Sunset Gazebo Wedding Shell Beach

Our bride chose fall colors for this sunset gazebo wedding in Shell Beach.  The chairs were tied with peach sashes and the gazebo was tied with champagne bows.  Music played as the guests gathered.  Before the ceremony, the groom’s mother pinned a boutonniere on his vest.  You see, this was her first of three sons to be married, so today was a special day for her, as well.

As the bride got out of the car to meet her groom, the she wiped a tear of joy from her eye.  All guests stood as she walked down the aisle into the gazebo.  Dressed in a soft, lacy gown with a flowing train, and carrying a bouquet of peach and champagne flowers, the photographer captured the bride as the groom turned to catch his first glimpse of his future wife.  In fact, they had not seen each other during the entire day.  This was a simple, traditional touch, and it made this ‘first glimpse” very touching.

As they said their ‘I dos” and exchanged rings, they whispered “I love you” and squeezed each other’s hands. Their love and devotion to each other was very apparent during the entire ceremony. They even incorporated a quote into their ceremony that represented their wish for the future.  The quote is from the movie Shall We Dance and it says:  “We need a witness to our lives… In a marriage, you’re promising to care about everything. The good things, the bad things, the terrible things, the mundane things… all of it, all of the time, every day. You’re saying ‘Your life will not go unnoticed because I will notice it. Your life will not go un-witnessed because I will be your witness’.”

To further express their love and commitment to each other, they decided to incorporate a Love Letter Ceremony during their special day.  They each wrote love letters describing what they truly admire about the other person, the reasons they fell in love, and their reasons for choosing to marry.  During the ceremony, the letters were then placed in a box and sealed with a wish for the future.  The box is to be opened and the letters read on their first anniversary, to recall the wonderful memories they had made over the first year of their marriage.

May your marriage always be a testament of your love and devotion for each other.  And may your love grow more deeply with each passing day.  Cheers and best wishes to both of you.

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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