Summer Shell Beach Wedding

For this summer Shell Beach wedding, our bride and groom selected a grassy area overlooking the Pacific, as waves crashed on the rocks below.

As guests arrived at this summer Shell Beach wedding, they were directed to the wedding site by signs that showed the way.  At the entrance to the venue, the bride and groom set up an area where guests could sign their guest book.  Then signs directed the guests to their seats.

We had tied the chairs with black satin bows.  Set up at the entrance to the seating area, the bride had set up wine barrels decorated with baby’s breath and ivy, and accented with a cowboy boot.  An arch was also set up with white twigs decorating it.  Lanterns and a cross dangled from the top of the arch.  And baby’s breath bouquets decorated the rows of chairs.

As a tribute to her deceased father, the bride had a picture of her dad occupying the seat where he would have sat.  In that way, he was present during her entire ceremony, smiling at her as she said her vows and exchanged rings.

Many of the guests were dressed to carry out the theme of the wedding.  Many wore cowboy boots and most were dressed in black.

The groom’s grandchildren were the first to walk down the aisle.  Some of the girls carried signs that read “Papa, Here Comes Your Girl” and “Here Comes the Beautiful Bride”, followed by the ring bearer and the flower girl.  Then the bride’s sons and the groom’s daughters entered and assembled on either side of the arch.  Finally, the moment had arrived and the beautiful bride was ready to make her entrance. Escorted by her brother, she wore a white wedding gown, with feathers along the bottom.  And, of course, she wore cowboy boot!

The couple also added a Seashell Ceremony to their wedding.  To show their appreciation to all of the family and friends who attended this special ceremony, each guest was handed a shell.  Shells were also given to the bride and groom and to their attendants.  The minister then asked that each person give a special blessing or wish to the couple.  The shells were then collected and placed in a glass jar as a keepsake for the happy couple.

After their “I dos”, the couple walked down the aisle as husband and wife, as the guests cheered.  What a perfect ending to this summer Shell Beach wedding ceremony.

But, wait.  That was not the end of the story.  No way.  The party continued.  The guests were then invited to a reception and dinner to celebrate the occasion.

Our best to this happy couple as they start a new life together.

*Couple provided their own decorations for the ceremony.

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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