Santa Barbara courthouse wedding

This Santa Barbara courthouse wedding was extra special to me because of an extra special bride. I’d met Ki as we were both volunteering for Groundswell Community Project. When she asked if I’d be available to shoot her elopement, I did not hesitate to accept.

Being a part of the surfing community here has brought some incredible people in my life, for which I’m so grateful. Speaking of which:

Last year brought Groundswell Community Project my way. Groundswell is research-based surf therapy. The curriculum and programs are rooted in somatic, trauma-informed, nature, and community therapy models to best support the holistic healing of womxn and their communities overcoming various forms of trauma and its mental health effects.

I’ve been a volunteer with them for two programs now. The power of healing I’ve witnessed through Groundswell this year has inspired me to start the certification process and become a surf therapy facilitator myself. If you’d like more information on Groundswell and surf therapy, please do let me know.

Santa barbara elopement

This was my first time commuting by train in this country. I have to say, watching the ocean from the comfort of my seat was far calmer than sitting in traffic on the 405! A quick car ride away from the train station and I was at the delightful courthouse in Santa Barbara.

The Santa Barbara courthouse is a stunning building. This Spanish Colonial Revival style building was designed by William Mooser III and completed in 1929. The interior was closed due to the pandemic unfortunately. We made the most of the sunken gardens and building exterior, and the chap who married Ki & Krishna even allowed us into a secret stairwell. 

Special thanks to Tim for being so lovely. He didn’t even know the couple and managed to perform a personal and charming ceremony that was perfect for them! 

After the ceremony we headed down to the beach to check out the surf. I love how, even though Krishna doesn’t surf (yet), he was fully supportive of his new wife’s complete love for the sport.

Congratulations my friends.

Shot on Kodak Portra 160, Kodak Gold 200 and Ilford HP5 35mm film.