California Vow Renewal on Film | Saddle Peak House

Weddings

Intimate California Vow Renewal on Film in Topanga Canyon Los Angeles California

Carly + Travis’ 10-year Anniversary Intimate California Vow Renewal at Saddle Peak House in Topanga.

Some days just feel like pure magic. This one definitely did. As a Destination Film Wedding Photographer, I got to capture moments for my friends Carly and Travis as they celebrated an intimate 10-year vow renewal tucked into the Saddle Peak House, a hidden gem in the Topanga Canyon on the east edge of Malibu.

A Morning of Connection

We started the day slow. I had the privilege of leading Carly and Travis through their very first boudoir session. It was quiet, intimate, and the perfect way to start such a meaningful day. The Saddle Peak house was the perfect backdrop for a destination boudoir session.

Couple's boudoir photography session in Topanga Canyon in Los Angeles, California.

Getting Ready Together

After the quiet intimacy of the morning, the house slowly started to come alive. Carly’s friends filled the Saddle Peak House with laughter and movement — steaming dresses, touching up makeup and offering words of love and support. It felt like the best kind of chaos. Everyone had a role, big or small, and it was such a reminder of how special it is to be surrounded by your people on a day like this. Those little moments are the ones that stay with you long after the day ends.

Wedding dress hanging with Topanga Canyon in the background

Topanga Canyon Malibu Destination Wedding

The House and the Setting

If you’ve never been to Saddle Peak House, imagine a mid-century modern dream nestled high above the canyon with stunning mountain and ocean views. It’s surrounded by nature, with light that filters through in the most cinematic way. You can see all the way out toward Malibu, yet it still feels completely tucked away. It’s one of those spaces that immediately slows you down.

The views from The Saddle Peak House in Topanga Canyon in Los Angeles, California.

Sunset Vows in the Topanga Mountains

Carly flew nine of her closest friends out to California, and as the sun set behind the mountains, we all got to witness something really special — two of our friends saying their vows and celebrating their love. The Topanga sunset turned everything golden, the kind of light that makes you stop talking and just take it in. Photographing on film gave everything this buttery, nostalgic texture that just feels like love — honest and a little bit timeless.

Bride and Groom standing on a balcony overlooking Topanga Canyon during sunset.

The Perfect Ending

After the ceremony, they did what made the most sense when you have an incredible home with a pool as your venue — jumped straight in. Fully dressed, laughing, completely in the moment. We got warm again, shared dinner, and stayed up laughing and enjoying our final evening there. It wasn’t about timelines or traditions — just real love, real friendship, and celebrating in a way that felt true to them.

Couple jumping into pool on their wedding night in Topanga Canyon.

Why I Photograph Days Like This

These are the moments I’ll never get tired of chasing — the laughter between friends, the quiet in-between moments, and the kind of love that just keeps evolving. Whether it’s an intimate vow renewal in Topanga Canyon, an elopement on the coast, or a wedding tucked away in the desert, I want to tell stories that feel like you — genuine, nostalgic, and full of heart.

Are you a couple looking for a wedding photographer who doesn’t rely on shot lists or forced poses? A photographer who is passionate about creating space for you to enjoy your day while letting the moments unfold naturally? A photographer who’s goal is for every photo to feel intimate and true to the story of your wedding? I’m your gal. Let’s connect.