One of my favorite things about photography is that there isn’t just one right way to celebrate your marriage.

My little sister, Jessie, and her husband, Zach, tied the knot in a simple ceremony back in February at Shandon Chapel Hill Church on California’s Central Coast. It was intimate, meaningful, and exactly what they wanted.

Since I couldn’t photograph their wedding day, we decided to do something just as special a few months later. While I was back in California photographing another wedding, they got all fancy and did some post-wedding portraits with me! Jessie even got a wedding dress specifically for these photos that she didn’t wear at their intimate ceremony, so we made this session truly its own thing while remembering their intimate wedding day at the same time.

Honestly, I couldn’t have imagined a more perfect way to celebrate them.

A Meaningful Ceremony at Shandon Chapel Hill Church

Jessie and Zach chose Shandon Chapel Hill Church for their intimate ceremony, and it’s such a beautiful little chapel tucked into California’s Central Coast.

Although they intentionally kept their wedding day simple, these portraits gave us the chance to slow down and celebrate this new chapter without worrying about timelines or guests.

That’s one of the biggest advantages of post wedding portraits. You get to focus entirely on each other.

Why Post Wedding Portraits Are Worth It

One of the questions I hear from couples is whether it’s worth putting their wedding clothes back on after the wedding.

My answer?

Absolutely.

Wedding days move quickly. Between family photos, the ceremony, and celebrating with your favorite people, portrait time often feels limited.

Scheduling post wedding portraits gives you the freedom to choose a meaningful location, chase beautiful light, and enjoy the experience without feeling rushed.

Whether you eloped, had a large wedding, or simply want more time together, it can be such a fun way to celebrate your marriage.

Sunset in San Simeon

After spending time around the chapel, we made our way to San Simeon for sunset.

The California coastline has a way of making everything feel peaceful. The cliffs, the ocean breeze, and the golden light created the perfect backdrop for portraits that felt timeless and relaxed.

We wandered along the beach, laughed our way through the evening, and soaked in every last bit of sunshine.

It was one of those sessions where nothing felt rushed, and that’s exactly what made it so special.

One Tiny Warning About Those Beautiful Grasses…

Of course, no adventure is complete without a little unexpected excitement.

As gorgeous as the tall grasses were near the beach, we definitely didn’t make it out tick-free.

Thankfully, everyone survived with only a few extra hitchhikers, and I’d say the photos were absolutely worth it.

Maybe just pack a lint roller and do a thorough tick check afterward.

Why I Love Post Wedding Portraits

This session reminded me that your wedding photos don’t have to be limited to your wedding day.

If you didn’t have time to visit meaningful places, if you want portraits without the pressure of a timeline, or if you simply want another excuse to put your wedding attire back on, post wedding portraits are always a great idea.

For Jessie and Zach, it meant honoring the day they became husband and wife while creating new memories together along California’s beautiful Central Coast.

I really can’t think of a better way to celebrate this season of life.

Thinking About Post Wedding Portraits?

Whether you recently got married, eloped, or simply want another excuse to wear your wedding attire again, post wedding portraits give you the chance to slow down and create beautiful images without the pressure of a wedding day timeline.

If you’re dreaming of portraits somewhere meaningful to your relationship, I’d love to help you plan a session that’s relaxed, personal, and completely true to you.