Hi! I’m Natalie and elopements hold a special place in my heart. Both sets of my grandparents eloped, both grandparents didn’t let anyone know they were getting married, and they lived happily ever after! I should have probably eloped (that’s another story!), but I decided to have a small wedding so we could celebrate with close family and friends.
I started Coastal California Weddings to help take the stress away from couples. The first wedding I helped plan was many years ago for a friend. She wanted to get married in 3 months, had a small budget, and wanted a small guest list. I took on the challenge as the maid of honor and wedding coordinator. We made a lot of the decorations, I put together the flower centerpieces, and even took photos at the reception. For my wedding, I remember what it was like to be on a budget, but wanted something beautiful and memorable. It was stressful to contact venues and vendors that weren’t in my price range. After searching high and low (from Portland to San Diego) I found that perfect place to say I do and it happened to be on the Central Coast.
Now, you will find me coordinating your wedding, helping with the theme and colors, playing a bit of tour guide with favorite places to go, and you may even find me with a camera in my hand. I like capturing extra pictures or candid moments. The Central Coast holds a special place in my heart since I was married there and went to Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (go Mustangs!).
No matter the size of the wedding, planning can be stressful. I enjoy the planning part and helping couples to see the vision of their wedding day all come together.
I am lucky to have such a great team helping to make the weddings extra special!
Why small weddings and elopements? I feel that small weddings are more intimate. It allows the couple to enjoy the guests at their wedding, to make it more of a celebration, and to share lasting memories. Simple weddings really focus on love and the joy of the first day the couple will spend on their journey through marriage. It reminds me of a quote, “I want a marriage more beautiful than my wedding.” I believe that a wedding doesn’t have to cost as much as a car – you can still be on a budget and have an amazing wedding celebration and beautiful future.