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The Journal · Weddings · August 3, 2023 · 2 min read

A Malibu Mountaintop Elopement: Lauren and Lee

Lauren and Lee's intimate Malibu celebration paired rocky coastal portraits with a mountaintop ceremony and golden-hour views.

Lauren and Lee standing together on a Malibu mountaintop beneath a deep blue sky

Lauren Lee and Lee Roun celebrated with an intimate Malibu wedding story that moved from the rocky coast to a mountaintop ceremony. The small guest count kept the focus on the couple, the landscape, and a few personal traditions.

The photographs use the change in elevation and light to create two distinct chapters: cool blue coastal portraits and warm sunset images above the mountains.

Portraits Along the Malibu Coast

The first portraits placed Lauren and Lee beside the ocean, weathered cliffs, and coastal trees. Her long veil added movement against the clean horizon.

We used both wide landscape frames and closer portraits so the setting supported the couple instead of swallowing them.

Lauren and Lee standing together beside the Malibu coast
Close portrait of Lauren and Lee in soft coastal light

An Intimate Mountaintop Ceremony

The ceremony took place on a circular mountaintop terrace with only a few people present. Simple white floral arrangements marked the space while open sky and distant ridgelines became the backdrop.

The smaller format allowed the photographs to stay close to the vows and reactions.

Lauren and Lee walking together beside the rocky shoreline
Lauren and Lee during their intimate mountaintop ceremony

Golden-Hour Portraits

As the sun lowered, the mountains shifted from neutral tones to warm gold. Lauren's veil and sleeves caught the backlight, while Lee's black tuxedo created a clean silhouette.

The strongest frames came from simple movement and pauses that let the light shape the photograph.

Lauren and Lee exchanging vows on the mountaintop
Lauren and Lee embracing in golden light above Malibu

A Quiet Sunset Finish

The final portraits used the last direct light across the ridges. Close details, silhouettes, and a wide view of the terrace completed the story without adding unnecessary staging.

The result feels intimate, cinematic, and centered on the couple.

Close golden-hour portrait of Lauren and Lee
Lauren and Lee dancing on the mountaintop at sunset

Planning an Intimate Malibu Wedding?

See Kaitlan and James's Bel-Air Bay Club wedding for another celebration shaped by ocean views and coastal light.

Explore Los Angeles wedding photography, destination weddings, or contact us to begin planning.

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