An Ocean-Inspired Wedding On the Northern California Coast

When the big day came it was all fair seas and calm winds for Kelly + Chris’s sublime seaside wedding in Northern California. And these two deserved it! Like many couples who were wedding planning throughout the pandemic, Kelly + Chris’s journey was full of twists and turns. 

These two met in Washington DC way back in 2016. A few years later a cross-country move made Californians of them both, and in 2019 Chris proposed on the beach in Montara, CA. They started planning a wedding in Orcas Island, WA where Kelly’s family lives, but COVID ran their plans ashore. They rescheduled for 2021 but had to push it once again. 

One day on an adventure along the California coast to look for elephant seals near their new home (not far from where Chris proposed) Kelly + Chris noticed Costanoa Lodge and fell in love with its hills and beaches. Their re-rescheduled wedding on Orcas Island was still on track, but they were having a change of heart. Then, unexpectedly, their venue in Washington informed them that it would no longer be hosting weddings AND their wedding planner retired. All in the same month. What better time to start from scratch!

That’s when planner Kelsey Currier from Coastside Weddings & Events entered the picture and started helping Kelly + Chris plan their ocean-themed celebration right there in Northern California. Costanoa was the spot, and Kelly + Chris finally got to gather their friends and family together to celebrate their marriage. Photographer Savannah Hayes caught all of the day’s marine-inspired magic!!

Coastal Wood Designs created many unique wood details for Kelly + Chris’s wedding including these custom Half Moon Bay favors.

Invitations were designed by the bride’s mother, Mariann Carrasco! And these adorable custom cookies by Rae Marie Bakes were in each guest’s welcome bag.

Kelly + Chris’s sweet pup Willy had a blue bandana to match the vibe. We adore when couples include their pets in their wedding!

This sea-inspired bridal party palette!! Check out our fave navy blue bridesmaid dresses if you’re loving the cool ocean hues.

You’ve GOTTA have a custom surfboard welcome sign at a beach wedding!

The Seaside Ceremony

Driftwood & Roses filled the floral arrangements with pampas grass to give them beachy texture along with lots of pastel blues and pinks.

We love that Driftwood & Roses created a beautiful ceremony arch of, funnily enough, driftwood and roses.

Musician (and friend of Kelly + Chris’s) Megan Chenot serenaded the couple throughout the ceremony.

Our Musical Choices
			
Processional: "Here Comes the Sun" by The Beatles
			
			
Recessional:  "How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You" by Grateful Dead
			
			
First Dance: 
			
		

We’d like to introduce everyone to Calla. She was the FLOWER CAT 😻

We love Kelly’s pop-of-color powder blue wedding flats from Birdies.

Willy made an appearance as well!

Kelly’s beautiful beachy waves are by hairstylist Carly Wise.

The elegant simplicity of Kelly’s plunge neckline sweep train column gown from Sarah Seven!! Check out this similar gown from Wtoo by Watters at Anthropologie if you’re obsessed with this silhouette like we are.

Kelly’s custom sea-inspired jacket is from Denim and Bone. Perfect for a chilly evening on the beach.

Check this embroidered one out if you love the idea of some custom denim on your big day!

Chris’s blue suit from Franco Uomo fits so well into the color vision for the day. Take a look at these wedding suit ideas if you’re in search of a menswear look for your color palette.

Most romantic photo ever??

Our Advice To Those Planning Now
I can't stress enough how important it is to have fun making the wedding reflect you both, bringing in those personal sentiments and passions makes the wedding so much more special.
Also, have fun!! So what if golden hour photos take you away for almost an hour and you ruin your fancy shoes, it is those moments you will remember and cherish for a lifetime!

The Reception

Zephyr Tents set up a big, welcoming reception space close to all the coastal beauty.

Greenery-wrapped tent poles incorporated so much organic elegance!

Worn wood guest seating and blue tinted glassware from Chairs4Events created a salty, stylish atmosphere.

We love these sea blue napkins by Napa Valley Linens. And these driftwood table numbers from Coastal Wood Designs! Check these out if you need a good DIY project!

Kelly + Chris have an adorable tradition where, on one of their birthdays, they BOTH have to eat as many oysters as the age the person is turning.

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding
One of our many favorites was the speeches. Hearing the stories and love from our family and friends was so special and touching, especially in a way that our other friends and family could share in and learn more about us (like Chris's homemade crawfish etouffee and Kelly's love of horseback riding). We laughed and cried and were surprised by some wonderful impromptu speeches. This moment made us realize that our wedding day was so special because we were not only celebrating our love and commitment to one another, but also the love of our family and friends whom we were finally able to bring together all in one place.

Foraged driftwood and shells make an excellent seaside seating chart!

And how perfect that their signature drinks were a nod to their precious pets!

Congrats, Kelly + Chris! The world is your oyster!! All the very best from GWS!