When Brooke and Hayden’s original venue was lost in the Palisades Fire in Malibu, they were faced with every couple’s worst nightmare: scrambling to replan their wedding day from the ground up after so much work had already gone into their planning. Fortunately, what unfolded next was a beautiful, heartfelt intimate wedding day that proved no matter where or how you share your vows, what really matters is that at the end of the day you become spouses! I've said this to almost every couple I've worked with- something will happen, either with planning or on the day that will throw you off, but your marriage is what matters.
Their revised celebration included a small ocean-view ceremony at an AirBNB along the Pacific Coast Highway, followed by a relaxed dinner reception at The Sunset Restaurant in Malibu, just down the road. The shift to a more intimate guest list created space for unhurried interaction with their loved ones and some more flexibility in where they could have their ceremony, as many AirBNB's do not allow wedding ceremonies, or do with a limited number of guests only.
As a Malibu wedding photographer who works with couples looking for simple and meaningful ways to celebrate, I’ve noticed this growing trend: more couples are choosing small ceremonies with larger follow-up receptions as a way to balance intimacy and community. Brooke and Hayden’s day is a beautiful example of how it can all come together. And in Malibu, California, how could it not come together? *Cue Miley Cyrus's "Malibu"*.
The day started in the AirBNB, an upstairs apartment with a beautiful balcony that faced the ocean and PCH. Brooke got ready with her Mom and best friend, and Hayden left before she put her dress on to go gather his family and friends.
A Private Ceremony with LIMITED GUESTS
Due to the Airbnb's guest capacity restrictions, Brooke and Hayden exchanged vows in front of only their immediate families and a few closest friends. A beautiful oak tree overlooking PCH and the Pacific Ocean provided a calm and scenic backdrop for their ceremony which was performed by Brooke's childhood best friend. As Brooke's father walked her down the aisle, her uncle played guitar for their wedding processional. After their first kiss we took family portraits and then some couple's portraits under the most beautiful landscaped arch just a few feet down from the ceremony space. Finding an AirBNB with locations that are already manicured for a ceremony space and for photos is always something to keep in mind if you aren't going the traditional route of a wedding venue.
OVERCAST Portraits on the Beach
After the ceremony, we drove to The Sunset Restaurant right on Point Dume State Beach, then walked down to the waterfront to take portraits. With minimal wind, soft overcast tones, and an open shoreline, it was everything a beach portrait session should be. The mood was calm and reflective, a perfect pause before the next chapter of the evening. One of the many perks of Malibu weddings is how many beautiful photo locations are just steps away! Whether you're getting married at a rental home/ AirBNB, a restaurant like The Sunset, or eloping at Point Dume; Malibu offers dramatic cliffs, soft sand, and peaceful coastal vibes—all within a short walk or drive.
Plus my favorite candid wedding photo on 35mm film:
Dinner at The Sunset Restaurant
Later that evening, the couple hosted their larger group of guests at The Sunset Restaurant, a local favorite for oceanfront dining and celebrations in Malibu. This allowed extended family and friends to join in on the celebration without the ceremony feeling too large or overwhelming, or breaking the AirBNB hosting rules. The night included a plated meal, heartfelt toasts, and a simple cake cutting that was elegant and relaxed. With a small space and intimate guest count, the evening felt more like a celebration dinner party than a traditional reception—which was exactly what Brooke and Hayden wanted. The Sunset Restaurant is right on the beach, and although it was overcast and we didn't quite get the sunset that the restaurant is famous for, we did get beautiful coastal and cliff views!
A Trend Worth Watching: Ceremony + Reception Split
This flexible format—a small ceremony followed by a larger reception—is one I’ve been seeing more and more of. Whether it’s for budget reasons, venue limitations, or just a desire for more intentionality, couples are opting to split the day into two distinct events. And it works beautifully!
In fact, I’ve photographed and blogged a few other weddings that used similar structures:
- Paige and Ian (2024) had a small family ceremony, then invited everyone else to join them later in the same location for the reception.
- Libby and Kyle (2025) did the reverse: a small courthouse ceremony in Santa Barbara, then hosted a casual reception dinner at The Raymond 1886 in Pasadena.
- And now Brooke and Hayden, who kept both parts of the day close—within minutes of each other—but with two separate guest lists.
This trend allows couples to prioritize their closest relationships during the vows and then expand the celebration when they’re ready to party.
Film, Digital, and a Dash of Fisheye
Throughout the day, I of course captured moments in both digital and 35mm film—including a few just-for-fun shots using a 35mm fisheye lens camera. It’s a playful way to add variety to your gallery, especially for couples who want something a little different and reminiscent of Tumblr circa 2010. If you’re curious about incorporating film photography or unique styles like fisheye into your wedding coverage, just reach out! I love weaving in those one-of-a-kind frames that give your day more variety than just I-Phone pictures (not that there's anything wrong with those in moderation)!
Final Thoughts
In many ways, Brooke and Hayden’s day represents a growing trend I’ve been seeing with couples in Southern California. More and more people are stepping away from the idea that a wedding has to follow a strict formula of a large guest count, ballroom setting, bouquet toss, and all-night dance floor. Instead, couples are creating experiences that feel true to them—whether that means a ten-person ceremony, a backyard dinner, or even separate events on multiple days that bring in different groups of loved ones. For Brooke and Hayden, keeping the ceremony at their Airbnb small meant they could share their vows in a quiet, personal way without feeling the pressure of a big audience, and had more options with locations. Later, when they transitioned to The Sunset Restaurant just down the road, the vibe naturally shifted into celebration mode. Guests who hadn’t been at the ceremony were able to join in for a meal, cake, and toasts, which made the evening feel both intimate and festive. I’ve seen similar approaches with past couples like Paige and Ian, who kept their ceremony guest list small before opening up the reception at the same location, or Libby and Kyle, who even held their events in different cities entirely. Brooke and Hayden’s day fit right into this movement—a reminder that there’s no one way to celebrate your marriage.
And, of course, Malibu or anywhere on the California Coast is the perfect backdrop for a day like this. The Pacific Coast Highway gives you that iconic California energy, with golden sunsets, ocean breezes, and the kind of light that makes every moment feel cinematic (even if it's overcast in May). After the ceremony, we took advantage of the coastline with portraits on the beach, capturing the soft pastel tones of the sky as it faded into evening. These quiet moments of just the two of them contrasted beautifully with the energy of dinner later on. The Sunset Restaurant provided a warm, inviting space where friends and family could mingle, laugh, and raise a glass to the couple. It struck a balance between casual California ease and elevated Los Angeles dining, which perfectly mirrored the couple’s style.
Artistically, this wedding was also special for me because I experimented with a fisheye lens on 35mm film. While most of the day was photographed in my usual blend of digital and classic 35mm film, the fisheye added a playful twist to the gallery for just a few shots. These frames stand out not just as “fun shots” but as storytelling details that complement the more timeless portraits. Why not have the best of all forms of photography for your once in a lifetime event? It’s always a joy when couples are open to me bringing in little creative touches like that, because it allows their gallery to have both the elegance of traditional wedding photography and the quirky charm of film experimentation. If you love the idea of incorporating artistic 35mm film photography or unique lenses into your wedding day, this is something I’d love to explore with you. If you have specifics on what kinds of lenses and styles you'd like me to bring to the table, I'm happy to discuss. I'm up for anything if you communicate to me what your vision is!
Brooke and Hayden’s wedding is a beautiful example of how small weddings in Malibu can still feel full, connected, and joyful. With a little flexibility and creative thinking, your day can reflect your values—whether that means an oceanside Airbnb vow exchange, a sunset dinner with a couple dozen of your favorite people, or both. If you're planning a Malibu wedding or any kind of wedding anywhere in the world, I’d love to help you document it with honesty, warmth, and a mix of timeless 35mm film and crisp digital photography. Contact me to discuss more or to create a custom wedding photography package!
