Wedding planning involves SO many big decisions, and we’re just here to remind you: changing your mind is allowed!
Liz + Zack originally set their sights on a Sonoma wine country wedding with a sizable guest list. When they realized that plan wasn’t floating their boat, they changed course! “Zack and I never loved the idea of being in the spotlight for an entire day,” Liz says. “We wanted our wedding to be intimate to ease those nerves.”
With the help of planner Caitlin Gutierrez of Caitlin Gutierrez Events, Liz + Zack pivoted to The Pelican Inn in Marin, a cozy and charming venue nestled in the California coast just north of San Francisco that was built and designed in the tradition of historic English pubs. With a smaller guest list and a plan to heighten and accent the already-enchanting elements of the venue, a unique and intimate celebration took shape.
And in a romantic twist of fate, the fog that Northern California is so famous for rolled in just as everything got started. Perfect for the stunning photos that husband-and-wife photography team Matt + Allison from The Edges captured of this dreamy day.
Liz + Zack made the day their own by doing away with typical wedding formalities that didn’t feel authentic (like a grand exit, a garter or bouquet toss, and a guest book) and by embracing the parts that felt most special. “Having the most important people to us in a cozy space on a foggy Marin day—there was love emanating throughout the whole day.”
Can you think of a more charming touch than those dried flowers on Liz + Zack’s invitation suite? These beauties were printed at Czar Press.
Liz + Zack included darling details like these custom matchbook and room key guest gifts to add to the welcoming tavern vibes of their venue.
These rustic ribbon-tied boutonnieres look like they were just freshly picked from a meadow.
How stunning does Liz look in front of this bountiful ceremony backdrop by Vignette Florals?! We love the autumnal neutrals with pops of light pink.
Very into the rustic simplicity and freshly-gathered-wildflower energy of Liz’s bouquet.
This fabric welcome sign was custom designed by Liz!
A September Ceremony
These bistro chairs from Celebrations of Marin were chosen to carry the “cafe” aesthetic of the venue into the outdoor ceremony setup.
We love the way the Fall colors of the boutonniere pop against Zack’s navy suit from Bonobos.
The square neckline and subtly modern silhouette of the Sydney gown by designer Alyssa Kristin pair so well with Liz’s romantic lace-trimmed veil. “I wanted a simple and classic dress given the venue’s eclectic interior,” Liz says. “I chose a lace-trim cathedral veil for some added drama.”
Obsessed with the button details down the back of this gown! And how beautiful are Liz’s classic updo and face-framing waves?! Gorgeous bridal hair and makeup by Katie Nash Beauty.
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Dancing Queen" by ABBA
Recessional: "I Do, I Do, I Do" by ABBA
First Dance: "Can't Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley
Cottagecore Cocktail Hour
This refurbished bar was painted matte black to match the venue’s trim!
This bespoke raw-edged cloth drink menu? Also the design handiwork of bride Liz!
Cheers! Check out these wedding guest dresses for even more Fall outfit inspo.
This full and textured floral arrangement is the ideal mix of modern and antique. Of the day’s design vision, planner Caitlin says: “With so much character in a venue we needed to choose our design approach carefully. We went with subtle modern, clean accents and some hand selected vintage pieces to bring the space up to date without seeming out of place.”
The Pelican Inn serves only wine and beer, so Liz + Zack kicked off the party with a wine cocktail as their signature drink!! Take a look at these signature cocktail ideas for some more creative takes!
Here’s a better look at how Liz + Zack put those charming room key guest gifts to use in their reception seating chart.
Foggy Festivities
The mismatched seating and climbing vines along the walls are cozy cottage perfection.
Details like these silver candlesticks from Frances Lane were chosen because of how natural they looked in the space while creating a cohesive design throughout the venue.
More simple rustic realness by way of crisp white linens from Napa Valley Linens and torn paper place cards by Look Good On Paper Co.
Menus on the wine bottles were a unique and clever design touch as well as a space saver to make room on the table for more food and florals!
This timeless and colorful Millefoglie wedding cake by Ladyfingers Bakery was a huge hit with guests!
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding The reception itself was the biggest highlight. The food and cake, the candlelight ambiance, and the speeches were perfect. Second best moment might be my dad whipping out his “party sleeves” during our dance. Had no idea he was hiding those.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now Have a team of vendors that match your vibe and design aesthetic to a T! Their own vision and how they interpret your direction can really affect the look and feel of your wedding.
A perfectly foggy day for a perfectly intimate wedding full of charm!! So happy for you, Liz + Zack!!
photography: The Edges // venue name: Pelican Inn, Muir Beach, CA, USA // event design: Caitlin Gutierrez Events // planning: Caitlin Gutierrez Events // florals: Vignette Florals // wedding dress: Alyssa Kristin // hair stylist: Katie Nash // makeup artist: Katie Nash // groom attire: Bonobos // cake: Ladyfingers Bakery // tabletop rentals: Frances Lane // furniture rentals: Celebrations of Marin // linen rentals: Napa Valley Linens // music: Kyle Athayde // place cards: Look Good On Paper Co. // invitation printer: Czar Press
I’ve shot many laid back pub weddings, but non quit so beautiful as this one. It looks so well planned out in every detail. Love those room keys for the guests. Such a great momento too.
The father of the bride’s shirt is an absolute classic too!