Maya and Jon’s Pacific Coast wedding in California was nothing short of enchanting! They exchanged vows on September 22nd, 2018, at the breathtaking Chalk Ranch, where their outdoor celebration took place amidst stunning ocean views. The romance was palpable. One of the most memorable moments from their special day was the flower grandmas, who added a touch of whimsy to the ceremony by scattering petals down the aisle. The couple’s first look was also a standout, as they savored the magic of the moment. As night fell, they dined under the stars, surrounded by loved ones and the soft glow of twinkling lights. Throughout the celebration, every detail reflected their impeccable taste, from the soothing blue hues to the stunning attire donned by the guests. A huge thank you goes out to Mallory Miya Photography for capturing these breathtaking moments, which truly are a treat to behold.
The Proposal
As the holiday season approached, Jon took my dad aside to share a special surprise – the engagement ring. I walked in on the conversation and my dad’s warm reaction gave away the secret: ‘Congratulations, it’s beautiful!’ he said, referencing the ring rather than the proposal itself. Little did I know at the time, but the secret was officially out of the bag. The days that followed passed without a proposal, leading me to wonder if it would ever happen. It wasn’t until January 1st, when Jon and I went on a New Year’s Day hike at Atrastradero preserve in Palo Alto, that the moment finally arrived. We stopped at a scenic overlook halfway through our trek, where Jon popped the question. Overcome with emotion, I cried tears of joy as we took in the breathtaking views together. Just five hours later, I was off on a solo adventure to Fiji – leaving Jon and my new fiancé behind for a week! It wasn’t until much later that I learned the true extent of Jon’s dedication: he had been carrying the ring with him for two weeks, waiting for the perfect moment to propose.
The Vision
With a deep appreciation for nautical hues, my partner and I drew inspiration from the ocean’s calming greens and blues, as well as the lush coastal landscapes that surrounded our venue. We affectionately referred to our theme as ‘coastal chic’, a perfect blend of elegance and whimsy. As California natives, we wanted to infuse our decor with the natural beauty of our surroundings – the Pacific Ocean, verdant greenery, and the serenity of nature – all while maintaining a sophisticated air that elevated our celebration from rustic to refined.
The Planning Process
Jon’s family roots from Texas and the South, where BBQ reigns supreme. His desire for ribs as a wedding food option was unwavering, despite the obvious logistical challenges. We opted for a full-scale BBQ catering service, which proved to be an unexpected crowd-pleaser. To accommodate the messy nature of the cuisine, we provided towelettes for guests. While we didn’t have a traditional bridal party, we still wanted to include a processional. Inspired by flower girls, we created ‘Flower Grandmas’, where my 90-year-old plus grandmothers walked down the aisle, scattering rose petals with the help of my sister as an escort. The surprise was met with delight from our guests, none of whom had ever witnessed a wedding with such an unique procession before. This thoughtful touch also allowed us to involve my grandmothers in the planning process.Our bar was a one-of-a-kind Airstream trailer dubbed ‘Bar Car’, a nod to our shared love of travel and camping. The beer taps were cleverly integrated into the vintage camper’s design. From engagement day to wedding day, we had just 9.5 months to plan an intimate gathering for 130 guests. Having the venue secured early allowed me to focus on the wedding style, which simplified the overall planning process.As a fan of live music, I knew exactly who to call when it came time to book our wedding entertainment: Golden Bell Music’s incredible DJ/Musician. Given my husband and I share a love for Jazz, we requested a saxophonist/DJ who seamlessly blended contemporary pop with jazz standards. His performance was met with widespread acclaim from our friends and family, so much so that he received an invitation to play at another wedding just eight months later.
Budget
The Venue
Jon’s parents own a breathtaking coastal property situated precisely halfway between Santa Cruz and Half Moon Bay along Pacific Coast Highway. Prior to our engagement, we had considered eloping in an intimate setting with close family members, possibly even in Hawaii. However, Jon’s parents beat us to the punch by graciously offering their stunning venue as an alternative. It would have been foolish to turn down such a unique opportunity. While they regularly host corporate retreats and commercial shoots at the property, this was their first time welcoming a wedding celebration.
Your Outfits & Accessories
As fate would have it, when my friends got their wedding dresses at Kinsley James in Walnut Creek, I was already familiar with the boutique since I had accompanied them for fittings. As soon as I became engaged, I knew where to start searching for my own dress – back at Kinsley James. This time, I brought along my sister and mother for support. To our surprise, a renowned designer, Angel Rivera, was hosting a trunk show at the store. After explaining my vision of a bohemian, lacy, mermaid-inspired dress, they curated two stunning pieces from his collection that fit my desired look. Under Angel’s guidance, I tried on the dresses and was blown away by how he brought each one to life with his unique styling. It was love at first sight for me – the ‘Exquisite’ dress, which I ended up purchasing, left an indelible mark. The cherry on top was having photos of Angel adjusting the train while I admired myself in the mirror, a treasured memory forever etched in my mind. Following my purchase, I stumbled upon Angel Rivera’s Instagram and discovered sketches of his designs. I couldn’t resist asking for a sketch of ‘Exquisite’ – much to my delight, Angel personally sent me a signed copy along with a heartfelt note, expressing gratitude for choosing this dress for my special day. Today, the framed sketch serves as a poignant reminder of the special bond I share with the designer.
Beauty
To complete my look, I chose a timeless yet elegant braided low updo that perfectly complemented my overall aesthetic. The talented Kat from bfab brought this hairstyle to life, showcasing her exceptional skills and attention to detail.
The Music
The soundtrack to a wedding is just as important as the ceremony itself, with each carefully curated song evoking emotions and memories that will be treasured for years to come. For this couple, their journey began with ‘Can’t Help Falling in Love with You’ played by saxophone during the processional. The bride’s entrance was accompanied by the iconic ‘Here Comes the Sun’ by the Beatles, setting a warm and optimistic tone for the day. As the recessional approached, the joy and love were palpable as ‘Just the Two of Us’ by Grover Washington featuring Bill Withers filled the air. The grand entrance was marked by Frank Sinatra’s timeless classic ‘Nothing but the Best’, while the cake cutting ceremony was accompanied by Van Morrison’s enchanting ‘Into the Mystic’. The first dance was a romantic rendition by Ray LaMontagne, with his beautiful lyrics and soothing melody capturing the essence of their love story. The father-daughter and mother-son dances were equally moving, with James Taylor’s ‘How Sweet it is to be Loved by You’ and Tom Petty’s ‘Wildflowers’, respectively, bringing tears of joy to the eyes of all in attendance. As the night drew to a close, Justice’s energetic ‘D.A.N.C.E.’ got everyone on their feet, before Kygo and John Newman’s heartfelt ‘Never Let You Go’ brought the evening to a poignant finale. Why not draw inspiration from this lovely couple and explore our collection of wedding readings and first dance song suggestions?
Your Photographer
Maya’s special connection to Mallory Miya, her childhood friend and former soccer teammate, made it an effortless decision to invite her to capture their big day. As their wedding photographer, Mallory brought a unique perspective to the role, having shared countless memories with Maya throughout their formative years.
The Flowers
Bella Florals’ talented Dayna expertly brought our envisioned coastal chic theme to fruition through the creation of vibrant coral, soft ivory, and lush greenery arrangements that exuded a joyful air.
The Cake
The sweet aroma of SusieCakes’ culinary masterpiece wafted through the air as we indulged in their delectable three-tiered confectionary delight. The harmonious blend of vanilla and coconut flavors tantalized our taste buds, a true treat for the senses.
The Details & Décor
Sabrina Verkamp’s unique creations on Etsy perfectly captured the essence of a coastal celebration. The intricately designed name cards featured beautiful calligraphy etched onto sea glass, while the napkin rings were crafted from nautical ropes, elegantly tying in with the oceanic theme.
The Honeymoon
In the heart of Africa, we embarked on an unforgettable 7-day safari adventure, traversing three breathtaking national parks in collaboration with esteemed tour operator Abercrombie & Kent. Following this thrilling experience, we made our way to the picturesque archipelago of Zanzibar, where we indulged in a 7-night retreat at the luxurious Baraza Resort Zanzibar.
Memorable Moments
Advice For Other Couples
Embrace the unpredictability of your special day by not stressing over minor setbacks or timeline changes. View unexpected events as a welcome surprise, rather than a source of frustration.When it comes to your drinking habits, take a cue from the experts: don’t overdo it. By sipping on just a few drinks throughout the day, you’ll be able to cherish every memory without worrying about a hangover ruining your mini-moon the next morning.Consider investing in a talented videographer to capture every magical moment of your big day. Initially, you might think photography is enough, but trust us – having a videographer on hand will leave you with treasured memories that will transport you right back to the excitement and joy of your wedding. And who knows? You might even discover some behind-the-scenes moments that will have you laughing long after the party’s over.If your celebration is taking place in a slightly harder-to-reach location, be sure to provide round-trip transportation for your guests. Your friends and family will thank you for this thoughtful touch, which will make their experience all the more enjoyable.
Credit Where Credit Is Due
We’re thrilled to share the enchanting tale of Maya and Jon’s breathtaking Pacific Coast wedding, where love was in full bloom amidst stunning natural beauty. Behind the scenes, a talented team worked together to bring this unforgettable celebration to life. The photographer, Mallory Miya Photography, captured the joy and romance with precision and artistry. For footage, X Doc the Shot brought their expertise to the table, while Halo Halo Productions handled editing with finesse. Two Perfect Events coordinated the logistics of the day with ease, allowing the happy couple to relax and soak up every moment. Chalk Ranch provided the picturesque venue for this fairytale-like celebration. Bella Florals created breathtaking floral arrangements that added a touch of elegance to the proceedings. Capelo’'s Barbecue delighted guests with its delectable cuisine, while SusieCakes satisfied sweet tooths with their scrumptious treats. Bright Event Rentals provided an array of rentals to enhance the atmosphere, and Golden Bell Music kept the party going with their infectious beats. The talented team at bfab and @makeupandhairkat ensured that Maya looked radiant on her special day. For a memorable toast, Bar Car SF took care of all the libations. Chariot Transportation whisked guests away in style, while Costanoa Lodge provided cozy accommodations for out-of-town visitors. As for the details, Blue Nile crafted exquisite rings, Amy O. Bridal designed stunning jewelry pieces, and Hugo Boss supplied stylish attire for Jon. Minted created bespoke paper goods that added a personal touch to the celebration. To preserve the memories, Elegance Preserved ensured that Maya’s dress was immaculately cleaned. It’s clear that this wedding was truly one-of-a-kind, and we’re honored to have been a part of their story.