WEDDING DAY PHOTOGRAPHY – Photographs capture your wedding day so you can have memories for a lifetime.  But, with all those pictures how do you choose which ones you want to display around your house and put in a photo album?

Here are some wedding day photo tips:

Getting to know your style

With our couples, we like to find out what photos you want more of – ceremony, family, or ones of the two of you.  We ask questions to our couples to find out their photo style, pictures they like, and who they want to have photos with.  We make sure to get all the important photos like the ones of the bride walking down the aisle, the couple looking at each other, the rings, and the kiss.

Photo time

The photo time for each package is outlined in your ceremony contract. It is important for you and your guests to show up on time so the wedding can start at the scheduled time.  Sometimes the wedding ceremony can last 20 minutes. If your photography time is only  45 minutes, then you have about 20 minutes for family photos, guest photos, the wedding party and the two of you. If you love photos, you might want to add on some photo time.

Practice

I know it sounds funny but you should practice your smile for photos. A natural smile is always nice to have. I also recommend smiling where we see your teeth!  For some pictures the photographer might ask you to close your eyes, relax and not smile while other photos might be candid pictures with you two laughing.

Engagement photos are also another nice way for the two of you to practice photos. It makes you feel more relaxed when you have already been in front of the camera. You will know more about posing too.

Another way to practice for photos would be to have your hair and make up done as a wedding trial.  This way you can take selfies and make sure you like the look of your hair and make up.  It is important for you to have a natural look to you and you recognize who the person is in the photos!

Who you want pictures with

This is an important thing to think about if you have a large wedding party.  If you have a lot of family members and guests, think about who you want photos with. It is your special day so adding on photos might be worth it in the long run.

Another question would be who should not be photographed together. In families where parents, grandparents, and aunts and uncles are divorced, it might be best not to have Aunt Sue with Uncle Jeff. Or even in families where people don’t get along – it would be best not to have those people in a picture together.

Your wedding photos also make great holiday cards!  Friends and family can see photos from your wedding and enjoy your happy time.

 

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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