Erin & Jeff’s Malibu wedding was a beautiful example of a sunset beach wedding. Their day was full of laughter and romance, and everyone had a wonderful time. Any wedding with beach access is going to be dreamy and wonderful, but this one was made especially timeless by the intimate setting of the Malibu West Beach Club and the gorgeous views of the Santa Monica Mountains.
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A Malibu West Beach Club Wedding Day
Any time I find myself at a Malibu wedding I know that it is going to be a fairytale dream. Erin and Jeff’s wedding gave me all of the dreamy feelings that I look for as a wedding photographer. It was a warm day, full of smiles, laughter and joy. Everyone was having such a good time that you couldn’t help but feel good.
Both Erin and Jeff included all their most special people in their getting-ready moments. During the getting ready phase of the day, the bridesmaids were very silly together. They did silly dances, laughing and joking around while making funny videos. Meanwhile, Jeff gave his groomsmen fun gifts, featuring colorful socks. Groomsmen gifts are often a time to have fun and smile together, setting the tone for the rest of a magical day.
The First Look
Our bride and groom got ready at Westlake Village Inn, so we had their first look there under climbing rose arches. The arches create a corridor that sends you through roses of different colors. It’s an iconic space at the inn that feels like a wonderland and I absolutely love taking pictures there.
The Ceremony
The ceremony was on the balcony of Malibu West Beach Club, looking directly over the oceanfront. On the balcony you can hear the waves and seagulls, which creates an intimate environment, blocking out any traffic noise you might hear. I found myself immersed in their love story as I took their photos, and I noticed that many of the guests were enjoying themselves as much as I was.
They incorporated a lot of humor into their ceremony. A friend officiated the wedding and did a great job, making everyone laugh by telling tons of beautiful stories about how Erin and Jeff complement each other. I love when couples choose to have a friend officiate their wedding because it often leads to a much more personalized ceremony that someone who doesn’t know you just can’t provide. You could tell that everyone felt the love all around them, and it showed in their photos. They even exited their wedding to the Friends theme song, laughing and smiling the whole way out.
Sunset Photos On The Beach
One of my favorite parts of the day was when we took couple’s sunset photos on the beach. Erin and Jeff slowly danced on the beach as the sun set behind them. Then they stood atop a hill so the Santa Monica mountains met their silhouettes. Finally, I had them walk along the shoreline as the wind caught her veil, creating whimsical moments and dreamy photos. The whole time we were out on the beach, they made sure to share personal moments together that are often difficult to find on a wedding day.
Our Couple: Erin & Jeff
Erin and Jeff met on Bumble, which is an online dating service where women make the first move by messaging first. One of the speeches at their wedding laughed at the fact that after some messages back and forth Erin asked her friend if she should go on a date with Jeff, to which her friend replied, “The worst thing that could happen is that you might have to get married on a beach in Malibu.” Luckily for all of us lovers of whimsical love stories, that is exactly what ended up happening.
Erin loves Jeff’s bright blue eyes and his big smile and he loves that he can be himself around her. She is kind and super fun and she loves that they always laugh together. They really are each other’s best friends. On their wedding day, I could tell that they loved to be silly together. Jeff was especially silly with his family.
Malibu West Beach Club Wedding Photographer
Malibu West Beach Club is a quaint space that feels like a romantic dinner at home with hanging twinkle lights and chandeliers all around. It’s a bright space that creates a warm and cozy environment. Erin and Jeff decorated their tables with red roses and calla lilies that had a modern feel to them with glass and candles.
Three Dreamy Places for Whimsical Portraits at Malibu West Beach Club
The photo in front of the balcony is iconic. To really capture this picture correctly you have the bridal party pose on the beach, with their guests behind them on the balcony. I love this photo because it fully captures the ambiance of a wedding day at this beautiful venue
There are two different angles to take beautiful pictures on the beach in front of the club. I love the photos facing north with the Santa Monica mountains behind the couple. It really gives a perspective that you can only get in Southern California.
The other beautiful beach angle to take a photo is facing south, featuring the club and distant mountains with a cityscape. These photos end up being very clean and polished.
Malibu Sunset Beach Wedding Gallery
Vendors
One of the more special parts of this wedding was that I got to meet coordinators from Your Perfect Bridesmaid. Jeff’s cousin is the owner of the business, so they were there to coordinate the wedding. They were really on it. Incredibly kind and fun to work with, the intention of their business is to create a team effort, creating the perfect day for the couple. They made sure that people were comfortable and tried to make sure that the day went as smoothly as possible. Even when things went wrong the team was on top of everything, which made my job so much easier.
It was important that I met them because they work primarily in the Pacific Northwest, where I have been working to expand my wedding photography into dreamy treescapes and waterfall photo sessions. I am looking forward to working with this beautiful company again in the near future.
Coordinator: Your Perfect Bridesmaid // Hair & Makeup: Fuse Hair // Florist: My Wedding Blooms // Invitations: Minted // Dress: Enzoani // Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Caterer: Pierre Catering // DJ: All the above events // Videographer: Agape Films
Things To Do Around Malibu West Beach Club
Malibu is such a beautiful and wonderful place. When you go to tour the Malibu West Beach club you should definitely make a day of it.
- The club is located on the beach, so you should definitely check out the cool waters of the Pacific right by it. Spend some time in the water and feel the sand between your toes. Wedding planning can be stressful so take some time to enjoy yourself!
- Zuma Canyon Trailhead is only a seven-minute drive from Malibu West Beach Club. Featuring several different trails and an ocean view, the area is a beautiful example of a Los Angeles Hike. If you are willing to travel a little bit further Malibu Creek State Park trailhead is another beautiful place to spend some time in nature only thirty minutes away!
- If you travel north for about twelve minutes you will come across Decker Road Scenic Drive which is a gorgeous canyon road with a scenic drive. For those who are less interested in hiking, this can be a wonderful opportunity to see nature in Los Angeles.
Sun And Sparrow Would Love To Photograph Your Beautiful Sunset Beach Wedding
Sun and Sparrow has been photographing weddings in Southern California for over fifteen years and we would love to be a part of yours! You love whimsical storytelling and soft dreamy images that really showcase the love you have for your partner, and we love getting to share your love story. Contact us today to lock in your date!
