California Beach Elopement – On a beautiful, autumn day, on a bluff overlooking some of the most beautiful white water on the central coast, this couple said their “I dos”, exchanged rings, and asked for God’s blessing.

I asked our minister, Lynda, if she could write about this couple.  She had such a bond with them.

When I read what this couple had written about what they admired in each other and when they told their love story, I knew they were very special.  So, when I sat down to compose their ceremony, I wanted it to truly reflect their love for one another and their deep belief in God.  After meeting them and marrying them, I feel honored to have been part of something so special.”

You see, they met twelve years ago, but at the time, neither was ready for a serious relationship.  Ten years passed and they reconnected two years ago.  This time, they were ready to make a commitment to one another.  But, they said that now they look back and regret their lost years when they could have been together.  As she said, they both have waited a long time to find the next chapter of their life together.  And the groom said that he had waited twenty years but now has found the right person for him to spend the rest of his life with.  In fact, he said that she is everything he could wish for in a wife.  Together they look forward to a long and happy life together “‘til death do us part”.

For their California Beach Elopement, the sky was a bright blue, the sun was shaded by the beautiful, old cypress trees, and the couple looked at each other with warm smiles and heartfelt tears.  The bride, with her flowing blond hair, wore a lovely, lacey grey dress and carried a bouquet of blush pink roses and ranunculus accented with grey dusty miller – a perfect accent to her grey dress.  And the groom was very dapper in his black suit.  But, what was most touching was the time they had waited to find each other and fall in love.  And now, they were marrying.

They had traveled from Florida to California and had already toured San Diego, Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, and Santa Monica before arriving on the central coast for their Shell Beach elopement.  They are now traveling up the coast for some more stunning scenery along Highway 1, before making their way to Portland, Oregon.  What a nice road trip, especially this time of year.  Hopefully, they will continue to travel and find new roads to explore and new adventures to experience so that they can fully enjoy this chapter of their new life and make up for the years they were apart.

May their rings always be a symbol of their love for each other.  May their hopes, dreams, and promises for the future come true.  As God has led them to this day, may He shed His grace upon them and also follow them on their journey as husband and wife.  And, may their hearts stay full, their spirits connected, and may they love long and happily in each other’s arms.  We, at Coastal California Weddings, felt privileged to be a part of this love story.  It still brings tears to my eyes as I remember their story and their love for each other.

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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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Not sure what to wear to a small wedding? We've got some tips on how to dress for a small wedding. Let us plan your small wedding in Pismo Beach.
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Celebrate your wedding in Cambria! Come have your elopement or small wedding in Cambria. This wedding location overlooks the ocean, have a pretty tree grove and access to the beach. Let us plan your wedding in Cambria!
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