Nikki and John’s wedding in Sea Ranch, California. Nikki + John eloped in Sea Ranch, California on their 10 year anniversary! Gosh, I’m going to try to describe in words what a pleasure it was for me to be present for this union, but I’ll probably fail cuz words fail, but that’s what photos are for, right?!
Anyway. Nikki, John and 6 of their closest friends traveled from San Francisco to the modern architecture mecca, Sea Ranch. Their original plan was to get married with a large group in Tucson, where they both grew up but of course Covid had other plans. So everyone gathered, after getting negative COVID tests, in a modern rental overlooking the Pacific ocean as Nikki and John reminisced and committed their lives to each other for all the good.
Looking back through these photos, I remember what the day felt like. I remember the quiet confidence and excitement Nikki had, getting ready and perfecting her vows while listening to Evermore by Taylor Swift. Their friends, downstairs, folding napkins and getting the place setting ready for dinner while John and his friends hurried to set up the livestream technology.
As Nikki had pearls glued into her hair (SO elegant, RIGHT?!) her girls stood around her watching her transform into a goddess a la Florence Welch. Nikki MADE her dress. She MADE it. She told me she couldn’t find a perfect dress for her as she was shopping so she decided to make it herself. No big deal. John’s tie, and the tie around Nikki’s garments were hand dyed by Alex Pokas in San Francisco and the dried florals came all the way from Bloom Maven in Tucson.
I don’t live in northern California so I’m not sure if this day was typical to November in that region, but I can say that it rained the day before and day after of their wedding day, but on November 14, the sky was clear and deep blue. The light off the ocean made everything so crisp and sharp – it was like everything was twinkling with magic. It was magical to capture. Nikki + John exchanged their vows on the balcony of their house and shared their first dance overlooking the ocean. We later wandered the beaches and forests nearby as the sun set in deep, royal tones. The night ended with each of their friends, around a table, sharing memories and goodness about the couple.
Nikki and John, I’m so honored to have been there for these moments and this beauty and I’m even more stoked to see you again this summer at your reception. That’s the plus side of COVID weddings, people! If you do something small and reschedule the big party, you get to have all that fun again!
