As a wedding photographer, it’s a joy to capture the weddings of your friends and family. And like the old saying goes, “A friend of yours is a friend of mine.”

Christine and Vinny discovered my outdoor wedding photography business through Christine’s sister, Melissa. What’s fun is that I captured engagement photos for my friends Melissa and David (and their puppy) a few years ago. I even attended their wedding, briefly meeting Christine during the festivities.

So, when Christine and Vinny reached out about wedding day photos on the beach, I was just too excited to be a part of their wedding day.

Beautiful Beach Wedding Photography in Santa Barbara

Have you heard of June gloom? In early summer, beaches in southern California regularly experience a think marine layer of clouds and fog. Some couples love the moody lighting that this causes, while others are bummed about the cloud cover. There’s really no wrong answer, as long as you get the wedding day you want.

For Christine and Vinny, the lighting was just right. Which is a good attitude to have. Because when you say “I do” in the great outdoors, Mother Nature is in charge.

I met Christine and Vinny at Leadbetter Beach in Santa Barbara on a weekday—with their close family in tow. While the beach was a bit busy, the couple and I were able to sneak away for their private vows. For shy and introverted folks like these two, private vows are a wonderful way to cut tension and get vulnerable with your special someone.

After that, we hopped right into Christine and Vinny’s Filipino wedding ceremony. With Vinny’s sister as the officiant, the two performed several Filipino wedding traditions, including having a veil and cord placed over them and exchanging coins. It was a lovely way to have their intimate wedding while still bringing in traditions from Christine’s culture.

Following the ceremony, Christine and Vinny explored the beach and surrounding area together. Leadbetter Beach is beautiful, especially in the spring when the flowers are blooming. There are some seriously iconic views around here. I mean, just check out these photos!

Last but not least, Christine and Vinny took their wedding guests to a brewery party. While they knew they wanted a small, intimate wedding, they also knew they wanted to include their extended family in the festivities as well. It just goes to show that you don’t have to choose between a wedding and an elopement. Truth be told, you can do both!

Wedding Tips for Your Santa Barbara Wedding

Feel the pull to get married in Santa Barbara? You’ll adore it.

Before you go, here’s some quick tips for your Santa Barbara beach wedding:

Get married on a weekday to avoid crowds and have an easier time with parking.
Expect other people in the area (the beach is public, after all)
Be prepared to walk on sand, dirt, and grass. You can kick it barefoot, in casual shoes, or in fancy wedding kicks—or even mix it up.
Remember to apply sunscreen on sunny days, and bring plenty of water just in case.
Book an elopement wedding photographer to help you plan and capture the day.
Book your lodging and other vendors ahead of the big day. Common examples include your officiant, florals, decor, food, and more.

Want more info? Check out the blog where we cover all the need-to-knows about elopement wedding planning.

How to Elope →

Vendors We Love Near Santa Barbara

Little Things Bakery | Twisted Twig Florist | Samara Beauty

Get Married in Santa Barbara

Ready to get married on the incredible beaches or wonderful venues of Santa Barbara? Contact Love & Latitudes for expert elopement photography and help planning the adventure of a lifetime.

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