Before kicking off Emily and Jack’s destination wedding at Mission Ranch in Carmel-by-the-Sea, we snuck away for something truly special: a relaxed, romantic pre-wedding photo session by the ocean. It ended up being one of the most meaningful parts of their weekend—and I can’t recommend it enough for couples planning destination weddings in California, Martha’s Vineyard, Scottsdale, or anywhere coastal and full of charm.

Whether you're a bride from Dallas, Charleston, Shreveport, Scottsdale, or planning a wedding on Martha’s Vineyard, this story is full of inspiration for creating slow, intentional moments during a fast-paced wedding weekend—and capturing them beautifully.

A Moment to Slow Down Before the Celebration Begins

Emily and Jack originally did their engagement session in Dallas, but something was missing. During our shoot, I asked Emily, “Do you think you’ll regret not having portraits by the ocean?” She paused and said, “Thank you for knowing me. Yes—I think I would.”

So, the day before their rehearsal dinner in Carmel, we planned a last-minute seaside session. It rained—and they danced through it barefoot. It was peaceful, beautiful, and wildly romantic. There’s something about Carmel-by-the-Sea, with its soft fog and crashing waves, that just brings everything into focus.

From DFW to Carmel, Scottsdale to Martha’s Vineyard

As a wedding photographer serving couples from Dallas-Fort Worth, Scottsdale, Arizona, Charleston, Shreveport, and the East Coast, I work with brides who want their photos to feel effortless, emotional, and artful—whether they’re planning:

A coastal wedding in Carmel
A Martha’s Vineyard weekend celebration
A desert destination wedding in Scottsdale
Or a classic Southern wedding in Charleston

No matter where your wedding is, carving out time for a pre-wedding photo session in your destination city creates the most authentic, relaxed images—before the whirlwind begins.

Why Every Destination Bride Should Do a Pre-Wedding Session

This quiet little shoot allowed Emily and Jack to slow down, breathe, and soak in the moment before guests arrived. It also gave them something else—photos they could share with friends and family at the start of their weekend. I sent them a few sneak peeks that evening, and they were able to send them to loved ones before the first champagne toast.

This is one of my favorite parts of wedding photography: capturing not just the big events, but the in-between moments that tell the full story.

Whether you’re getting married in Carmel, Martha’s Vineyard, or flying in from DFW, Charleston, or Scottsdale, these sessions set the tone for the weekend—and the photos become treasures for years to come.

Planning a Destination Wedding in Carmel, Martha’s Vineyard, or Scottsdale?

As a photographer who travels between Dallas, California, New England, and the Southwest, I specialize in photographing celebrations that feel luxurious but never stiff—editorial but always emotionally rich.

If you’re: