There’s a stretch of coastline in Northern California that can only be described as picturesque magic. It’s a place you could spend hours driving around, hiking, and never be at a loss for sights (though you might be at a loss for words). The hills are often masked in a moody fog, which seems to cast an even more romantic feeling to the area. It was here at Cuffey’s Cove in Elk, that Elle + Zach decided to get married.
Elle shares with us a little more about the location + overall idea: When we first got engaged we imagined a massive party with every person we could think of that had been in our lives and ended up very quickly racking up that guest list and budget. After a couple of months of feeling more overwhelmed than excited, we revisited the type of experience aside from the best weddings we’d been to or how we’d seen it done before and instead we asked how we would do it, based on the type of adventures and ceremonies we enjoy as a couple. We immediately knew it would be would be completely outdoors, intimate and small – very different than our initial plans. After patrolling Venue Report for weeks, we found the most magical venue: Cuffey’s Cove. We knew its rolling hills, dense pine forest and perpetually foggy coastline was exactly the experience we were looking for.
Ready to be swept away by this dream captured by Sara Byrne Photography?
Bold + beautiful!! Hello Flowers put together this bright and poppy bouquet to make a statement through all the fog.
How darling are these two? We’re loving the florals Kristina Pettit incorporated into Elle’s hair!
All of the other details of the wedding were inspired by the venue and the surrounding area.
The cutest!!
One of our favorite moments was during the ceremony. We didn't do any of the "who gives this women to be with this man," instead we hugged and Zach and I simply stood facing each other for a few moments, soaking up the moment. We also wrote our own vows (BEST THING EVER), were totally goofy, and didn't do the normal "I do's". Now that we're married, those commitments we made and the way we made them feel right and true to our relationship instead of a formal transaction or a ritual void of meaning for us.
Bridesmaids in burgundy… How gorgeous are they?!
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Are you loving Elle’s Dreamers and Lovers dress as much as us?!
The way the fog circled around the hillside made for such moody portraits..,
So gorgeous.
We’re both photographers ourselves and we love to travel (who doesn’t?!) so each table was a corresponding place that was elemental to our relationship. We then used Artifact Uprising to create cards with our photos from each of those places.
E+Z hand-dyed their Shibori-style napkins, which made them cheaper + served as a sweet gift to each of their guests to take home! They tell us: Several weeks after the wedding, we received photos of each person’s napkin in their corresponding kitchen. So fun!
A wedding day whirls by and we really wanted to acknowledge why each individual was there, how they had influenced and shaped us and how incredibly grateful we were to know their unique selves. So we wrote personal, unique letters to each of our guests. It was definitely the highlight of the day when everyone opened theirs at the same exact time and we got to see the smiles and tears that accompany being truly seen. It was straight up magic!
Nudnik Foods provided delicious goodies throughout the day… Doesn’t this dessert table look comforting + cozy in the candlelight?
My biggest word of advice to a couple would be to reflect on your relationship before crafting the day, before consulting blogs or previous weddings you attended. Think about how you like to spend your time, where you like to travel and if you really are party people or more of the small dinner party types. After having a small wedding, I'm sold that you really don't need more than 70 people there to make it feel fun and you can focus on making it personal and within budget. Speaking of - Brideside Budget saved our butts. We can't promote their Google Sheet budget outline enough!
photography: Sara Byrne Photography // venue name: Cuffey's Cove, Elk, California, USA // planning: Heather Lease of Three Sisters Weddings // florals: Hello Flowers // wedding dress: Dreamers and Lovers // hair stylist: Kristina Pettit // makeup artist: Em Gordon // videography: Seafoam Films // paper goods: Hillary Jones // catering: Nudnik Foods // furniture rentals: Archive // music: Dart Collective
Very simple yet so meaningful and beautiful! :) Gorgeous couple! Congratulations guys.
I love barn weddings. Great photos.
Wow, love the simplicity and elegance of their ceremony arch, and that barn and reception setup are so perfect in their rustic elegance.
Absolutely in love with this what an amazing location so beautiful.
Okay so this day looks so amazing you can feel the love resonate! the fog added a perfect feeling of intimacy and charm! I love all of them and the night shots.. awesome! Thank you for sharing..