When Ashley initially reached out about eloping, she was open to location suggestions. Her only request was “A national park that’s not too cold in April.” Since we already had a trip to Northern California planned for the beginning of April, we suggested Point Reyes National Seashore. We love Point Reyes for its remoteness, its “off the beaten path” essence gives it stillness, which also means it’s less touristy than other locations closer to San Francisco, so it’s the perfect setting for private and personal vows. And in the springtime, wild flowers, like yellow lupines, freckle its grassy dunes and cliff sides.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes Engagement Session

When Meg & Rainer were trying to decide on the best location for their adventure engagement session they tossed around multiple ideas, including the Redwoods in California and the Arizona desert, but Meg told us that her heart kept coming back to the sand dunes in Michigan. It’s a special place for them; they didn’t feel like any other place would feel as much like who they are.

They’re getting married at a castle in Charlevoix, Michigan later this year, and so it was quite fitting that we kept to the theme of their day by remaining in the Great Lakes state for their engagement pictures.

engagement sessions, destination sessionseastlyn brightFebruary 4, 2021Michigan, Lake, Outdoor, Summer, CoastComment

Acadia National Park Elopement

In the midday sun, with only their immediately family present, they exchanged vows and rings atop Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park. This Mt. Desert Island backdrop was an expansive view of the sea, other nearby islands and sailboats.

Afterward, for portraits we spent some time exploring the different overlooks and view points; and then made our way down to the coast to explore the otter cliffs. Lauren & Michael wore their hiking boots, and we scrambled across the rocks as the waves thundered loudly with each crash against the cliffside.

destination weddings, elopements, weddingseastlyn brightOctober 5, 2020Maine, National Park, New England, Outdoor, Coast, Mountain, Beach, Intimate Wedding, Summer, ElopementComment

Northern California Coast Couple Photos

The ranch lies on a beautiful piece of property adorned by pastures, coastal forest, foothill mountains and is directly across the road (route 101) from the rugged coastline of the Pacific Ocean. Almost everything we love about California (our favorite state) is found right here.

destination sessions, engagement sessionseastlyn brightMarch 27, 2020California, Coast, Beach, Ocean, SpringComment

Best Sunrise Spot in the Bay Area

In our opinion, Point Reyes National Seashore is the most beautiful place in the Bay Area. Its remoteness, as it’s “off the beaten path,” gives it a stillness, which also means its less touristy than other locations closer to San Francisco.

Intimate Wedding at the Cliffs of Etretat in Normandy

On our way to Étretat through the countryside, we followed Marcus and Beth and watched as Beth hung her head out the window, allowing the wind to whip it as it willed. She closed her eyes and smiled, feeling the moment deeply as she painted the air with her hand. She is a true free spirit, and both she and Marcus are compassionate toward all life, loving and dreamy.

weddings, destination weddings, elopementseastlyn brightFebruary 27, 2019France, Coast, Ocean, Beach, Europe, Summer, Sunset, ElopementComment

The Most Breathtaking Desert Inspired Engagement Photos in Michigan

In the brutal wind, sand swirls up and off every dune crest as it is slowly recreating its own landscape. Its shape is in constant change, but moving forward, it is only becoming more beautiful. Like Gentry and Sierra's relationship; in this moment in time, they may feel as if they know each other fully and love as much as possible. However, as the days go on, and life's constant wind of change continues to take hold in their lives and bring them closer together, their love will only grow deeper, never to fully settle. There is always a deeper picture in creation. A way to remind us of relationship, and ultimately perfect restoration and harmony.

Mt. Tamalpais Engagement Session

Atop Mount Tamalpais, Juilee and Rishabh stood quietly and in embrace, in awe of the surrounding majestic beauty. The wispy fog blew over the rolling green hills and birds took flight, and as Rishabh hugged his soon-to-be wife on the edge of the pacific, the salty sea wind blew Juilee's black curls across her face.

engagement sessions, destination sessionseastlyn brightNovember 28, 2016California, Mountain, Coast, Point Reyes, Fall, AutumnComment