Bohemian Style Pismo Beach Wedding

Sometimes a couple comes along that represents all that love should be.  And, today, that happened.

I remember our first meeting.  The couple was so happy to be getting married. The bride hadn’t been to the Central Coast but the groom had gone to the dunes many times growing up.  He knew he wanted to get married at the beach so his dreams came true!

The groom had such love for his bride. On the day he met he asked about bridal salons so he could surprise his bride and take her dress shopping. During the planning of the ceremony, the groom made several calls to Coastal California Weddings to make sure all details were covered for their special day.  The day of the wedding, the groom was at the location, putting together a birch branch arch secured with heavy rope that he had made – now that is LOVE!  At the reception location, the bride had decorated the site with mint green and lace table cloths to carry out her bohemian theme. And the head table was decorated with pink and mauve roses and jasmine leaves.

To show his more playful side, the groom had made bean bag toss games for the guests to play before the wedding, and several of the guests tossed a football as they awaited the bride and groom.

For this Bohemian style Pismo Beach wedding, the chairs for the wedding were tied in lace sashes, with the aisle chairs in lavender sashes.  The arch was draped in tulle with a bouquet of lavender and pink roses and trailing jasmine leaves.  The chairs and arch were set up to take full advantage of the spectacular view of the white water below, the blue sky, and the tip of Avila Beach.  As the sun made its descent, and shade fell upon the site, the time had arrived for the magical moment.  As music played in the background, the bride’s mother was escorted by the bride’s brother, and the bridesmaids and groomsmen followed.  Then came two darling ring bearers, who almost stole the show. That is, until the bride, escorted by her dad, was ready to make her appearance.  All rose as she walked down the aisle.  Her dad then kissed her and shook hands with the new man in her life.

During the ceremony, this couple pledged their love to one another with hand-written vows.  (Hers even rhymed!) They gazed into each other’s eyes and smiled during the entire ceremony.  Their new, fresh love was so present in those looks.

During the shell ceremony, their moms were invited to join the groom and bride.  The bride’s mother handed them the shells so they could make a wish for their future together. The groom’s mom held a vessel filled with sand into which the shells were placed, symbolizing the joining of their two separate lives into one.  I am so glad we included the mothers in this part of the ceremony because their parents were so important to this couple.  In fact, they gave the perfect tribute to their parents.  When I asked them to write their wish for the future, they responded by saying:  “We want to create a family with values that our own parents have taught us; ie. honesty, hard work, love, kindness and charity… our wishes are to have a home filled with happiness and fun with two or more children…” What an expression of gratitude  to their parents to acknowledge the part their parents played in their lives, and the values they hope to instill in their own future children.

After the ceremony, family and guests gathered under the cypress trees, overlooking the ocean, for pictures.  The bride’s beautiful, beaded strapless dress with its flowing train was accented by her softly curled blond hair and radiant smile.  And her groom, clad in a tan suit, with his sparkling blue eyes, was enjoying every moment of this special day.

After the photos, the guests gathered for the reception at a famous Pismo Beach spot.  And, the celebration continued.  Everyone was so thrilled to be a part of this special day, and all joined in the fun.  And, the groom’s playfulness continued at the reception, as the bride and groom posed on mopeds on the street beside the venue.  So cute!

Thank you so much for letting us be a part of your very special celebration.  May your Bohemian style wedding in Pismo Beach be only the beginning of a lifetime of joyful memories.  With the groom’s playfulness, I’m sure this couple will have an adventure of a lifetime together.  Congratulations and best wishes!

Why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach

By Natalie Jones • February 27, 2025
Here’s why you should have a small wedding in Pismo Beach Small weddings are the way to go these days! We aren’t just saying that because small weddings have been our thing since we started our business back in 2015. A small wedding can have the same parts of a large wedding - unforgettable moments, celebration with friends and family and the start of the rest of your life together. But, small wedding have a few more benefits like - less stress, less more, and more of the two of you and what you want for your wedding! We love the scenery of the Central Coast for small weddings. There are million dollar views - from your toes in the sand at one of the beach locations, to overlooking the ocean, to shaded eucalyptus trees, and jagged cliff sides. Small weddings are our favorite because the couple is free to focus on the most important things, like having their day, their way, spending the day with the people who truly matter, and having an amazing day packed with lasting memories. What Is Driving the Trend Toward Smaller Weddings? Several factors are behind the increasing trend of smaller weddings. Modern couples are redefining what it means to celebrate love, and in most cases, they focus on quality over quantity. Small weddings have become for popular and couples embrace fewer guests and find the beauty of intimate gatherings. Changing societal norms and the desire for unique, personalized experiences also make smaller weddings an attractive option. How Do Small Weddings Create More Meaningful Connections? Small weddings foster more meaningful connections by allowing couples to spend quality time with each guest, creating an intimate and personal atmosphere. With fewer attendees, conversations feel more genuine, and guests feel truly valued and appreciated. Some couples will have a few day long celebration for their wedding - starting a few days before the wedding with wine tasting or seeing the sites of the Central Coast, then relax on the beach the next day. After some fun in the sun, it's wedding day. The day will end with a group dinner or casual private reception. Then, the guests will leave and the couple has a few more days to celebrate their honeymoon in Pismo Beach or other beach location. This setting also encourages deeper interactions, making it easier to share special moments, heartfelt toasts, and personal stories. Without the hustle and chaos of a large event, couples and their loved ones can be fully present, strengthening bonds and making the celebration even more memorable. How Does a Smaller Guest List Reduce Wedding Stress? Planning a wedding can be quite challenging. It is easier for couples to plan their weddings with smaller guest lists, as this dramatically lowers their prospects of worrying. Incorporating fewer guests into a wedding means that there are fewer logistical elements to take care of, such as catering, seating arrangements, accommodations, and more people to please. This way, couples can spend more time and energy making their special day more unique instead of fretting over accommodating numerous people. A more personal gathering helps create a homely and calming vibe, giving the couple a chance to make the most of each interaction with their guests. Most importantly, a smaller guest number means that there would be fewer changes needed at the last minute, which translates to lower expenditure and costs. Hence, all attendees, coupled with the couple, can fully enjoy themselves without feeling the pressure of the wedding arrangements. What Are the Financial Benefits of Hosting a Small Wedding? Hosting a small wedding can be a cost-effective choice, offering couples the chance to allocate their budget more intentionally. With fewer guests, expenses for catering, venue size, and decor are reduced, freeing up funds for other priorities such as an unforgettable honeymoon or investing in a dream home. This financial flexibility allows couples to create a celebration that reflects their values and vision without overspending. Celebrate your love story with us! Small weddings are more than just a trend—they represent a shift in how couples approach one of the most important days of their lives. By focusing on intimacy, meaningful connections, and thoughtful planning, small weddings offer a unique and heartfelt way to celebrate love. For couples looking to create a stunning and intimate wedding experience, Coastal California Weddings is your simple and stress-free way to plan your wedding. We provide expert guidance and inspiration.

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