Catalina Island Elopement {Taryn & Kevin}
It was such an honor to return to California for Taryn and Kevin’s beautiful Catalina Island elopement this past September. I had fallen in love with Catalina Island last year during this elopement and was so excited to return for Taryn and Kevin’s wonderful occasion.
My sisters joined me from Montana for this California getaway and we had a great time together soaking in the sights and activities on the island before the wedding day. We took the ferry from Long Beach to Avalon and took advantage of every possible thing we could while there. We rented a boat on the ocean, rode bikes, drove golf carts, ate good food, explored the island, took lots of photos, and just had a blast together. How can you not in this location?!
Taryn and Kevin had traveled from their home in Arizona for their elopement on Catalina Island. The island was a place that held special meaning for Taryn throughout her childhood and it was the perfect place for them to get married. On the afternoon of the wedding, I met up with Taryn in her Hotel Metropole suite where she was getting her hair and makeup ready. She had so many thoughtful details for their elopement day. Her mom joined at the end to help put on her dress and jewelry. Taryn was an absolutely stunning bride and was just so happy to be marrying Kevin.
One unique thing about Catalina Island is that golf carts are the main mode of transportation on the roads. There are very few cars on the island so golf carts, bikes, boats, or walking are the way to go. When Taryn was ready, I hopped in one golf cart with her and her parents. The plan was for Kevin, his parents, and the officiant to take a separate golf cart and we would all meet at the ceremony location. Things rarely go exactly as planned on a wedding day, and running into the groom’s broken down golf cart will be a funny story for them to tell from their day. Eventually a new golf cart was provided and their ceremony was held above the ocean overlooking amazing views. Taryn and Kevin said their vows with just their parents looking on. It was intimate, perfect, and stunning.
After the ceremony, I joined the newlyweds on their golf cart and we took photos of them at various places on the island. It was so much fun walking through the town and having people stop and cheer and congratulate them on their wedding.
Taryn and Kevin had dinner reservations with their parents and then we met up again after their dinner reception for a few more photos of the two of them on the Catalina Island beach. It was such a wonderful day and I am so happy for this sweet couple.
Heidi Heaphy Photography is currently booking 2024 elopements, intimate weddings, and other portrait sessions. Want to go to Catalina Island? I would love to return! I will meet you at the Oregon Coast, on a sunny beach, under a waterfall, or wherever your heart desires for your special occasion.
A few sister highlights. We stayed at the beautiful Bellanca Hotel during our stay on the island.