Pacific Grove wedding photography. January 23, 2022.
Pacific Grove, CA- Because of the incredible landscape surrounding Monterey Bay, so many couples choose this location to host their Pacific Grove wedding. Elizabeth and Daniel’s ceremony was no exception. They decided to have their wedding on the cliffs of Pacific Grove as the low winter sun set behind the cypress trees.
For this wedding I was trying out my new camera harness made by leStraps. They make leather camera harnesses and will even brand your logo onto it. Give them a follow! Using their harness I was able to cover their wedding by switching between my 24-70mm and 100-400mm GMaster lenses with ease.
Pacific Grove Wedding
As we waited for bride Elizabeth to walk down the proverbial aisle, I took a few shots of Daniel and his groomsmen to ease us into the ceremony.
Then Elizabeth came down the path and this short, sea side wedding was underway.
As she walked down the aisle I took wide shots and close ups. I love the light on her in the left image and I caught her as she was in front of the dark tree making her pop. When possible it’s always good to get a shot of the groom’s reaction to seeing her for the first time in her wedding dress. I was able to do that here while getting a clean background of Monterey Bay.
If you are wondering, Elizabeth’s dress was from Epiphany Bridal Boutique located in Carmel, CA. Also, their ceremony was officiated by Sherilyn Russo at the Monterey Stone Chapel and this was my third time photographing a wedding with her! The ceremony was only about 10 minutes long and then it was time for photos with family and friends!
This was taken with my 100-400mm so I could catch his ring.
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While everyone else headed back to the hotel, Elizabeth, Daniel and I walked along the cliffs and spent some time taking bride and groom photos. The low sun gave us that beautiful, golden hour light.
I shot this at F/2.8 to really blur my background and bouquet.
Was trying for a little lens flare with that golden light!
This is one of my go to’s. Highlights her nails and ring.
The light was so good with the bay lit up behind them.
Double ring shot. Always a must have.
Love this shot with the view ahead of them. Blew out the sky a little on this one but it puts your focus on the newlyweds.
Wedding Reception In Monterey
Once we wrapped up this artsy photo session we headed back to the Monterey Marriott for the reception held on the top floor. The views of Monterey Bay from up there are pretty remarkable. Highly recommended for your future events.
Many more friends and family arrived for the reception and the party had begun! Their beautiful cake was done by Elisa Lopez and was customized to include their two dogs!
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My favorite reception shots came at the end of the night when I posed all the women taking their individual selfies! With all their dresses and unique way of posing I thought it would be fun to put them all together! What do you think?
Then I brought the bride in and made her the center of attention with her entourage.
I think this made Daniel a little jealous because right after this he called all the boys in and got a few shots of his own!
This was a really fun evening with Elizabeth and Daniel and I hope to cover many more weddings like this. If you’re holding your wedding in the Bay Area or Monterey Bay area, please consider High Orbit Media for your wedding photography. I am still available for plenty of dates in 2022.
Let’s make you look good!
“Working with High Orbit Media was such a seamless process. From the moment we started inquiring, John was very professional and attentive via phone call, emails, and text. During our wedding day, he took phenomenal photos and he made us feel at ease without any extra stress. During the reception John was actively taking pictures of the venue, our guests, and special requests from our friends and family. Our family and guests love the photos he took (we have been sharing the digital link!).”
- Elizabeth, Salinas
Go ahead. How many times do you get to hit a LAUNCH button in your life?
John Ruddock is a professional photographer based in Salinas, CA. John grew up on the coast in Half Moon Bay and has spent over 30 years on the beautiful California central coast. He photographs weddings, engagements, families, sports, and landscapes from Half Moon Bay to Big Sur. Message him today to book your session! You can also buy prints of his best images right here.
