These two originally dreamed of exchanging vows in the enchanting forest of Limekiln State Park where Alex proposed. They booked camping spots 6 months ahead of time for their 10 closest friends and family to join them. But a month before their date, Pfieffer Bridge collapsed with the landslides. At first it was disheartening to give up Big Sur, but everything kept falling into place.
I researched look-alike forests and landed on Santa Cruz. Sarah found an amazing yurt set above the beautiful vineyards in Salinas. She also found an incredible hair and make up artist willing to make the last-minute drive. A few days before the wedding, Sarah and Alex scouted a secluded grove for their ceremony. Instead of having one officiant, Sarah asked all of their guests to be an equally important part of the readings.
She asked them to share a piece of themselves by offering a blessing, joke, poem, song, or dance. The day of the ceremony was so relaxed. I arrived to the yurt in the late morning to capture the quiet ritual of preparation. In a secluded grove away from guests, Sarah and Alex shared a moment of meditation following their first look.
Then we all caravanned our way up to the redwood giants in Aptos. This wedding is featured on Intimate Weddings! Check it out here! Alex and Sarah brought incense, a metal singing bowl, crystals, and a few gifted items to decorate the forest floor. As everyone filed in, Sarah and Alex asked them to form a circle.
The ceremony began with a sage purification ritual and anointment of each guest with frankincense. Alex opened with a prayer to the four directions. Then, the floor was open to anyone who wanted to share their words. After Alex and Sarah exchanged vows, they passed out homemade medicine bags. Sarah invited each guest to select a few of the crystals from the altar to add to their bag. Finally, they sealed the ceremony with a group hug and sang Longtime Sun a kundalini closing.
