closeup of bride putting ring on groom  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
ceremony taking place at big sur river inn next to big sur river backdrop  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
bride and groom exit wedding ceremony in big sur california - people throw birdseed at them  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
bride and groom walking away together next to big sur river  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
family members exit wedding ceremony happily - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
groom hugs relative after wedding ceremony at big sur river inn - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
view from big sur river inn balcony with wedding guests gathered on lawn by the big sur river - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji acros black and white film look
view of coastal mountains and fog view from porch of big sur bakery along california highway 1  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
big sur bakery sign at wedding
cactus outside of big sur bakery - fuji acros black and white film look
big sur bakery closed for wedding with private event sign out front
wedding cake seen through the window at big sur bakery with reflection of coastal california mountains - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
bride and groom posing for a newlyweds portrait - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
guests enjoy cocktail hour at big sur bakery  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
guests enjoy cocktail hour at big sur bakery  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
fuji acros guest takes photo of bride and groom at wedding reception in california
child climbs tree at wedding reception in big sur california

…the infamous coastal “marine layer” moves in to obscure the mountains as the last traces of sunset illuminate the hills. It gives me chills to this day, this mystical, fantastical display of pink and blue, enveloping the landscape. A wonderful sight to see…

california coastal fog moving in at sunset to obscure the coastal mountains - beautiful pink blue fog and redwood trees  - big sur california wedding - laid back wedding in big sur california - fuji provia film look true to life colors
bridesmaids give a toast in wide angle documentary photograph during springtime wedding reception at big sur bakery patio
hand toasting with a half full glass of beer at big sur bakery in big sur california
bride and groom kiss after feeding each other cake at wedding reception - documentary photography - unintrusive photographer
california wedding groom has a conversation with guests across fence at big sur bakery
wedding dj shows vinyl about to be played at wedding reception - fuji acros black and white film look - documentary wedding photgraphy
guests smiling and dancing at big sur bakery springtime wedding
grandmother dances and smiles documentary photography unstaged moment - big sur california
fuji acros black and white wide angle view of dance floor at big sur bakery wedding reception - documentary photographer in california
bride laughing as she is lifted up in chair during wedding reception at big sur bakery - documentary photographer
bride and groom reach for each others hands as they are lifted up in chairs during wedding reception dance at big sur bakery - documentary photographer - black and white fuji acros grainy film look
bride and groom sparkler exit from wedding reception at big sur bakery in california - in the background is a cactus
bride waves goodbye to her guests in blurry photojournalistic documentary wedding photo - black and white film look - california documentary wedding photo
guests gather around a cactus at big sur bakery in california for wedding reception
bride and groom hugging snuggling during last dance at big sur bakery wedding reception - documentary photographer film look - unintrusive photographer - realistic moments at wedding - unstaged moment at wedding

Weddings like this fall into our “national” pricing schedule. There is no travel fee, it’s just a set price for coverage in the contiguous US. Full details on the pricing page, if you can find it…I promise, it’s on that page, somewhere. Buried. So only the serious contenders may find it.

VENDORS

florals – Green and Crumb

ceremony venue – Big Sur River Inn

reception venue – Big Sur Bakery

film scans – Indie Film Lab

ceremony music – Dan + Laurel

DJ – DJ Goyo

Categories
documentary photography true to life unstaged wedding Virginia

Katie and Will – Autumn Shendig at Little Oatlands

bride and groom unstaged moment blurry documentary style photograph in front of wedding reception tent at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - imperfect film photography look shot on voigtlander lens

Where do I even begin with this super cool and laid back couple? Well, heck. That’ll do just fine to describe Katie and Will. Among the top priorities for their day at Little Oatlands: – hanging out with their people, – carefree** vibes, – dancing ’till late to the tasty jams from Katie’s cousin’s band (Wim Tapley and the Cannons). And that’s precisely what happened. And it was glorious. — Katie even afforded me the ability to show up day-of knowing basically nothing about the plans, which is what sweet wedding photo dreams are made of. Seriously, I think my best work is done when I have no idea what’s going to happen.

**carefree – soon after arriving at Little Oatlands, we encounter Will. Shirtless, in his trunks, with their dog Lincoln, carrying a bottle of whiskey across the lawn – “This. This is fascinating. Uh. Is it OK if I take a photo of this?” I mumbled something to that effect Will answered by gesturing with open arms, unspoken words “be my guest” – also gotta love on the 16mm Fujinon here…So much context.

All the regular stuff here. But for now I’ll repeat it, for the keywords! Besides the obvious (portraits), and some light interactions with guests, this image set was recorded entirely hands-off, unstaged, uninfluenced, the honest, natural, undisturbed truth. At zero points do I stop and tell anyone how to stand or smirk or how fast to walk, where to toast or how to button their jacket. This is simply an organic free-range human celebration, recorded as though Aneila and I were street-photographer guests. Katie and Will went about their day while we roamed around looking for interesting photographic material and natural vibes. There is the occasional breaking of the fourth wall (guests noticing and interacting with the camera). I think it showcases the looser side of a personality. TLDR: this is the epitome of the product I will continue to cultivate: an uninterrupted wedding experience with an image set that honestly depicts the happenings within.

farmhouse wedding venue Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia
unstaged true to life black and white documentary style wedding photo of bride doing makeup in mirror at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia
family gathered at bottom of staircase before wedding at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography
bride hanging out with parents in farmhouse with antiques at  Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography
wide angle color photograph of groom and groomsmen hanging out under porch at white brick farmhouse at  Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography
wide angle color photograph of groom and groomsmen hanging out under porch at farmhouse at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography
wide angle photojournalist style photograph black and white groom in white suit directs people on where to go before wedding at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography
family arrives on lawn and gives hugs - Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography
groom and groomspeople lined up between hedgerow waiting for ceremony at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography wide angle photojournalistic look - true to life colors
black and white documentary style photograph of father giving away bride at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography - fujifilm acros simulation black and white film look
wide view of bride and groom standing at front of ceremony viewed between hedges at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography - true to life colors, shot on vintage voigtlander lens, leica look
wide angle color panoramic photograph of wedding ceremony at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography
color photograph of groom smiling at bride during wedding ceremony at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography
bride smiling at groom on september wedding afternoon at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography
bride and groom announced for the first time after getting married at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography
an in-between behind the scenes photograph of group photos next to the hedges with dog at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - unstaged wedding moment documentary style wedding photography
standard simple color portrait of bride and groom voigtlander lens vintage sharp lens
true to life color photograph of evening sun hitting white reception tent at little oatlands wedding venue - wide angle panoramic film look fujifilm pro neg high
blurry photo of bride and groom dancing their first dance at wedding reception at little oatlands - documentary unstaged wedding photography
true to life color photo of guests watching bride and groom first dance - documentary unstaged wedding photography
wide angle black and white photo of bride and groom kissing after their first dance at little oatlands - fujifilm acros film look - documentary unstaged wedding photography
exterior view of reception tent at little oatlands wedding venue - documentary unstaged wedding photography
bride and groom finish their first dance - documentary unstaged wedding photography
baby meditates in the sun on the lawn at little oatlands wedding venue - documentary unstaged wedding photography - fujifilm pro neg true to life film look - real wedding moments
wedding balloons with guests mingling at reception in the background - true to life colors editing wedding photographer - documentary style wedding reception photo
artistic color wedding photo of woman's shadow cast onto cocktail hour crossword puzzle board - true to life colors - documentary style photographer at Little Oatlands in Virginia
true to life colors - documentary style photographer at Little Oatlands in Virginia - dog sips at a guest's sparkling water photobombing impromptu group photo at wedding reception
true to life colors - documentary style photographer at Little Oatlands in Virginia - guest breaks the fourth wall in sunset candid photo of guests during cocktail hour
true to life colors - documentary style photographer at Little Oatlands in Virginia - bride plays with her ring while talking with guests at sunset
group photo blooper at sunset - true to life colors - documentary style photographer at Little Oatlands in Virginia
true to life colors - documentary style photographer at Little Oatlands in Virginia
black and white photo of bride being goofy exiting the tent at wedding reception - documentary style photographer at Little Oatlands in Virginia
bride and groom standard classic portrait at sunset - true to life colors - documentary style photographer at Little Oatlands in Virginia
film look film vibe intentionally blurry wedding photo with true to life colors - documentary style photographer at Little Oatlands in Virginia
film look film vibe intentionally blurry black and white wedding portrait of bride and groom snuggling and smiling - documentary style photographer at Little Oatlands in Virginia
film look film vibe intentionally blurry immersive black and white wedding portrait of bride and groom snuggling while groom carries bride across the lawn - documentary style photographer at Little Oatlands in Virginia - wedding photo taken with vintage wide angle lens
color photo of bride and groom kissing at sunset with farm field and crescent moon in background - documentary style photographer at Little Oatlands in Virginia
bride and groom unstaged moment blurry documentary style photograph in front of wedding reception tent at Little Oatlands Wedding venue in Leesburg Virginia - imperfect film photography look shot on voigtlander lens
documentary style black and white fujifilm acros photo of man in tuxedo making a goofy face at a wedding reception - wide angle lens immersive candid wedding photo
live band playing at a wedding reception shot on wide angle lens as viewed behind drummer - photojournalistic style wedding photo in black and white
documentary style wedding photo of saxophone player silhouetted in front of multicolored stage lights -live band at reception
Silhouetted against an ever changing backdrop of multicolored lights. This one photograph is among my top personal favorite work ever. Is it consistent with the “wedding look”? Not at all.
groom dances at wedding reception wildly swinging his white jacket around with guests reacting in the background - documentary style black and white classic direct flash wide angle candid immersive wedding photo
wide angle black and white photograph of wedding guests slow dancing at reception intentionally blurry to show movement - documentary style wedding photography