Some love stories deserve a celebration long after the wedding day.

When Tiffani and Ronnie reached out to me from Houston, Texas, I knew this was going to be a special one. They had been married for 10 years, have kids together, and shared something that really stuck with me.

They never got to have a honeymoon. Life moved fast. They jumped straight into parenting, and they told me they hadn't taken a trip together without the kids in over ten years.

So when they decided to fly all the way to California to celebrate their anniversary, I couldn't have been more excited to help make it happen. They actually booked my elopement photography experience, which ended up being the perfect fit for everything they had envisioned.

Turning an Anniversary Into an Adventure

One of my favorite things about photographing couples is creating an experience that's bigger than just taking photos.

For Tiffani and Ronnie, that meant exploring Big Sur together, taking in the incredible scenery, and making memories that were ten years in the making.

They also had one request that I was immediately on board with: a vintage car. Love it!

They rented a bright red 1973 Ford Mustang Convertible from Monterey Touring Vehicles, which is my favorite classic car rental company in the area. I recommend them to couples all the time because their cars photograph beautifully, and they fit the laid-back, adventurous feel of Big Sur so well.

Why Big Sur Is Perfect for an Anniversary Session

There are so many beautiful places along the California coast, but Big Sur has a way of making every moment feel a little more intentional.

For this session, we spent time around Garrapata State Park, which is one of my favorite places to incorporate a vintage car into a photoshoot.

There's something really special about driving Highway 1 together with the windows down, pulling over whenever a beautiful view catches your eye, and simply enjoying the journey.

You can drive across the famous Bixby Bridge, stop along the coastline overlooking the Pacific Ocean, or find quiet stretches of Highway 1 to take some shots with the car overlooking the water during golden hour.

Those little moments often become some of my favorite photographs.

A Better Way to Photograph Vintage Car Sessions

One thing I've started doing during these vintage car sessions has been using walkie talkies and it’s honestly been a game changer.

It might sound funny at first, but they make the entire experience so much easier! Instead of trying to signal from another car or hoping everyone knows where to stop next, we're able to talk back and forth while driving Highway 1 together. I can give directions in real time, let couples know when we're coming up on a great location, or help coordinate some of the driving shots as we cross Bixby Bridge.

It's especially helpful when we're trying to capture those in-motion photos. Everything feels smoother, more relaxed, and honestly just a lot more fun!

Thinking About Taking Anniversary Photos in Big Sur?

Your wedding day doesn't have to be the only time you celebrate your relationship.

Whether you're celebrating your first anniversary, ten years together like Tiffani and Ronnie, or simply looking for an excuse to get away for a few days, anniversary photos in Big Sur are such a meaningful way to mark the occasion.

If you want to turn your session into an experience, I'd love to help you plan it. From recommending my favorite hidden locations to helping you rent a vintage car and build an unforgettable afternoon along Highway 1, I'll help you create something that's about so much more than photos.

After all, the best memories aren't just documented, they're lived first!