The couple

Thea and Paul have such a cute and fun dynamic. From my first conversation with Thea, I knew instantly they had amazing vibes. Paul and Thea have been together for years, and you can tell by just being in their presence that they're best friends. They are both professional musicians and have a deep love for art. They have an even deeper love for their dog, Lola. Thea found me through instagram and told me all about their vision for their intimate elopement. Although they have planned a larger celebration in Kansas for June, they wanted to get married where their dog could be present (I thought that was so sweet). California is a meaningful place for this time in their lives, so it was only fitting to have them get married in Malibu. Because what says "California" more than Malibu?! Their story was incredibly inspiring and I am so grateful to have documented this day for them.

It was a cloudy and windy afternoon, but somehow it felt cozy. Thea and Paul had their parents and aunt and uncle witness their elopement. Their family was buzzing with excitement. The wind was strong, but Thea and Paul didn't care. As they shared personal vows, the ocean crashed against the cliff we were standing on- forcing the parents to cuddle closer to hear their words. Champagne was popped, hugs were given, tears were shed. After some quick photos, we hurried down to the sand where Paul and Thea cut their little cake as husband and wife. It was an incredible afternoon, very much Paul and Thea vibes.

The Location

They wanted to get married somewhere quiet, intimate, and beautiful. Leo Carrillo State Beach is the perfect location for intimate elopements! With cliffs over looking the ocean, rock formations, and sandy beaches, this beach was a beautiful backdrop for this moment. To get married at Leo Carrillo State Beach, you don't need a permit as long as the gathering is less than 25 people! Parking is free on the road, and it's pretty accessible for anyone who is able to walk. This elopement was in the fall, and there was no one else there. I highly recommend visiting Malibu during the fall or winter if you want an uninterrupted experience. If you're interested in getting married at this iconic beach, contact me!

the experience

Here's what Thea and Paul had to say about their experience with me:

"Breanna was exceptionally lovely to work with! It was our first photo session together as a couple and she made us feel comfortable. We genuinely had a great time during the session, it just felt like we were hanging out in a really beautiful place. She got the photos back to us quickly and we were blown away by how gorgeous they were. Would highly recommend!!"