Marina State Beach Elopement

Kimberly and Jessica and a small and intimate Marina State Beach Elopement here in California. On what would be one of the chilliest and windiest days I have ever experienced at Marina State Beach.

Dana Arnold Photography

Hey, everyone! My name is Dana and I am a Monterey Wedding Photographer here in California. I have been happily photographing weddings full-time since 2017. Since then, I have served so many amazing couples who’s stories are true to love and inspirational. Whether it was in Hawaii, Virginia, Maryland, or here in California, my ‘job’ has been nothing short of amazing.

Kimberly and Jessica

Oh these two. As mentioned above, I have served so many couples throughout the last four years. Each couple has been so amazing and each have taught me something. These two and their love story are no different. They met online through a local LGBT group and had their first official meet up at a local park. That is where their love story started and was the beginning of something beautiful.

One thing that stood out to me the most was that these two actually proposed to each other. Not at the same time, but under moments where the other least expected it. Kim proposed to Jessica when they were at their cousin’s house, surrounded by their family. Now, when Jessica proposed to Kim, it was when Kim least expected it. They went for a walk when she was having a bad day, and once they got on top of the hill, Jess got down on one knee and pulled out a ring.

To me, these proposals symbolize something so beautiful. For one, it was in a place of comfort, and around encouraging people who are there to see you grow. For the other it was that even after a long day, and an up-hill battle, the climb and the view are worth it all. That something good can come out of a bad day, if you just look at one positive thing that did happen.

This day, although windy and cold, was a beautiful day. It was windy enough where sand was blowing along the dunes in the distance. Windy enough where the veils for Jess and Kim were not staying still and on occasion, even flew off their hair. But even through the cold windy air, no one cared. We were all there to celebrate these two get married.

My favorite moments were of Kim and how much she made me laugh with her casual sense of humor. I could tell she could easily make a room turn from gray to warm just by having a conversation with her. Jessica, who planned this all out and found me on Instagram, is someone I feel like would be down to order a second round of chips and salsa without question. Someone who wouldn’t skip dessert, and would always be down to share her food if someone was still hungry.

That is what I got from these two after only spending an hour with them in person at their beach elopement.

Jessica and Kimberly, you two are two of the sweetest ladies I have met. You are both so positive, easy to talk to, fun to be around, and I enjoyed getting to be the one to photograph your elopement.