Santa Cruz County Courthouse + Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park COVID Elopement » Santa Cruz, California / by Vivian Chen

When Joe and Daphne made their appointment to elope at the Santa Cruz County Courthouse, they had no idea that the cherry blossom tree in the courtyard would be in full bloom. They drove up from Los Angeles and met up with Daphne’s sister and brother-in-law to celebrate together. Everyone stood underneath the fluffy pink blooms as a light breeze periodically sent petals fluttering down like delicate snowflakes. Like a scene out of a springtime Japanese anime, Joe and Daphne exchanged vows and rings while a few happy tears were shed. After the sweet and simple ceremony, we headed over the Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park for some redwood portraits and a celebratory picnic. We wandered the trails while listening to the birds singing among the canopy before they found a spot for champagne, charcuterie and cake. We could not have asked for a more lovely day.