When Clare and John envisioned their Malibu beach house wedding, they didn’t see themselves in a grand ballroom or under the glow of a hotel chandelier. They imagined something closer to the heart, something intimate and personal—something that felt like home, but elevated. Their choice? A stunning estate in Malibu, where their love story unfolded over a sun-soaked weekend surrounded by their 30 closest family members and friends.
As their photographer, I had the privilege of capturing not only their wedding day but the entire weekend of celebrations, from portraits with their sweet dog before the rehearsal dinner to candid moments with their loved ones during welcome drinks. Every detail of their wedding weekend was filled with thoughtfulness and intention, setting the tone for an experience that was equal parts glamorous and deeply personal.
The Perfect Wedding Weekend in Malibu
It’s no surprise that wedding weekends are becoming increasingly popular—especially for couples with loved ones traveling in from far and wide. Clare and John knew they wanted to go beyond the traditional one-day celebration. Instead, they wanted their Malibu beach house wedding to feel like a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a weekend-long party where they could soak in every moment with their closest people.
Although I’m a sun-loving Californian now, I immediately bonded with these two as former Chicagoans. Many of their guests had flown in from Chicago, and it was so fun chatting with them about the Windy City while enjoying Malibu’s laid-back coastal vibes. It was clear right away that these were my kind of people.
Their Malibu beach house venue couldn’t have been a better choice. Perched along the iconic coastline, the private beach estate had a relaxed, luxurious Malibu energy that perfectly complemented Clare and John’s vision. The ocean breeze, golden-hour light reflecting off the water, and laughter of their guests mingling over cocktails—it was all straight out of a dream.
The Wedding Day: Romance, Editorial Elegance, & Real Moments
Clare and John warned me that they were “awkward” in front of the camera, but let me tell you—they could not have been more wrong! They were absolute naturals, channeling a mix of Vogue-worthy editorial elegance and head-over-heels romance. The irony? This was the first time they’d ever taken professional photos together!
From the moment Clare walked down the aisle—John’s face lighting up as he saw her for the first time—to their quiet moments together after the ceremony, every interaction was effortless and full of love. They opted not to do a first look, which made that walk down the aisle all the more emotional. I could feel the hush fall over their guests as they locked eyes for the first time, the Malibu waves gently crashing in the background.
One of John’s must-haves for the day was including vintage car photos, and wow, did they deliver. The car added just the right touch of causal cool, giving their portraits the perfect editorial edge. The juxtaposition of the classic car against the coastal Malibu backdrop was pure magic.
Their style was impeccably curated, but what stood out most was how much they trusted me throughout the process. From building out the timeline to ensuring we captured their portraits during golden hour (and working around high tide!), they leaned into the process, and it paid off tenfold.
Why Wedding Weekends Are the New Luxury Experience
Clare and John’s Malibu beach house wedding was the kind of event that makes you want to press pause on life so you can soak in the joy for just a little longer. And that’s exactly why more couples are gravitating toward wedding weekends.
Couples are moving away from a rigidly-structured whirlwind day with barely a chance to greet their guests before the night is over. A wedding weekend offers the time and space to connect with your people on a deeper level, free from the constraints of a rigid timeline. It’s about creating a luxurious but relaxed atmosphere where memories can unfold naturally.
Whether it’s a beachfront welcome party, an intimate rehearsal dinner, or a morning coffee chat with your besties before the big day, wedding weekends allow you to stretch the celebration while making everyone feel seen and valued. Clare and John envisioned bringing their loved ones together authentically and intentionally—more like a family gathering than a formal event. (Although that wedding magic still glistened over every moment.)
Malibu Beach House Venue? Yes, Please!
There’s something uniquely special about hosting a wedding in a private and personal setting, like a beach house, cabin, or vacation rental. It’s more than just a wedding—it’s an experience. Everyone feels more at ease, and the atmosphere is filled with genuine connection.
For Clare and John, this was exactly what they wanted: a weekend that truly celebrated their love and their people, not just a series of scheduled events. Guests had time to connect, relax, and fully immerse themselves in the joy of the time shared.
A Team Effort
I have to take a moment to shout out their incredible videographer at Adelaide Shea Films. Adelaide was an absolute dream to work alongside. Fun fact: she’s from Minnesota, just like me, which made working together even more special. If you’re searching for a talented videographer who captures emotion with artistry, she’s your girl.
Wrapping Up
As I drove away from the beach house on Sunday morning, the sun rising over the Malibu hills, I couldn’t help but feel grateful. Grateful for clients like Clare and John who trust me to tell their stories, for the opportunity to photograph love in its most genuine and beautiful forms, and for the little moments—the belly laughs, the teary-eyed vows, the spontaneous dance-offs (or pool jumps!)—that make wedding weekends like this one so memorable. If there’s one thing I’ve learned from Clare and John’s celebration, it’s this: love is best celebrated when it feels like home, no matter where you are. And for them, Malibu was just that.
Malibu Vendor Team
Floral: The Little Branch
Photography: Hanna Walkowaik
Videography: Adelaide Shea Films
Shannon Gail Planner: Kendall Walczynski
Bridal Makeup: Bonita Bridal + Amii Galloway
Hair: Glamsquad
