Covid times have been difficult for everyone. Many weddings have been either canceled or postponed, with couples left disappointed. Yet amidst these challenging times, we were lucky to meet a lovely couple – Peter and Huyen. Their Santa Barbara elopement wedding will always be close to our hearts.
We got connected at the beginning of 2020 to discuss the wedding planned in June. But Covid struck and everything came to a halt. So did their wedding, it got postponed! Their desire to get married in a big lavish traditional setting got hampered. Peter and Huyen had to push their wedding plans further to July 2021.
ONE YEAR BEFORE THE WEDDING
Amidst all the uncertainties and postponements, we decided to do a romantic video shoot with the couple at Oceano Dune, CA. As videographers, we must say that this amazing video took our breath away as this place was a perfect mix of dunes, beaches, and waves crashing magnificently. It had the backdrop of the central coastline, and we had the privilege of making beautiful film for them using both locations – the beach and the dunes. It was one of the most heartfelt and stunning shoots we did during the pandemic.
Peter and Huyen had to eventually drop the idea of a big fun wedding. Many of their family & friends, especially the elderly, could not travel due to the covid restrictions. So they decided to keep it simple! They planned an intimate Santa Barbara elopement wedding and their entire focus was on making the day beautiful, simple yet memorable. We loved that the couple has pivoted to an intimate occasion with just two of them.
WEDDING DAY
On their big day, they started getting ready at the Californian hotel in Santa Barbara, CA. Huyen is super stylish, and she looked drop-dead gorgeous in a beautiful designer dress by Monique Lhuillier. While our handsome groom Peter looked dapper in a perfect suit. As they were perfectly dressed and suited up, Peter popped up champagne, and together they moved to their ceremony location.
CEREMONY
It was very touching to see them reading their wedding vows. Huyen got so emotional that she couldn’t hold back her tears. It is a blessing to be part of such intimate moments as we get to witness the couples begin their journey together. Peter & Huyen’s California elopement wedding story is remarkable, for they have faced several challenges before making it to this day!
The location they chose was perfectly secluded, nestled slightly a little bit up from Santa Barbara. We can safely say that their Kestrel Park elopement was nothing short of magical. The park is located in Santa Ynez Valley and has a lot of green spaces around that formed the perfect backdrop for the shoot. As the ceremony progressed, we took some time off with the couple and planned amazing drone shots. The golden hour was stunning! We effortlessly captured some lovely shots as the couple walked hand in hand down the gorgeous valley.
It made us so happy to see the love shining regardless of the Covid restrictions. Therefore, we understand how tough it was for them to switch to an elopement as they had to let go of their original wedding plans.
Photos by our favorite and super talented Shannon Yen
We hope Peter & Huyen’s Santa Barbara elopement wedding will inspire and help kindle some exciting ideas. It was an honor to have been a part of such priceless moments as wedding videographers and savored some incredible stories.
Check out the beautiful film we have created for Peter and Huyen’s Santa Barbara Elopement.
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