Fog, Fresh Oysters & Forever – Kari & Taylor’s Bodega Bay Elopement
By Hannah Childress | Vérité Visuals
Some couples dream of ballroom dances and seating charts.Kari and Taylor? They dreamed of salty air, zero seating charts, and a day that felt like them—a little wild, deeply romantic, and filled with laughter (and maybe oysters).
Their Bodega Bay elopement was part coastal drama (the good kind), part cozy adventure, and 100% authentic. No fluff, no stress, and not a single person asked about the gluten-free options.
Step 1: First Look Feels at Duncan’s Landing
We kicked off the day with a first look at Duncan’s Landing, where the cliffs drop so dramatically into the sea, you half expect a movie soundtrack to start playing. Kari and Taylor saw each other for the first time with the wind whipping through the coastal grass and the Pacific doing its moody thing in the background.
It was one of those moments that makes time slow down a little—the kind that reminds you what the whole day is really about.
After the first look, we wandered the nearby trails. These two embraced the wind (and each other), stopping to take in the views, crack jokes, and say things like, “Wait, are we seriously doing this right now?” Spoiler: yes. And it was magic.
Step 2: Get Married on a Cliff Where the Gulls Are Your Guests
Next stop: Rock Point Beach cliffs—a quiet, tucked-away spot that feels like it was handcrafted for intimate ceremonies and windblown hair. The fog rolled in like a professional mood setter, giving everything that cinematic, misty glow.
Kari’s dress floated on the breeze like it was born to be there (except for a brief moment when it tried to make friends with a bush), and Taylor’s relaxed, coastal-inspired suit said, “Yes, I’m here for forever and for scrambling over rocks.”
Their ceremony was simple, beautiful, and ocean-sprayed. No microphones. No distractions. Just two people, barefoot on the sand, promising their lives to each other while the waves clapped in approval.
Step 3: Pop Champagne & Dance in the Grass
Right after the vows? A champagne pop, of course. The cork might’ve gone rogue (RIP to whoever finds it next), but the laughs were real, and the celebration was on. Kari and Taylor danced in the grass along the cliff for their first dance—no playlist needed, just the rhythm of the waves and a lot of joy.
Step 4: Eat the Oysters. Always Eat the Oysters.
After a full day of love, laughter, and a little light hiking, we wrapped things up at a cozy local seafood spot overlooking the water. There was wine. There were oysters so fresh they might’ve been on the guest list. There were toasts, warm glances, and the kind of peaceful stillness that only comes after a really good day.
The Big Takeaway
Kari and Taylor’s elopement was everything an elopement should be—intimate, a little wild, full of heart, and totally them. They ditched tradition (and table assignments) for windblown cliffs, barefoot vows, and oysters at sunset. And honestly? 10/10 recommend.
If you’re dreaming of a wedding day that feels more like an adventure and less like an event… I’d love to help you make it real. Whether it’s in the forest, on the coast, or somewhere foggy with a great wine list—we’ll make it unforgettable.
