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Sunrise Galveston Beach Elopement – Chrissy and Matt

Elopements

May 2, 2025

2 Days Is Better Than 1

I met Chrissy and Matt at a wedding show in early 2024. They were planning a wedding at The Artisan, but in their planning had decided they really wanted a very small, private sunrise beach elopement ceremony. They decided to do their ceremony the day before, and keep The Artisan booked for a big reception to celebrate.

Blue Hour Photos with Lanterns

Our day started in the dark. They had asked if I would be willing to do some blue hour photos before their ceremony. Immediately yes! It was DARK when we somehow found each other in the parking lot at the beach, but the temperature was perfect, and the sound of the ocean lapping onto the shore just over the dunes was blissful.

We spent our first half hour together walking along the beach, their lanterns guiding our way as the light slowly grew over the horizon. The soft light in their hands, the wind blowing through the dunes as waves crashed into land, and Chrissy’s dress dancing in the breeze over the sand looked like a dream state come to life.

Ceremony and Beach Hair

As the sun broke over the water we headed toward the dunes to meet with their immediate families and some of their close friends for the ceremony. Chrissy’s dad walked her “down the aisle”, and Matt’s friend (one of his fellow service members) performed their ceremony as their guests looked on.

While they said their I dos, the wind whipped across the sand giving us all some major beach hair, which we later embraced heartily during their group photos! Beach hair, don’t care is a mantra we hold dear. Hairspray be damned!

The Last Few Quiet Moments

After group photos their entourage wandered away and it was just the three of us. We spent more time playing on the beach. They took in the epic morning golden hour. The dunes almost seemed to have a glow to them. These were some of the last few private moments Chrissy and Matt would have together until after their reception the following night. It was important to me that this time feel very slow, relaxed, and intentional. I wanted quiet moments for them to take mental pictures of where they were, and to give them space to feel each other’s presence.

And before we knew it, it was time for them to go get food! When brunch calls, we listen.

These two really got the best of both worlds with this style of planning. Having events over the course of two days really allows everyone to slow down and absorb each moment. I’m a fan and I think we’re going to be seeing more of this going forward.