Dog Friendly Beach Elopement – Two very important members of the family were front and center for this Shell Beach elopement – a very handsome German Shepherd and an equally cute tiny Yorkie.   They were both attired in cute neckwear and even joined the couple for some pictures after the ceremony.   And, as is customary at this location in Shell Beach, we were joined by several seagulls, who gave their approval. 

The story of this couple began years ago, because both families were close when these two were growing up.   As time went by, each married someone else, but they still stayed in contact with one another.   In fact, the bride said that whenever the groom would come home to Louisiana to visit his family, he would also visit her family.   In fact, her mother would make a big deal of the occasion and cook so everyone could get together and visit. 

The couple met up again, this time in California, when the bride moved here to help her daughter who had two small babies and whose military husband was sent to Afghanistan for 10 months.   This time neither of them were married.   So… He became her knight in shining armor when she injured her knee while taking care of the two babies and packing up her house before her move to California.   At this point, they were communicating daily.   He came to her rescue, helped her pack, and flew back to CA with her, with two babies.

But, today is a joyful day as they are come together to celebrate their dog friendly beach elopement and express their love and commitment to each other and to finalize that commitment with their vows and the exchange of rings.

Knowing their story and witnessing their intense love for each other as they held each other’s hands, gave me an overwhelming feeling of joy for them as they said their vows.   I love officiating at all weddings and truly feel it is a privilege to be a part of such an intimate, meaningful occasion.   But, there was something truly special about this couple.   And, as the bride wiped away tears of joy during the ceremony, I also wiped away a tear, for their love was so touching and heartfelt.  

My wish for them is that they continue to be blessed with a love that grows deeper with each passing day, as they conquer all challenges ahead.   May their future be filled with love, joy, health and laughter.   And may their wish for the future be granted – that they will be able to go home to Louisiana to be with their family, children, and grandchildren.    

What a great way to celebrate their dog friendly beach elopement! May they always remember the gift they are to one another – a gift given to comfort the sorrows of life and to magnify life’s joys.   

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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