Want to know the best part of being a destination wedding and elopement photographer? Getting to visit some of my favorite places! I recently attended the Hybrid Co. Conference and got to really flex my creative muscles while I was there. First, I got to take some funky headshots for my friend Nicole (check them out here!). And then, Rachel King Lifestyle and I put together this super cool San Diego elopement styled shoot! 

Staying Fluid When Things Go Wrong 

Have you ever heard of Murphy’s Law? It says, “Anything that can go wrong will go wrong.” One of the greatest lessons I have learned in my photography career is how to roll with the punches. Whether you’re putting together a creative shoot, getting married, or, I don’t know, just living life… things happen. That’s why it is so important to work with people who know how to quickly adjust and not let a change of plans ruin the whole day. This shoot was an exercise in this, and despite the frustration of things going wrong, I think we ended up with some pretty incredible photos. 

“The Day Before” on the Tennis Courts at the Bahia Resort Hotel 

We originally had a very different plan for this San Diego Elopement, but a new plan was born once we saw the tennis courts at the Bahia Resort Hotel. We wanted to capture the energy of the day before a wedding, when all the planning is taken care of and you can just enjoy! So we stuck our models on the tennis court, handed them some pickleball rackets, and made some magic. This is your sign that your wedding photos can be anything you want. Want to play pickleball? I’m right there with you. Want to trade a traditional bouquet for a Prada purse overflowing with flowers? I support you wholeheartedly. We had so much fun bringing an editorial vibe to this fun-inspired shoot!

Intimate San Diego Elopement Photos 

For the second half of the shoot, we wanted the camera to feel almost hidden. The goal was to feel like we were a fly on the wall of an intimate elopement while the couple got ready together and simply enjoyed being in a beautiful place. The Bahia Resort Hotel was the perfect backdrop, allowing us to get photos on the balcony and the surrounding palm tree grove! We designed each element of this San Diego elopement shoot to feel casual, yet classy, and totally down to earth. My mission is to show couples that their wedding isn’t limited to traditional ideals! You can escape to California and run barefoot in the grass. It is your love and your choice. As an alternative photographer, I am always here to support you. 

San Diego Elopement Photographer 

No matter where you are, or what kind of wedding you want to have, I am here 👏 for 👏 it! 👏 It is my greatest joy to support you as you plan an untraditional wedding, doing whatever feels true to you and your love. There is no greater honor than capturing these memories and standing by you as you begin your marriage journey! So if you’re getting married and are looking for a photographer who will support all your crazy plans, explore my photography packages or reach out to secure your date! I would love to make some memories with you. 

Vendors: 

Styling: Laura McMullin Photography and Rachel King Lifestyle

Photographer: Laura McMullin Photography

Couple: Sylvia Wrosz @sandiego.sylv and Kelly Bollmann @kellybollmann

Location: Bahia Resort Hotel

Florist: Petal and Peach Floral Design 

Balcony Wedding Dress: Meshki

Bride Tennis Court Outfit: Alo Yoga

Visor: Dior

Purse: Prada

Film: Cinestill

FilmLab: Nice Film Club