Stories of Love_0126Stories about love – 

Sometimes, as wedding coordinators, photographers, and ministers, we get to hear incredible stories of how our couples met.   And, sometimes, these stories stay with us for a long time.

Recently, we married a couple that had been neighbors since the third grade, but didn’t know each other.   They officially met each other in eighth grade.   Their lives went in different directions; they married other spouses, had children, and divorced. Then, one day while each was working at Kaiser Permanente, they ran into each other, reconnected, and got married.

For another couple, the groom had known the bride since they both were in kindergarten.   He would gaze at this beautiful little girl, but could never gather up the courage to talk to her.   He felt she was too pretty to look at someone like him.   This feeling of admiration from afar continued until finally he approached her in junior high.   They started talking and he found her so easy to strike up a conversation with.   They continued as friends, but still he could not gather the courage to ask her out.   They drifted apart, each marrying someone else.   He had two boys and she had two girls.   Then life dealt each a blow and they each divorced.   But, one day on Facebook they reconnected.   We were privileged to be a part of their beach wedding, and were touched by their love story.

Another couple had such a touching story.   The groom’s first wife suffered an untimely death 20 years before.   The bride divorced from a 27 year marriage 15 years ago.   These two met 12 years ago, but neither was ready for a serious relationship at that time.   The years passed.   Two years ago they reconnected.   As the bride told us:   “We now look back and regret those lost years of not being together.”   They waited a long time to find the next chapter of their life.   We were so happy that they finally could spend their days together as husband and wife.

Several weeks ago we married a couple whose lives continued to cross paths.   For their story about love, h e first spotted her at the gym where they both worked out.   Then, he spotted her at a photo shoot and he snuck passed the barriers that said “no admittance”.   That didn’t stop him from sneaking onto the area where she was being photographed and he even took a few shots of his own.   Then, their paths crossed again when he was viewing a perspective house to live in and he spotted a picture of a beautiful lady who looked familiar.   On closer inspection, he discovered her to be the girl from the gym he had admired many years before.   Finally they met, and he told her he even had a picture of her from her photo shoot, and he retrieved it and showed it to her.   At the time, she was divorced and raising her daughter as a single mom.   That was her focus, and she was not interested in a relationship.   Fast forward….Her daughter is now grown.   They reconnected and this time, and the guy got his girl.   They made the cutest couple, and he could not stop smiling during the ceremony and photos after.

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.
February 1, 2025
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.
January 30, 2025
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!
Show More
Share by: