Elegant Gazebo Wedding in Shell Beach

Sometimes it happens that when couples visit the locations in person they are drawn to a certain spot.  When I first talked to the bride she had really wanted one of our smaller locations, but after going over their guest list, they had to move the ceremony to a larger location.  In the end, the couple ended up adding on extra photos at the location she initially loved.  It turns out that taking the couple away from their guests for pictures creates a much more relaxed and romantic atmosphere. I really dislike it when the guests are hovering over the couple as they exchanges kisses and passionate glances!

For this wedding, the bride chose silver and plum as her wedding colors.  These colors were one of my favorites for weddings this year. Because the couple wanted to be closer to the ocean, the wedding ceremony was on the landing overlooking the ocean.  They added one of our arches that was draped in silver and plum and decorated with flowers.  Many of the guests wore colors to complement the silver and plum theme.  Several gentlemen had light plum shirts or ties, and the bride’s beautiful mother wore a beautiful sequined silver dress.

The children in the wedding party wore dresses made of white tulle, accented with plum, and carried signs announcing the coming of the bride.   So cute!   And the ring bearer was adorable in his pale grey suit and tie.   Then, the groomsmen escorted the bridesmaids and maid-of-honor down the aisle.   The bridesmaids looked so elegant in their long plum chiffon gowns and carried bouquets of plum carnations and baby’s breath.   This truly was an elegant Shell Beach wedding!

Finally, the moment had arrived for the breathtaking bride to make her entrance.   She was escorted down the aisle by her stepfather, as music played in the background.   How beautiful she looked in her ruched wedding gown, adorned with beading.   Her bouquet carried out the color scheme and contained roses, anemones, and ranunculus in shades of plum and burgundy and accented with Queen Anne’s lace.      

The couple personalized the ceremony by reciting handwritten vows to each other.   They even incorporated a verse from Proverbs into their ceremony:   “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.   In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”   They plan to let this verse guide them through life, as they grow in love for one another and for God.   To make the ceremony even more personal, they incorporated a Shell Ceremony that symbolized the joining of their lives.   They were reminded that before they met, their lives were on different paths, heading in different directions.   But, those paths crossed, they fell in love, and were standing together today, to be wed.

After a blessing, the couple was pronounced husband and wife.   They then sealed their love with a kiss.   Finally, the minister announced them as husband and wife for the first time and they walked hand in hand down the aisle.   As the wedding party walked down the aisle after them, I heard some of children say that now they could start the party!

After photos, the guests were treated to a celebration in Avila Beach.   The party included food, music, dancing, and cake – a perfect ending to this elegant gazebo wedding.

We, at Coastal California Weddings wish this couple days of endless joy, surrounded by family and friends.   May they remember always this perfect start to their new life together.   Cheers!

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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