One of my favorite places on the Central Coast is in San Luis Obispo.  San Luis Obispo is the main town full of shops, yummy places to eat, breweries, and Cal Poly.  This favorite spot is the Mission in San Luis Obispo.  The Mission is in the center of town and has these large, old eucalyptus tree that frame it.  The couple that got married today asked to have their wedding near the Mission and have pictures take down by the creek.

It had rained most of the day, but the rain stopped as this San Luis Obispo Mission Elopement began.  A few friends had gathered at the base of the mission steps.  The bride and groom selected a perfect spot in a small amphitheater near the creek, for their wedding.  The guests spread out on the steps for a birds-eye view of the ceremony.  The time had finally arrived for these two to tie the knot, as some of the guests commented that it was about time.

You see, they had been together for ten years.  During the vows, the groom expressed how his bride was always by his side, and he promised from this day forward to faithfully be by her side.  He said that every day he realizes what a lucky man he is to have her by his side.  She said that she never expected to find anyone, but ten years ago he came along.  And, today they were declaring their commitment to each other and exchanging rings as a seal of the promises they each said to each other in handwritten vows.

For her bouquet, the bride selected a perfect autumn combination of sunflowers, red roses, and deep peach roses, accented with the blossoms of seeded eucalyptus.  The flowers coordinated perfectly with the deep peach shawl that she wore over her white handkerchief-hemmed dress.

I love it when couples express how they didn’t expect to find a soulmate.  But, all of a sudden, a little bit of magic happens and they find each other.  They seemed so happy to be together, and their guests were equally thrilled to see this couple marry.

After photos with their guests, the couple went down to the creek for a few photos.  Then, they joined their friends for a celebration of good food, good company, and well-wishes at a local restaurant close by.

I am so happy they found each other and I want to wish them a lifetime of happy memories, surrounded by good friends.  May then return often to this spot to remember their San Luis Obispo Mission Elopement.

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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