You found this page most likely because you are considering having your wedding in Big Sur. Most likely its your first time planning a wedding. Most likely you have ended up on The Knot or deep in a bridal magazine or mind-numbingly scrolling Google with a cocktail in hand and no idea on where to start this whole planning thing. I’d love to be the one to help you out! I’ve shot over 200 weddings and can assist with any planning needs you may have.

My style is natural meets minimal, real meets adventure, great light meets the great outdoors. From intimate interactions and big moments to various pieces of décor and architecture. In deserts or tall mountains or open fields or maybe just that simple downtown street you love. Your best girlfriends busting out their dance moves to those bad tunes from the 2000s, grandma and grandpa tearing up as they watch your first dance, wide smiles and those squinty eyes you only get from bear hugs as your family and friends wrap you up in their arms. What is important to you? That is what is important to me. The real stuff. Not the “event” stuff - the reason for the event: your love and the people who love you. 

I am Catalina Jean, a detail-orientated minimalist that laughs (too) loudly, dances (very) badly, and provides wedding photography for Oregon and California, including Big Sur.

And while I am a wedding photographer, I also see myself completely as a storyteller. I want every single photo to feel natural, every moment to feel just like when it was captured on the wedding day. I take photographs of the things that are raw with emotion and piece them together to re-create the way the wedding day felt.

And given my love for nature and photography, it’ll probably come as no surprise to you that Big Sur is one of my favorite places for photography and weddings.

AS SEEN ON

Honored to be published in various blogs and magazines.

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Rangefinder Magazine 30 Rising Stars of Wedding Photography

100 Best Wedding Photographers in the World

Also published on: Green Wedding Shoes / Style Me Pretty / Rock 'n Roll Bride / Junebug Weddings Best of Oregon / Junebug Weddings: One Two Three Four / Glamour & Grace / A Practical Wedding / Wedding Chicks / Photographers of Portland / Portland Bride & Groom Magazine Winter/Spring 2016 / Trendy Bride Magazine Spring-Summer 2014 / Rock n' Roll Bride Magazine Issue 2 / Expertise Top 25 Wedding Photographers in Portland

REVIEWS

"Wow, what can I say about Catalina? She is the most talented photographer you will find to document your special wedding day. Her pictures speak for themselves, but I can attest that they are so beautiful, and she expertly captures the emotion, small moments, and precious candids throughout the day. What's more, she is incredibly kind, professional, communicative and a pleasure to work with

- Katy & Quincy

"Is there a way to give someone more than five stars? As many other reviewers have stated, Catalina does a phenomenal job capturing the emotion of your wedding day, but goes above and beyond the call of duty throughout the planning process with her professionalism, attention to detail, and overall positive approach. 

- Chelsea + Marc

Read more reviews here

A Photographer’s Guide to Big Sur Weddings

| What to Know About Getting Married in Big Sur |

Referred to as “a nature-lover’s heaven” by Lonely Planet, Big Sur in California is just that – and it truly is one of the most beautiful locations in the country. This location boasts so much natural beauty, miles of coastline, and extensive hiking travels that it is a must-see location for anyone who loves the great outdoors. 

Found between the Santa Lucia Range and the Pacific Ocean, you just can’t help but sit in awe of this 90-mile stretch of coastline. And there are so many fun things to do here too. Love camping? How about trying out some amazing gastronomy, visiting art galleries, or staying in one of many fabulous lodging accommodations? You just can’t go wrong with a visit to Big Sur – whether it’s for your wedding or for a little bit of adventure.

For me however, I find such so much wonder and peacefulness while in this region. The wildflowers are seemingly always blooming, wild animals such as otters and dolphins can be seen on beach walks. But I’m not the only one who thinks so! This amazing region was awarded a Traveler’s Choice Award for the Top 25 Destinations in the United States! Impressive stuff. 

| Best Time of Year & Weather Info |

If you’re looking to escape the crowds, September through November is an ideal time to have your wedding, as the amount of tourists start to die down around the end of August. Also, the high temperatures drop around September, making it more comfortable for you to explore and enjoy. 

For a winter wedding, you’ll find even more peace during December while bagging some great lodging deals, but you may just get caught in the rain if that’s your thing!

For a summer wedding, June through August is the best time to visit, but you may experience quite a bit of coastal fog throughout the morning. For summer lovers, choosing a mountain location will be warmer than a coastal location. 

What’s also cool about Big Sur is that it is graced with more than 300 sunny days per year, so you can’t really go wrong, which ever date you choose. 

| Things to Do |

If you’re heading to Big Sur for your beautiful ceremony, I really recommend spending a few days here as there are so many fun things to do that cater for all different tastes. 

For excellent views: 

17-Mile Drive is a privately-managed roadway offering views of the coastline. You can drive it, bike it, walk it – whatever you fancy, and there is no entrance fee. See the Cyprus trees and the expansive rocky coastline.

Pfeiffer Beach is yet another way to relax and appreciate nature’s beauty in Big Sur. With interesting rock formations, and around half-a-mile of walking, this is an easy and chill way to spend your day. It’s best to visit in the early morning or at sunset for the best light and less tourists. 

For the cultural experience:

Carmel Mission Basilica Museum was first built in 1797 and is a Roman Catholic church that has been restored close to its original design. Here, you can go on a guided tour of the courtyard, the cemetery, and museums, or you can attend one of their Sunday morning services. You could also plan to have your wedding at this historic location. 

Henry Miller Memorial Library is a tribute to the late American writer, Henry Miller, and is a non-profit organization showcasing his literary, artistic, and cultural contributions. At this library, you’ll also find a space for fellow artists to show their work.

For hiking:

Ewoldsen Trail  is an abundantly beautiful trail where you can see a redwood forest, canyons, and ocean views. What’s great about this hiking trail is that you can trek as little or as much as you like and still catch an eyeful of gorgeous nature. You could also do the McWay Waterfall Trail that begins at the same parking area. 

McWay Waterfall Trail is a short hiking trail (in fact, it’s thee shortest in Big Sur) so for those looking for a peaceful hike with incredible scenery, this trail is perfect for you. You’ll be able to see southern and northern coastal views as well as the 80-foot falls, which is such a treat for nature and photography lovers.

For relaxation:

Refuge is a spa that is adult-only and specializes in various massages such as Swedish and deep tissue. Here, you’ll have to pay a $49 admission fee which will gain you access to their entire outdoor facility that has a sauna, two steam rooms, and cold, warm and hot pools. Any additional treatment is priced in addition to this fee.  

For foodies:

Nepenthe, is found on a cliff offering exceptional views. This restaurant has an almost five-star rating by over 1,500 visitors, so it definitely comes well recommended. 

Sierra Mar too is perched on a cliff offering panoramic views of the sea. Meals can be offered in interesting courses with playful ingredients.

The Sur House is an upscale spot with a terrace offering ocean views and is one of the most popular restaurants in Big Sur. Includes an upscale menu of interesting takes on American cuisine.  

**Wedding Planning Tip! Ever thought about planning a wedding weekend? You can plan a list of activities on the days before and after your wedding so you will have much more time with your guests. Another benefit is your guests will get to have some fun memories together and get to know each other so no one will be a stranger on your wedding day.

For those planning a wedding, I couldn’t praise Big Sur enough for its stunning backdrops, relaxed atmosphere, and list of amazing things to do.