1960s-Inspired Coastal California Wedding

Coastal California Wedding

Visions of VW buses, vintage glassware, Priscilla Presley, and an overall 1960s-inspired vibe set the tone for this wedding in Cayucos, California. Maureen + Jeff were inspired by the area’s many mid-century beach homes (which Maureen vacationed in during her childhood), and all the surrounding hues of ocean blue + verdant grass. Here’s the caveat — Cayucos is a small seaside town without many options for wedding venues. The solution? M+J found a bluff overlooking the pier — a completely blank piece of land without any amenities — and with the help of Beijos Events, they built their wedding space from the ground up! They chose the tent, the tables, chairs, décor, even the bathrooms! The whole day was completely their own and we absolutely LOVE that.

Their photographer, Jenn Emerling, shares We incorporated the character of the town into their portraits, and The Flashdance kept them dancing under the moonlit sky. So many of the details were flea market finds (by the couple), so you really felt immersed in their style and story.

Let’s head to the coast, shall we?

welcome bag

Coastal California Wedding

That view!!

Coastal California Wedding

The way her Tara Lauren dress from Bride Boutique LA caught the breeze…

Coastal California Wedding

Coastal California Wedding

Maureen tells us It all started with the location: Cayucos. The tiny beach town along California’s central coast has always been a special place for us. I grew up vacationing there with my family; after Jeff’s first visit, he instantly fell in love as well. When we started to plan, it was evident that not only Cayucos going to be the place, but that the beauty and charm that the Central Coast had to offer would influence the overall design.

Coastal California Wedding

How adorable are these three?!

Coastal California Wedding

Coastal California Wedding

SERIOUS shoe crush!! Those darling platform wedges are from Topshop.

Coastal California Wedding

We love the choice of dresses for the bridesmaids from The Reformation — dark + bold! Oh and those insanely beautiful florals? They’re by Clover & Branch.

Coastal California Wedding

Coastal California Wedding

Coastal California Wedding

Coastal California Wedding

So fun!

macrame backdrop

Is this the dreamiest scene you’ve ever seen, or what?

macrame backdrop

Coastal California Wedding

Our Musical Choices

Processional: No, No, No by Beirut; Crazy Love by Van Morrison

Recessional: This Must Be The Place by Talking Heads

First Dance: Our Love (Live at Arlyn Studios) by Gary Clark Jr.

Coastal California Wedding

Coastal California Wedding

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding

Jeff: The ceremony. When we started arranging it, we realized it was our opportunity to speak directly to our guests. We wanted them to see who we are as a couple. We wrote our own vows about our relationship, and we had friends and family give short speeches to illuminate who we are as individuals and how we will be as partners to each other.

Maureen: At one point in our ceremony, after we had just exchanged our rings, my cousin Brian, an accomplished singer-songwriter, surprised our guests and played an acoustic version of “Aeroplane Over the Sea” by Neutral Milk Hotel. It is a song that has deep meaning for both Jeff and I. It is about the circle of life and the acceptance of death (family and friends who have passed on) and celebration of life — to enjoy each other and try our very best to love and "count every beautiful thing we can see." That moment for me, looking at Jeff and out into the crowd and hearing the words of the song surrounded by the sea and sun was indescribable. My heart just completely burst.

VW bus wreath

macrame escort cards

Jeff is an engineer and put his skills to good use; he created the entire ceremony and reception space on the computer, and then mapped it out with an industrial tape measure. He even built the arch and escort display in their basement! 

Coastal California Wedding

How gorgeous is this tablescape masterpiece under the tent?

Coastal California Wedding

Coastal California Wedding

Coastal California Wedding

We collected our own plates, vases, and goblets from thrift stores and flea markets which meant literally every one of our friends and family got something unique at their table with a story or memory of ours to back it up.

Coastal California Wedding

Coastal California Wedding

Coastal California Wedding

Coastal California Wedding

Our Advice To Those Planning Now

Be honest with yourselves. Nothing is mandatory, so if there’s a tradition you don’t understand or don’t like, there’s no reason you need to include it. This is a day for your friends and family to hang out and celebrate YOU. Those of you who know you well will “get it,” and those who don’t will only get to know you better, while experiencing a wedding that feels truly authentic. Also, great vendors make great weddings, and each and every one of our vendors blew us away. Take your time, get to know them, let them get to know you, and then let them do their thing. I mean, sure, you can hang that papel picado on the entry gate the morning of the wedding. But let's face it, the day goes by so fast, and everyone you know and love is literally there to hang out. Have a drink, relax, and introduce your Dad’s college drinking buddies with yours. THOSE are the stories you’ll remember forever.

Coastal California Wedding

And be sure to check out their rad video from one of our faves, Sharkpig!

Stunning, right?! We love that these two found a space, had a vision, and made it completely their own! Congrats, Maureen + Jeff!!

photography: Jenn Emerling // event design: Beijos Events // planning: Day of Gal // florals: Clover & Branch // wedding dress: Tara Lauren // wedding dress boutique: Bride Boutique LA // bride's shoes: Top Shop // bride's ring: Artisan LA Jewelry // bridesmaid dresses: The Reformation // hair stylist: The Beach Hair Studio & Beauty Bar // makeup artist: The Beach Hair Studio & Beauty Bar // groom attire: Indochino and Groom's socks + tie from The Tie Bar // groom's ring: Forever Wood Rings // videography: Shark Pig // paper goods: custom signage by Meghann Miniello // handmade details: Arch and escort display built by couple // catering: The Sea Shanty // tabletop rentals: Goblets and plates collected by couple // furniture rentals: Witty Rentals // specialty rentals: Jump On The School Bus // music: The Flashdance // officiant: Marriage With Meaning // power/generator: United Rentals // tent + rentals: Gotcha Covered // restrooms: Harvey's Honey Huts

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