A Sunset Cliffs Elopement With Ocean Light and Quiet Magic
ELOPEMENTS
May 2nd, 2025
Kalia & Trent
Kalia and Trent’s Sunset Cliffs elopement was a quiet, windswept dream—raw, intentional, and full of emotion. They chose the coastline not for spectacle, but for serenity; a place where the horizon stretched endlessly and the cliffs echoed their vows like a sacred secret. As their California wedding photographer, I had the honor of capturing their story against the golden light and dramatic beauty of San Diego’s most iconic shorelines.
There’s something deeply personal about eloping at Sunset Cliffs. With just the ocean breeze, the hum of distant waves, and the glow of late-afternoon sun, everything unnecessary falls away. Kalia and Trent leaned into that simplicity. No audience, no elaborate staging—just two people fully present, grounded in their commitment and in each other.
Originally from Oregon, the two met not long after relocating to Phoenix, finding each other by chance (or maybe fate) on Bumble. Their first date wasn’t flashy. It was tacos from a truck on Camelback, and later, a quiet drive up to Dobbins Lookout—just Kalia, her camera, and Trent making her laugh. That effortless connection has never left them.
Their proposal mirrored the same understated intimacy. Trent brought Kalia back to the spot of that first real date. No photographers, no public moment. Just the two of them. He cried a little, she said yes, and the rest is a love story that now includes ocean cliffs and sea air.
One of my favorite moments from their elopement was the way they shared space—intentionally and playfully. They chose to exchange vows privately, with no cameras, no noise—just the rhythm of the tide beneath them. Later, they explored the cliffs hand-in-hand, barefoot and laughing, letting the light fall wherever it may. There was no rush, no pressure, no forced structure. And that’s what made the images so deeply cinematic—pure connection framed by nature’s grandeur.
"I knew Trent was the one when I was having a hard night, and he instinctively told me to stretch, breathe, and put on music. He knew exactly what I needed before I could even say it." – Kalia
From the soft cream and champagne tones of their outfits to the effortless joy they brought to every moment, this elopement was a masterclass in refined simplicity. And for couples who value presence over production, it’s proof that the most meaningful celebrations often come without a script.
Kalia and Trent’s day reminded me why I love documenting elopements in California—especially along the coast. As a San Diego wedding photographer and destination wedding videographer, I’m always drawn to these quiet moments that say so much without trying. The light, the landscape, and the authenticity of the couple combine to tell a story that’s both intimate and timeless.
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PHOTOGRAPHY | Peterman Photography & Video • @petermanphotoandvideo
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