​“Shaping Up” with an Elegant, Shape-Inspired Mini Wedding!

With the widespread impact of COVID-19, we wanted to share some hope, and remind couples that they can still plan a spectacular day with all the details they originally envisioned, even if it is on a smaller scale. So many couples are facing financial hardship during this difficult time, and the bright side of a more intimate wedding is that they can elevate the extravagance factor without stretching their budget! With fewer seats, tables, place settings, floral arrangements, meals, drinks, and favors, they can allow more space for their loved ones, and the elements that are most important to them. This elegant, shape-inspired mini wedding portrayed exactly how couples can pivot their pandemic-affected weddings to still reflect all the love and style of their dreams!

Just as countless small businesses in our wedding industry are shifting their models and collaborating to support each other during this difficult time, we are fascinated by how different shapes can work together to create something beautiful. This concept sparked our creativity, and we chose to emphasize different shapes throughout every aspect of our design. We kept the color palette neutral with white and beige, in order to highlight the pale pink elements of our design, while holding true to a soft, dreamy vibe. Our Design & Planning perfectionists at Elyse Events, with the collective efforts of our talented team of vendors on the Central Coast of California, curated and executed this vision beautifully.

The Central Coast of California has become a prime wedding destination for couples seeking a slice of paradise. San Luis Obispo county is appreciated for its variety of scenic settings, and has been consistently ranked over the years as one of the happiest places in the United States. It’s no wonder couples come from near and far to be married here! Within SLO County lies the renowned wine country of Paso Robles, and at the heart is Rava Wines, where this stunning celebration took place. Rava Wines is the perfect retreat for couples seeking a modern and romantic wedding venue, complete with a crystal clear lake with duel water features, an olive grove, spacious green lawns enclosed in stone pavers, an expansive white ballroom, and an old-world courtyard with European-inspired architecture. The Villa at Rava Wines provides luxury accommodations with a private three-bedroom, two-bath home, which overlooks endless miles of lush vineyards and ancient oaks on their 505-acre estate. With all-encompassing amenities, Rava Wines is the perfect location to create beautiful memories with family and friends, and it was the perfect location for our mini wedding!

We had a blushing bride with glamourous, pink-toned makeup by Jessica Blanco at Central Coast Beauties, and a fabulous up-do cascading down into a sideswept braid by Sarah Carlson at Gemini Hair Salon. Our bride wore the showstopping Darby ballgown from the Studio E Designs collection at Epiphany Boutique in San Luis Obispo, showcasing a deep V sweetheart neckline and intricate lace appliques, consistent with our theme of shapes. Her gown was complimented beautifully by embellished, handmade, pointed-toe heels by Bella Belle. Dazzling jewelry by Serengeti West Fine Jewelers tied in her look, featuring a dramatic diamond-shaped wedding ring, kept secure in velvet ring boxes by The Mrs. Box. Our groom wore a sleek tuxedo from Patrick James in San Luis Obispo, complete with a clean white jacket, black bowtie, and sharp black accents.

Fete & Quill incorporated various shapes into a modern invitation suite, welcoming close friends and family to the intimate ceremony on the terraced lake lawn. Guests took their seats in diagonal rows of staggered white wire chairs from All About Events, which comprised of rectangles and created symmetrical triangles on either side of the aisle. Our picture-perfect ceremony was complete with extravagant blooms and parallelogram pillars, constructed by our incredibly talented Florist, Ricardo at Elegant Details Floral & Event Design. The glistening lake and whimsical trees set the perfect backdrop for our happy couple to say “I do.”

After the ceremony, our guests gravitated towards the delicious charcuterie display in the courtyard, hand-crafted by Jill at Farm & Harvest. Not only were her ingredients locally sourced, but she also conceived the idea of a COVID-friendly display. Guests were able to take their own individual charcuterie-filled plates, in an effort to keep the everyone as safe as possible. We were blown away by Farm & Harvest’s display of California cheeses, cured meats, fresh seasonal fruit, dried fruits, nuts, and crackers. Guests found their seats at the escort display with Himalayan salt-filled hexagon jar favors, finished with guests’ names on white acrylic circles. Matching the name tags were the white escort display signage with gold decal, all provided by our artistic Calligrapher, Fete & Quill. The staggered white shelving and decorative rugs were provided by Avenue Twelve, the impressive specialty rental company who also furnished our dreamy lounge space and supplied various white dining tables with geometric bases. These pieces were all made complete with lavish florals consisting of neutral tones, large blooms, extravagant orchids, and painted pale pink palms. These arrangements elevated our design that much further and tied in the details of our modern place settings on the long, elegant dining tables. Our tablescapes were made up of lace chargers, stoneware, and glassware from All About Events, pink and gold flatware from borrowed BLU, hand-dyed gauze runners from Snassy Crafter, pale pink velvet napkins from BBJ Linen, and parallelogram-shaped menus by Fete & Quill. Our long dining table was framed by tall, white pillars with cascading florals, reflecting those of our ceremony. After some warm-hearted toasts, the newlyweds continued their soiree with a custom, diagonally spiraled, 3-tiered cake by Autumn Cake Design. And who could forget the staggering champagne tower, featuring a Sparkling Grenache Rose, by none other than Rava Wines?! The intimate outdoor dining experience, amidst the European-inspired stone structures in the courtyard, was everything we could have envisioned and more.

This special day was captured beautifully by our amazing Photographer, Kelley at Kelley Williams Photography, and by our wonderful Cinematographer, Chelsea at Stories Told By Film. We are so grateful to them for lasting memories of the shape-inspired mini wedding of our dreams!

Design, Planning, & Coordination: Elyse Events
Photography: Kelley Williams Photography
Venue: Rava Wines
Florals: Elegant Details Floral & Event Design
Charcuterie Display: Farm & Harvest
Cake: Autumn Cake Design
Calligraphy & Signage: Fete & Quill
Rentals: All About Events
Specialty Rentals: Avenue Twelve
Flatware: borrowed BLU
Linen Napkins: BBJ Linen
Table Runners: SnassyCrafter
Cinema: Stories Told by Film
Makeup: Central Coast Beauties
Hair Styling: Sarah at Gemini Hair Salon
Bridal Gown: Epiphany Boutique SLO
Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes
Tuxedo: Patrick James
Jewelry: Serengeti West Fine Jewelers
Ring Boxes: The Mrs. Box
Bride & Groom: Carli Dugan & DeAngelo Dean

What can I say about these two that their images don't already showcase? To put it simply, I LOVE them. Stephanie and Daniel were so much fun to work with, and we seriously had a blast at their wedding! The phone calls and texts I would get from each of them always had me cracking up. These two goofballs are clearly meant for each other, and I'm so honored they chose me (another fellow goofball) to coordinate their wedding. This fun-loving couple said “I do” with an ocean view in the woodsy town of Cambria, on Leffingwell Landing, with panoramic views of the sparkling sea. The blue of the ocean inspired many other blue elements throughout this wedding, and the most show-stopping of them all was Stephanie’s wedding dress! Talk about something blue… We love when brides aren't afraid to wear colorful wedding dresses, and Stephanie, looked absolutely STUNNING in her custom-made, blue Estee' Couture gown (I literally cried when I saw her in it for the first time). The light, dusty blue gown contrasted nicely with navy suits worn by Daniel, his groomsmen, and his bridesmen. All the blue was complimented by blush and burgundy tones, representing a variety of hues which all flowed together seamlessly. The bridesmaids and groomsmaids all wore variations of blush. Daniel also incorporated burgundy accents within his ensemble, such as those incredible suede shoes and boutonniere ribbon, to tie in the burgundy aspects in the floral arrangements. The display of color in this wedding perfectly represented the fun personalities of our wonderful couple. One of our favorite parts of the day was during their wedding ceremony when Daniel surprised Stephanie with a board to break. Stephanie is a 5th degree black belt, and Daniel thought there would be no better way to symbolize breaking into their unified life together than to have Stephanie break a board right then and there. She cracked it in half on the first try (thank goodness), and it was so exciting for all of us to watch! Additional highlights of this wedding included a custom-made ceremony installment of a crescent moon, an entertaining flower man who sprinkled the aisle with burgundy petals, Stephanie and Daniel’s sweet vows to each other which incorporated their beautiful love story, the iconic Breakfast Club fist pump during their sunset photos, a tear-jerking first dance to “The Luckiest” by Ben Folds, roasting s’mores over the fire pit at the reception, a photo booth with street signs reading “Daniel Lane & Stephanie Drive,” and Stephanie and Daniel performing a wild dance to a remix of “Pony” at the end of the night. What a perfect example of true love and marrying your best friend. I loved every minute of their special day, and I wish them an abundance of White Claw for the rest of their days!

Coordination: Elyse Events
Ceremony Venue: Leffingwell Landing
Reception Venue: Oceanpoint Ranch
Photography: Ken Kienow Wedding Photography
Cinematography: Fox Jump Cinematics
Beauty: Twist + Co.
Bridal Gown: Estee' Couture
Florals: Arts District Florals
Rentals: Got You Cover'd
Ceremony Music: Mariposa String Quartet
Reception Music: Epic Entertainment
Portable Restrooms: Harvey's Honey Huts
Security: Spectre Security

I absolutely loved working with Hayley and Sam for their elegant, woodsy, sparkly wedding with beautiful views of Big Sur, and I’m so honored that they trusted their special day with me and my team! There were so many amazing details at this wedding: painted pinecones, greenery with gold and rose gold metallics, adorable ring security, signing the groom's guitar as the guest book, the large floral chandelier as a main focal point in the solarium, the custom drum set with a drawing of the bride and groom, the list goes on... In addition to the wonderful details, there were also so many special moments. When Hayley pulled up to her ceremony in The Beach Bus Photo Booth and was escorted by her father down the aisle to “I Choose You” by Willie Hutch, through a sea of applauding guests, it had EVERYONE in tears (including myself). Talk about making an entrance! The look on Sam’s face when he saw his stunning bride for the first time is what sent me over the edge. And if that wasn't enough to make me completely bawl my eyes out, Sam serenaded Hayley during their ceremony with a song he wrote for her just DAYS after meeting her, expressing how he would marry her someday. Yeah... I KNOW. It doesn't get much more romantic than that. But Hayley had a surprise for Sam as well... During their reception, she and her bridesmaids performed a choreographed dance routine for him. It was SO FUN! One of the fabulous parts of my job, in addition to seeing my couples’ visions come to life, is getting to know who they are and becoming friends with them along the way. When I first met Hayley, the only real info I had was that she was the cheerleader from Fired Up (one of my favorite movies) and she had randomly met my parents on a camping trip. What I knew about Sam was that he was in the Ohtis band and was friends with a neighbor. Through this journey, I got to really know Hayley and Sam, both individually and as a couple. They are some of the sweetest, most hilarious, gracious, genuine people I’ve ever met. Watching their dream come to life and witnessing the intense love they have for each other was such an honor. I’m so grateful to have been involved in this experience, and I got two new friends out of it as well! I wish Hayley and Sam all the love and happiness in the world as they embark on their future together as a married couple!

Photography: Bruno Rezza Photography
Coordination: Elyse Events
Venue, Catering, & Bar Service: Ragged Point Inn & Resort
Videography: SPF Studios
Florals: The Petal Pirate
Hair & Makeup: Lauren Wilde
Donuts: Donut Friend
Photo Booth: The Beach Bus Photo Booth

Modern, boho, swedish ti-pis, oh my! My obsession level with this shoot we designed is off the charts! What I love about designing is that you get to create a cohesive look by incorporating consistent elements throughout every aspect of the styled shoot or wedding. In this case, the elements of our styled shoot were blue, rusted orange, dotted lines, and a touch of gold. We chose a design that would not only compliment the rolling hills, trees, and ti-pis, but also enhance the natural elements of the ranch. In our ceramic, boho tablescape, the shades of blue pair so nicely with the orangey (it’s a word) tones, and all of the different textures really help take this look to the next level! We added unique details with the ceramic menus, china, and name plates, which give off a fresh, modern-boho vibe. And of course, we topped it all of with GORGEOUS florals! Overall, I am thrilled with how it all came together!

Venue: Riata Ranch
Photography & Cinematography: Ashley Rae Studio
Design, Planning, & Coordination: Elyse Events
Florals: Albert's Florist
Reception Rentals: All About Events
Linens: Blush Fine Linens
Specialty Rentals: Scout Rental Co.
Ceramic China: Back Bay Pottery
Cake & Desserts: The Cakery
Calligraphy: Nectar Lettering Company
Bridal Gown: Moondance Bridal
Floral Tie: DAZI
Hair: Paris Komie
Makeup: Beauty Goes Everywhere
Jewelry: Baxter Moerman Jewelry
Bride: Lachlan McKenzie
Groom: Chase Covell

Inspired by the natural beauty of Pepper Tree Ranch, this wedding inspiration features jaw-dropping floral installations, chic lounge design, and unique details. You’ll love every unforgettable moment of this modern bride’s dream wedding. There ceremony backdrop was covered in gorgeous white flowers and drapery, which looked quite magical blowing in the wind. Ghost chairs used at the ceremony site were perfect to provide an unaltered view of the beautiful scenery. One of our favorite details was the seating chart with wax sealed names on a beautiful silver framed mirror—it’s such a fresh way to direct guests to their seats. Our “all white everything” theme was showcased by a sparkling white reception table, silver flatware, white napkins, all white centerpieces, and copious amounts of white candles. Our goal was to keep everything modern and chic. Just wait until you see the golden hour portraits at the all-white lounge! Even more beautiful than all the details are our two brides wearing dresses that feature both of their personalities. The Maisie dress by WTOO is perfect for the fun and playful bride with a modern ballgown; while the sexy Simone Gown silhouette by Lotus Threads is great for brides that want the sparkle and glam while showcasing their figure. The detailed, sparkling cake by Cake Cathedral tied in all the stunning details from the day. We absolutely loved this fresh, clean look—just be careful with that red wine!
 
Photography: Kelley Williams Photography
Venue: Pepper Tree Ranch
Planning & Coordination: Elyse Events
Videography: Stories Told by Film
Florals: Shell Beach Floral Design
Reception Rentals: Got You Covered
Ceremony Draping: Got You Covered
Lounge Rentals: Embellish Vintage Rentals
Linens: Bella Couture Linen
Bridal Gowns: Epiphany Boutique
Cake: Cake Cathedral
Calligraphy: Fete & Quill
Hair Stylist: Paris Komie
Makeup Artist: Beauty Goes Everywhere
Jewelry: Serengeti West Fine Jewelers
Tan: Coastal Glo
Models: Jensen Victoria & Janelle Othman

Let me just start off by saying that I am OBSESSED with this inspiration shoot! I was obsessed during the shoot (literally shouting “I’m obsessed!!!”), and I’m obsessed now as I’m looking at the photos. This shoot was inspired by mine and Kelley’s love for yellow—we wanted a simplified, dreamy shoot with all ladies, yellow dresses, a white horse, and an abundance of flowers. One of my favorite things about my job is that I can have an idea or picture in my head and then transform it into reality! Watching your creative vision come to life is such a magical feeling—and nothing looks more magical than ladies in floor-length, flowing dresses, standing in an open field with a white horse, decorated with flowers. This is what dreams are made of!
 
Photography: Kelley Williams Photography
Venue: Higuera Ranch
Planning & Coordination: Elyse Events
Florals: Lori Boe Floral Design
Bridal Gown: Moondance Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulus
Makeup Artist: The Queens Bees
Hair Stylist: Maria Pesqueda
Horse: White Horse Carriage Co.
Spray Tan: Coastal Glo
Bride Model: Jessica Stroup
Bridesmaid Models: Cassidy Fisher, Maria Pesqueda, Athena Hernandez, & Joanna Costa

Inspired by black-tie elegance and the tropics, we created this colorful wedding inspiration on the Central Coast of California. Our goal was to create a wedding style that stands out from the traditional muted vibe, while still incorporating sophisticated wedding features. This inspiration is for the fun-loving, yet stylish couple who loves a perfectly curated combination of bright and formal elements. We played off the “Palm-Springs” atmosphere of Higuera Ranch and were enthused by all of the amenities that the property has to offer. The trendy and comfortable guest homes, large swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, and vintage vehicles make for the perfect weekend getaway. And did we mention they have dogs? Yes, Shadow and Aspen (the brand new puppy in the photos) are a HUGE bonus! Higuera Ranch is located just minutes from the campus of California Polytechnic State University, which enhanced the young and playful aspects of our design. We took the classic black-tie feel and added vibrant pops of pink and yellow. With this original color scheme, strong accents of tropical florals, and the incorporation of elements such as fruity cocktails, acrylics, palm leaves, and playful pool party attire, we created a dynamic wedding inspiration that is both classic and unique. This inspiration shoot was infused with one of San Luis Obispo’s most popular bar services, Bottles & Ice, who mixed some Fresh Strawberry Pina Coladas and Spicy Cucumber Margaritas for our wedding party. Floral arrangements by Flourish Event & Floral Design perfectly highlighted our energetic color scheme and brought life to our ceremony setup and table arrangements. This shoot defines tropical elegance and serves as the perfect inspiration for chic weddings looking to add some colorful pops of fun.
 
Photography: The Lees Photography
Venue: Higuera Ranch
Planning & Coordination: Elyse Events
Videography: Patrick Ang
Florals: Flourish Event & Floral Design
Rentals: All About Events
Ceremony Structure: Embellish Vintage Rentals
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen
Bar Service: Bottles & Ice
Bridal Gown: Epiphany Boutique
Bridesmaid Dresses: Plum Pretty Sugar
Men’s Formalwear: Epiphany Boutique
Cake: Autumn Cake Design
Calligraphy & Signage: L. Taylor Design Co.
Hair & Makeup: Megan Navongsy
Loungewear: The Poppy Shop
Women’s Swimwear: Mod Thread
Men’s Swimwear: Chubbies
Jewelry: Serengeti West Fine Jewelers
Tan: Coastal Glo
Models: Abbey Rogers, Jared Schaner, Julia Freet, Cassidy Fisher, Dan Crozier, & Drew Cisterman

​Inspired by vibrant colors and rock n’ roll, we created this fiery wedding inspiration on the Central Coast of California. Our goal was to create a wedding style that stands out from the traditional muted vibe, while incorporating unique details like a huge orange and red balloon arch. This inspiration is for the tatted couple who loves tattoos, leather, and drinks old fashioneds. We played off the rugged atmosphere of La Cuesta Ranch and were enthused by the rolling hills surrounding the property. La Cuesta Ranch’s dark rustic barn only enhanced the colorful and playful aspects of our design. We took the classic black rocker vibe and added vibrant pops of red, orange, gold, and bronze. With this original color scheme, strong accents of balloons, and the incorporation of materials such as sequins, leather, and velvet, we curated a wedding inspiration that is unlike anything the wedding industry has seen before—and we love it! We also infused this shoot with San Luis Obispo’s iconic Tap Truck, providing an assortment of craft beers, alongside one of our most popular local bar services, Copper & Crystal, who mixed some whiskey-dominated cocktails for our couple. Floral arrangements by Albert’s Florist perfectly highlighted our energetic color scheme and brought life to our bar setups and table arrangements. This inspiration shoot is unique, colorful, and exciting. The fun, rocker elements of this shoot are the ideal inspiration for the couple who is looking to shake things up in the best way!
 
Photography: Kelley Williams Photography
Venue: La Cuesta Ranch
Planning & Coordination: Elyse Events
Videography: Fox Jump Cinematics
Florals: Albert’s Florist
Reception Rentals: All About Events
Lounge Rentals: Scout Rental Co.
Chair Rentals: Butlerz Event & Beach Rentals
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen
Bridal Gown: Epiphany Boutique
Groom’s Suit: Epiphany Boutique
Cake: Paper Cake Events
Bar Service: Copper & Crystal
Craft Beer Service: Tap Truck SLO
Calligraphy: Fete & Quill
Hair & Makeup: Bellizzimo Beauty
Jewelry: Serengeti West Fine Jewelers
Balloons: Ah Louis Store
Photo Booth: Epic Entertainment
Models: Lisa Bukowski & Trevor Lawrence

Inspired by the natural tones of sunset, we dreamed up this elegant boho wedding inspiration. Color and texture played a big role in the aesthetic of the shoot, featuring macramé, mauve hues, and the natural beauty of Terra Mia in Paso Robles. Drawn to the natural elements surrounding the property, we designed this shoot with an eye on materials to elevate bohemian textures with modern design. The dried flowers mixed with fresh calligraphy gives this invitation suite by Fete and Quill a modern, organic feel. We loved the blush, orange, and yellow colors, reminiscent of the sunset! The macramé backdrop for the ceremony created a perfect bohemian focal point for the ceremony. The dusty rose, pink, and yellow florals, combined with the pampas grass, were so dreamy! Our bride wore a fitted, off-the-shoulder lace gown, complemented by a gorgeous bouquet by Brooke Edelman Floral Design. As for the groom, he suited up in a tan suit, paired with a matching tan bowtie and tan suspenders, and wore a pop of pink on his boutonniere to compliment the flowers in his bride’s hair. Tucked onto the dock, the lounge décor from Avenue Twelve Rentals created the perfect elegant and boho lounge. The yellow couch and blush velvet chairs are the perfect modern touch to the bohemian rope chair and textured poufs. We kept the reception simple, yet elegant, allowing the florals to pop on the wood farmhouse table. Our vision was to bottle up a Central Coast sunset and put it on the table. Breathtaking as a sunset, those blooms against the macramé table runner are the perfect mix of elegant and bohemian style. The macramé cake by Cake Cathedral tied in all the stunning macramé details from the day. We had an amazing team of vendors who dedicated their skills to bring our vision together!

Photography: Kelley Williams Photography
Venue: Terra Mia
Planning & Coordination: Elyse Events
Videography: Forever Rooted Films
Florals: Brooke Edelman Floral Design
Arch Rental: Embellish Vintage Rentals
Macramé: Macramé by Kari
Reception Rentals: All About Events
Lounge Rentals: Avenue Twelve Rentals
Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen
Bridal Gown: Tobi
Groom’s Suit: Hey Gorgeous Formal Wear
Cake: Cake Cathedral
Calligraphy: Fete & Quill
Hair & Makeup Artist: Bellizzimo Beauty
Models: Ryan Perisho & Shaun Perisho

We adore the harmony of these blush and dusty blue hues. This historical Stow House was brought to life with the infusion of an elegant, young-love vibe. A beautiful example of an early California ranch, Rancho La Patera was saved from development in the late 1960s, and has been preserved for future generations by a collaboration of the Goleta Valley Historical Society and the City of Goleta. There are so many beautiful locations throughout this venue, and we loved the opportunity to showcase them!

​Venue: Rancho La Patera & Stow House
Photography: Patrick Ang 
Videography: Forever Rooted Films 
Planning & Coordination: Elyse Events 
Florals: The Petal Pirate 
Rentals: Central Coast Tent & Party 
Linens: Blush Fine Linens 
Cake: Cake Cathedral 
Calligraphy: Bow & Arrow 
Bridal Gown: BHLDN 
Groom's Suit: Friar Tux 
Hair & Makeup: Katie & Joelle at Blush & Bangs Co. 
Jewelry: Baxter Moerman Jewelry 

Don’t you love finding unique details in the most unexpected places? Our creative team from this inspiration shoot brought bold color to the beautiful White Barn with fun pops of fuchsia and peacock feathers (y’all know I have a special place in my heart for peacocks – check out my Instagram story highlight “The Peacock”). Nestled along the central coast in Edna Valley surrounded by the Santa Lucia Hills lies the stunning White Barn. When we first visited the White Barn, our immediate thought was that jewel tones would stand out beautifully against it. The highlight of the shoot was our lounge space by Embellish Vintage Rentals. Since the barn offers such a clean backdrop, we decided the lounge should be bold with a emerald green velvet couch, violet chairs, and teal stools. The gold accents shined in the beautiful golden sunset. Our wonderful floral designer, Brooke Edelman Floral Design was happy to break away from the current blush trend and go for flowers bursting with color and texture. Keeping with the theme of bold design and texture, Cake Cathedral seriously created a work of art with our cake. Each layer of the three-tiered cake has something of interest. The bottom layer has a blue scalloped design and the top two layers are hand painted. For our Tablescape, we wanted to keep with the jewel tones against a clean white backdrop—and what better way to do so then to have contrasting pops of color against a white farmhouse table? Although this inspiration is different from current trends, we loved the unique nature of it. Our team of vendors did a fabulous job of pulling it all together, just as we had envisioned!
 
Photography: Kelley Williams Photography
Venue: The White Barn
Planning & Coordination: Elyse Events
Videography: Patrick Ibarra
Florals: Brooke Edelman Floral Design
Rentals: Central Coast Tent & Party
Lounge Rentals: Embellish Vintage Rentals
Linens: Bella Couture Linen
Bridal Gown: Epiphany Boutique
Groom’s Suit: Hey Gorgeous Formal Wear
Cake: Cake Cathedral
Calligraphy: L. Taylor Design Co.
Hair & Makeup Artist: The Queens Bees
Jewelry: Baxter Moerman Jewelry
Models: Keana Nelson & Tyler Treves

This styled shoot was inspired by the Historic Santa Maria Inn, a landmark on the Central Coast of California since 1917. Our goal was to provide a new, dramatic take on the old-style vibe of the hotel. With an excellent team of vendors, we created a color palette of burgundy, navy, gold, and blush, which enhanced the character within this historic venue. The dark, rich tones paired with modern details brought our moody vision to life. The forecast predicted stormy weather on the day of our styled shoot, but we were determined to persevere through any and all conditions. Although it was absolutely pouring throughout most of the day, we refused to let the elements rain on our parade (pun intended). Although the weather posed a serious challenge, the environment actually added a quality to our images which we could not have planned for. The dreary look of the skies, the puddles on the ground, the rain-sprinkled hair, and the reflections from the mist took our moody inspiration to the next level. What we thought was a negative turned into a positive, and it just goes to show that beautiful weddings do not always require beautiful weather. This styled shoot did so much more than enhance the character of the Historic Santa Maria Inn; it also perfectly showcased the reality of weddings throughout all seasons. A couple can plan down to the very last detail, but sometimes the unexpected sets the tone and provides true inspiration for that special day.
 
Photography: Patrick Ang Photography
Venue: Historic Santa Maria Inn
Planning & Coordination: Elyse Events
Assistant Planning & Ceremony Structure: Sea Glass Weddings
Catering: Historic Santa Maria Inn
Bar Service: Historic Santa Maria Inn
Videography: Forever Rooted Films
Florals: Flourish Event & Floral Design
Rentals: Central Coast Tent & Party
Linens: Bella Couture Linen
Bridal Gown: Epiphany Boutique
Groom’s Suit: Epiphany Boutique
Bridesmaids Dresses: Hey Gorgeous Formal Wear
Desserts: Autumn Cake Design
Calligraphy & Signage: L. Taylor Design Co.
Makeup Artist: Candi Michele
Hair Stylist: Maria Pesqueda
Wedding Rings: Anthony’s Jeweler
Music & Lighting: Modern Symphony DJ
Models: Lauren Grose, Aaron Chavarria, Katie Dean, & Jacqui Martin

Renee & Andy live out of town, but their excellent communication made it so easy to plan their wedding with them! This couple wanted a color scheme of sage, dusty blue, and white (which is a gorgeous color combo if I say so myself). Andy and his groomsmen wore dark gray suits with alternating sage and dusty blue ties and pocket squares. The bridesmaids had corresponding sage and dusty blue floor-length dresses which matched seamlessly. In the Renee’s bouquet and the Maid of Honor’s bouquet, they even included succulents which beautifully complimented the color scheme. In addition to the aesthetic of the wedding, Renee also included a very sweet tradition with her father, which none of my brides had ever done before. Instead of doing a “First Look” with Andy, Renee did this with her father. Renee’s father had tears in his eyes during the big reveal, and it was such a special moment that they were able to share. Inn at the Cove was the perfect venue for this couple’s big day because it was on a cliffside overlooking the ocean (which also fit within their color scheme). It provided an absolutely beautiful backdrop for them to say “I do.” The ceremony was officiated by Andy’s best friend, which added a nice personal touch. The couple also had personalized vows which explained their whole love story (always one of my favorite parts). In addition, Renee & Andy had ceremony seats reserved for photos of loved ones who had passed away. This sweet memorial had friends and family members in tears (even I had to take a moment). It was very moving and I loved that Renee & Andy honored their loved ones in such a unique way. The weather was gorgeous, the entire wedding party did such an amazing job of keeping to the timeline the whole day (THANK YOU GUYS), and it was just an overall perfect ceremony!
 
Venue: Inn at the Cove
Photography: Amen Photography
Planning & Coordination: Elyse Events
Florals: Shell Beach Floral Design
Rentals: Inn at the Cove

I had the very special honor of getting to plan and coordinate my parents’ vow renewal! My mom and dad have been married for 26.2 years—a “marathon of marriage” (I know, they’re adorable). In September of 2017, they moved from the Sacramento area to the beautiful Cambria coast (to be closer to me, of course). Every day, they would take their two dogs for a walk on the bluff right by their house, and it quickly became one of their favorite places. They wanted to renew their vows on this bluff with their closest friends and family, and they wanted the reception to follow up on the roof of their house. Getting to plan this vow renewal with my mom was so much fun and so special (since I wasn’t alive yet for their first wedding). After convincing my dad that we needed professional vendors, my mom and I created a beautiful, intimate vow renewal. In Cambria, September normally has some of the best weather out of the entire year, so we were sure we would be in the clear… WRONG. The day before the vow renewal was sunny and gorgeous, with just a light breeze. The day of the vow renewal, Cambria had record-high winds. As the day went on, the wind only picked up more and more, and by the time the ceremony (and ceremony photos) came about, we were sufficiently wind-blasted and freezing cold. Yet somehow, our Photographer, Amber, was still able to capture stunning photos (I’m convinced she’s some sort of magician). Although the reception up on the roof was windy, cold, and wet, it was such a fun experience that we will never forget. The love that my parents have for each other is what dreams are made of, and I’ve been so grateful to have such amazing role models my whole life. I’m looking forward to planning their 50th anniversary vow renewal!

​Venue: Cambria Residence
Photography: Amber McGaughey Photography
Planning & Coordination: Elyse Events
Catering: Phil's Catering
Roses: Eufloria Flowers
Floral Arrangements: Elyse Events
Rentals: Taylor Rental
Cake: Cake Cathedral
Entertainment: Epic Entertainment
Bridal Gown: David's Bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulus