For this August wedding, the day started off warm, but cool breezes came off the water as the sun made its descent.    The guests had arrived at this picturesque spot overlooking the ocean and the point of Avila.  I remember the first time the groom called me. He was so excited to find the perfect spot for the two of them to get married. After a quick trip to look at the location, they called to say they found their special spot.

When the ceremony started, the bride started her walk down the path while the groom  turned away until his bride was a few steps away from him.    Her niece, dressed in a fancy pink dress, scattered pink rose petal on the sidewalk as the bride approached.    Finally, the groom turned to see his radiant bride, ready to become his wife. 

The bride wore a beautiful ruched bodice dress with a long train and carried a bouquet of pale pink peonies.    The groom looked very handsome in this light grey colored suit. 

Before family and friends, they exchanged their vows.    They then sealed their vows with the exchange of rings.    After the blessing, the moment had arrived and they were pronounced husband and wife.    And, then, the groom was able to kiss his bride!

Group photos followed, with the evergreen trees and the ocean in the background.    More shots were taken of the families.    Then, photos followed of just the two of them.    The groom had hoped for a few shots as the sun was setting.    Luckily, before the sun sank behind the clouds, the photographer was able to snap some photos of the couple with the sunset behind them.

 As a Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate, he has a fondness for the area, and a strong connection.    And, the central coast is a great place for these central valley residents to escape the heat of summer.    Hopefully, they will be able to spend many happy anniversaries at the resort, and walk the few steps to their wedding spot.    Then, they can re-create their sunset Shell Beach wedding.

We at Coastal California Weddings wish this sweet couple a lifetime of happiness.    And, from this day forth, may their worries be few, may their joys be many, and may their love grow more abundantly with each passing day. We love Cypress Lookout Weddings!

PS – I was HAPPY to marry our first Cal Poly Alumni!  It is such a magical place to get married on the Central Coast.  Even though it has been years since I attended Cal Poly, the school and town has some great memories! GO MUSTANGS!!

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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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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