RF Wedding of the Week: Beautiful Big Sur by Rad + In Love

As a native Northern Californian living in New York, I often feel the pull back to the dreamy wind-whipped jagged cliffs of the Big Sur coastline–a place that has long been a source of inspiration for many classic novels.

The intimate beach wedding of New Yorkers Nikisha (founder of Urbanbushbabes) and Carl, shot by Jamie Street and Michelle Pullman of the photographic duo, Rad + In Love, is full of all those magical ingredients that writers like Jack Kerouac and Henry Miller referenced: Cypress trees sculpted by the wind, rocky coastlines, luscious beaches, golden sunsets and lots of  love. All photos © Rad + In Love
The duo was excited when Nikisha and Carl contacted them to shoot their wedding: “We knew [Big Sur] was a totally magical spot. When Jamie [Street] and Nikisha finally had a chance to meet over tea in Brooklyn, there was no question magic would be present. What a cool couple! Nikisha executed the planning from the opposite coast meticulously, following her vision of a simple bohemian beach ceremony through. We spent the morning blending into their getting ready time at a wonderfully un-rushed pace. All 10 of the guests (immediate family and a few very close friends) were gathered at the gorgeous rental home sharing this time together. Nikisha and Carl welcomed us to quietly document all the touching moments of the day, such as the men and women separately gathering for prayer.”

The idea for Rad + In Love came during a conversation in a “sunny Los Angeles park” when it hit Street and Pullman that they could combine their strengths and talents to photograph weddings full time. From Pullman: “I never set out to be a wedding photographer, but I was always excited to shoot weddings for friends when asked. I had been looking for a way to apply my photography education to a career without compromising my vision and style. I was pleasantly surprised to learn that weddings were the perfect place for me to continue shooting the way I love to shoot: telling stories with portraits and landscapes in a documentary style. I also love being around our clients and their friends. People at weddings tend to be in very high spirits, dressed to impress, ready to show love and support, and have an all-around great time. It’s very fun to be a part of it all and at the end of the day, we’ve helped people tell a story that will be shared with generations.”

From Street: “When I first started studying photography (in Las Vegas in the 90s), wedding photography was not something you aspired to, ever. I think it would have been akin to waiting tables, less the tips. Now, I am thankful every day it is my job. I love being able to capture real moments as they happen, and portraits in a natural way. A potential client asked last night in a meeting what was my favorite thing to shoot during a wedding day, and I had to apologize for not having one answer (portraits and details and candid moments and environment and getting ready…). I love the variety, and working with people on one of the specialist, most love filled days of their lives.”

“After a quick ‘first look’ session, we traveled to Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park beach, which Nikisha and Carl were drawn to for the elements of the forest and ocean. We spent time taking portraits of the bride and groom and their guests in the forest before moving down to the sand for the sunset ceremony. Everyone gathered around as a guitar player gently strummed ‘Weird Fishes’ by Radiohead (their special song).”
“After the ceremony, we spent more time with the bride and groom on portraits as they explored the beach. The elements really were on our side that day! From the wind sweeping Nikisha’s hair and shawl, to the sun drenching everything in gold–it was pretty much perfect. The night ended with the little group celebrating around a table of food at The Big Sur Bakery.”

Street and Pullman used a variety of cameras (digital and film) and lenses to capture the day: Hasselblad 500CM w/ 80mm 1:2.8 Zeiss lens + Kodak Portra 400, Polaroid SLR 680 SE + PX 680 Impossible Film, Canon 5D Mark III DSLR, Canon EF 50mm f/1.2L USM Lens, Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS II USM Lens, Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM Lens.
See more of this wedding here. View past RF Weddings of the Week.