Conan + Bria planned on getting married in Austin before the pandemic derailed their plans. It’s a story we’re beginning to hear more and more from engaged couples: plans were made, plans were changed, plans were changed again…and then what? Eloping begins to enter the conversation and suddenly, a whole new world of opportunity opens up. If it’s just the two of you and you plan safely, you can go just about anywhere! We’ve seen couples turn to the desert or a city rooftop, but for Conan + Bria, they decided to elope in Big Sur.
The details were deliberate — focusing on a mix of styles each purchase thoughtfully in support of small businesses. Bria shared: My style is super eclectic, so I wanted our wedding to be as well. Our day was a mix of new and vintage finds. We had pizza on the beach because it’s our favorite date night meal.
The beautiful design + florals by Oh So Brittnee included a stunning pampas grass bouquet, a cliffside altar, and a romantic picnic on the beach. And don’t even get us started on Bria’s two jaw-dropping dresses!!
Bruna Kitchen Photography was on hand to capture all the intimate details from the dreamy Big Sur elopement. Let’s have a look!
The Seaside Pamas Grass Altar
After scouting for the perfect location, Oh So Brittnee set up a pampas grass backdrop to frame the couple.
Bride in Blue
And you thought the view was a sight to see?! Bria made her debut in one of our faaaaavorite dresses. A blue Rue de Seine gown from a&bé bridal shop that’s just perfect for a ceremony by the sea!
The First Look
The look we live for!!
SO good. How perfect is this moment?!
Vows for Forever
The vow books by Katie Goggans Designs are the coolest! And check out those rings by Raw By Olivia Mar…um, GORGEOUS.
When I was walking down to him for our first look, we could hear the seals on the rocks calling to each other. I felt like a mermaid, and then my prince turned around, and he was the most handsome thing I’d ever seen. Conan rapping his vows is a close second.
Okay, we love them.
Close up of that pampas grass bouquet by Oh so Brittnee! The textures and tones are perfection.
Change of Scenery
Bria mixed it up with a second jaw-dropping dress! The tiered gown with a corset-like bodice by Blammo Biamo and from Milena’s Bridal made for THE MOST stunning Big Sur elopement portraits.
It’s just so romantic!
Favorite favorite favorite.
When You Elope in Big Sur — A Glam Picnic is a Must
No Big Sur elopement is complete without a photo-worthy picnic on the beach! (That matches your dress, no less.)
My first piece of advice to brides planning an elopement during the pandemic is to go with the flow. We originally planned to have an intimate ceremony with close family and friends in Austin, Texas. We changed our plans over the course of a few months and actually decided to go to Big Sur the month before the wedding.
Secondly, research everything in-depth and arrive early to scout to a location. Certain parks were closed due to the wildfires, and there were certain restrictions in place due to covid. We spent weeks researching all of our travel and expenses to assure there were no major surprises on our wedding day. We spent the full day before checking out locations and mapping out where the sun would hit during the times we planned to be there. This was so incredibly helpful. The day of we knew exactly where we were going, and we used every bit of sunlight to our advantage.
What a dream, these two. If you’re wondering how to elope in Big Sur, this is how it’s done. To Conan + Bria, all our congrats!!
photography: Bruna Kitchen Photography // event design: Oh So Brittnee // florals: Oh So Brittnee // wedding dress: Rue de Seine // wedding dress boutique: a&bé Dallas // hairpiece: Oh So Brittnee // bride’s shoes: Steve Madden // bride’s ring: Raw By Olivia Mar // hair stylist: Bride // makeup artist: Bride // groom attire: ASOS // groom’s shoes: ASOS // groom’s ring: Raw By Olivia Mar // calligraphy: Katie Goggans Designs // desserts: Parker Lusseau (macarons) // tabletop rentals: Oh So Britnee // linen rentals: Oh So Britnee // models: Bria Rowley and Conan Rowley // white gown: Blammo Biamo // alterations: Altered for the Altar // earrings: Tasha August Studio // bracelets: Crystal Rock Shop // necklace: Bauble Sky // agate cards: The Hollow Geode // white gown boutique: Milena’s Bridal