I remember meeting the groom before I met the bride. The bride had to work, but was very excited to start planning her wedding.  The groom helped with the initial planning and helped to give his feedback on what details were important to him. I do love it when couples are both involved in their wedding day.  Since the bride and groom  lived just around the corner in the beach community of Arroyo Grande, we were able to do some engagement photos.  The engagement photos gave the 3 of us time to get to know each other, talk a little more wedding details, and feel comfortable in front of the camera.  They also used one of the engagement photos for their wedding invitations.

For the wedding date, they chose to get married on April Fools’ Day. Because they did not want any April Fools’ jokes to interfere with their wedding, they decided to have a rehearsal the day before their April 1st wedding.    

As a special request, the bride’s father wanted the traditional question to be asked:   “Who gives this woman in holy matrimony”?   But he wanted to recognize all the people who were responsible for getting our bride to this point in her life.   During the rehearsal, he just wanted to acknowledge these people.   But, on the wedding day, he added a little something.   He called all the people up to the front to recognize their contribution.   What a special touch to thank all those who made this dream come true.   Special touches like that add so much to a wedding.

The bride and groom had chosen yellow and navy blue as the colors for their wedding, and many of the guests also were dressed in corresponding colors.   The chairs were tied with navy bows and the aisle chairs were tied with sunflowers which were also used in the bride’s and bridesmaids’ bouquets. 

After the wedding ceremony, they all celebrated their wedding reception. The reception took place at one of my favorite  venues.  The guests enjoyed delicious Italian food, a celebration of love and even some dancing.

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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