A Long Beach Micro Wedding with Elopement Vibes | Sophie & Keaton’s Lions Lighthouse Ceremony
Long Beach • California
Stephanie Ip Photography
Table of Contents
- A Celebration That Felt Both Intentional and Free
- A Seaside Setting for Something Personal
- A Vow Exchange Filled With Laughter and Tears
- Golden Hour Portraits and Family Joy
- From Ceremony to Celebration
- Why We Love Micro Weddings With a Hint of Adventure
- Planning Your Own Long Beach Micro Wedding
- Helpful Tips
Southern California Proposal & Wedding Photographer
We’re Stephanie and Bryan—a husband-and-wife duo who believe that life’s most meaningful moments deserve to be captured and cherished. Stephanie is the creative force behind the lens, and Bryan, a software engineer by day, is her biggest supporter in every endeavor. Together, we bring a dynamic blend of creativity, precision, and teamwork to every session.
A Celebration That Felt Both Intentional and Free
Sophie & Keaton’s day was the perfect blend of a micro wedding’s closeness and an elopement’s spirit of adventure. Just days after making their marriage official, they traveled from their home in Utah to Southern California to exchange vows by the ocean — choosing Lions Lighthouse for Sight in Long Beach as the backdrop for a symbolic, family-witnessed ceremony.
For this couple, the California coast felt like a destination — a place full of light and newness. Their day carried the ease and spontaneity of an elopement but the emotion and togetherness of a micro wedding: heartfelt vows, joyful family tears, and laughter that carried into the night.
A Seaside Setting for Something Personal
The ceremony took place overlooking the marina, with the Queen Mary visible in the distance and gentle waves glinting in the afternoon sun. We, the husband-and-wife photographers duo, arrived early to prepare — scouting best angles of the day, checking best lighting, and waiting for morning market tents to clear. By the time the couple arrived, the space had opened into the perfect scene: palm trees swaying, sailboats drifting, and a soft breeze off the Pacific.
The Lions Lighthouse proved to be the ideal balance between city and sea — a slice of coastal adventure accessible right in the heart of Long Beach.
A Vow Exchange Filled With Laughter and Tears
Sophie & Keaton had already signed their paperwork, but this was the moment that felt real. Surrounded by their families in a half-circle facing the ocean, they exchanged vows that were tender, funny, and deeply personal — speaking of modern dating, patience, and gratitude for having found one another.
Their words drew both laughter and tears, echoing across the water. Each family member watched closely, holding space for the couple’s promises. It was simple and beautiful — the kind of ceremony that doesn’t need grandeur to feel profound.
Golden Hour Portraits and Family Joy
After the vows, everyone exhaled — and celebration took over. We guided portraits that blended candid joy with meaningful connection: a cheering tunnel, a dip-and-kiss moment that took a few playful tries, and family group photos glowing in the sunset.
The harbor light wrapped around them in gold, softening every frame into something timeless. These were the photos that captured the heart of the day — unposed, imperfect, and full of life.
From Ceremony to Celebration
Once the portraits wrapped, the evening continued at the couple’s nearby Airbnb, where the energy shifted from sentimental to joyful. Guests sang karaoke classics like “I Want It That Way” and “Sweet Caroline” while passing around sparkling cider and champagne.
It was everything a small wedding should be — relaxed, real, and rooted in love. No strict timeline, no performance — just family, laughter, and the comfortable feeling of being exactly where you’re meant to be.
Why We Love Micro Weddings With a Hint of Adventure
There’s something beautifully honest about days like Sophie & Keaton’s. Without the scale of a large wedding, you can feel every emotion — the shaky laughter, the way their parents reached for tissues, the wind lifting her veil just as they exchanged rings.
As photographers, we’re reminded that intimacy and adventure can coexist. You can travel somewhere new, bring your closest people, and still let the day unfold organically. These are the stories we love to tell — the ones that prove love doesn’t need a crowd to feel monumental.
Planning Your Own Long Beach Micro Wedding
If you’re dreaming of a day like this — intentional, scenic, and centered on connection — Long Beach offers incredible possibilities:
- Lions Lighthouse for Sight – iconic ocean views and soft evening light.
- Shoreline Aquatic Park & Rainbow Harbor Bridge – perfect for golden-hour portraits.
- Shoreline Village – a fun post-ceremony stroll for couples who want color and energy.
- Best Lighting: one hour before sunset for the warm, cinematic glow that defines coastal photos.
- Permit Tip: Long Beach requires photo permits for professional sessions — we can help with the paperwork and logistics.
Helpful Tips
📍 Lions Lighthouse, Long Beach, California
📆 June 7th 2025 ☀️ Sunset at 8:03pm
🌡️ Clear sky weather
🎬 Start time at 4:30pm
Ready to Plan Your Own Micro Wedding Adventure?
Whether you’re dreaming of a California coastline ceremony or an intimate elopement with family by your side, we’ll help you plan and capture it in a way that feels true to you.
