For this Pismo Beach elopement, we’d been watching the forecast all week;  you never know with coastal towns.

And when you’re getting married on a clifftop, anything can happen.

 

The final instructions had been passed along, Danica was in the car waiting to marry the love of her life, and Mike was standing with his back to her, his parents on either side of him.

And it was too much.

The tears started. His mum fussed over him with a tissue, starting to cry as well.

They walked down to take their places. And Danica got out of the car.

 

---

 

In almost every blog post I write, I mention how sweet my couples are, how perfect they are; I’m the luckiest. With Danica and Mike, it was no different. When I showed up early to the hotel to scope things out for their Pismo Beach elopement, Mike called out to me from his hotel room patio, beer in hand. He seemed calm, perfectly easy going. We hadn’t had a chance to meet in person yet, just over FaceTime. They live out in Fresno, which was too much of a hike for either of us for a coffee date.

I met up with Natalie, our amazing coordinator (whom I’ve worked with before and hope to work with again!), as she was dropping off the bouquet. We went over to Danica’s room, met the family…

The morning had an easy rhythm to it. Everyone was relaxed and happy, all smiles, everything on an even keel. There were only 12 people involved in this Pismo Beach elopement.

It’s a good thing the morning was quiet, too, because I got really excitable later on. As I do. Scroll down; you’ll see why.

I cried through the ceremony and the vows, I laughed because they got the officiant to say “sexy” twice, I tripped on a gopher hole and almost knocked over a tripod. I made inarticulate noises during the two portrait sessions we managed to sneak in, we all danced around on two different beaches, we channeled our very best Hipsters-on-an-Album-Cover vibes, and then I cried some more during the toasts.

They made sure I was fed, made sure I had a place at the dinner table with their family, this big happy family that was officially one family now. (And they’re all lovely and kind, in case you were wondering. Every single one of them.)

It’s no secret that the way to my heart is absolutely through my stomach (and puppies; totally got distracted and pet one on the beach), but Mike and Danica went above and beyond. The wedding day isn’t about me at all. It’s never about what I want or which images I’m hoping to get, and I hope I never fall into thinking that way; it’s about them and their memories. But these two welcomed me into their beautiful elopement and made me feel like I’d known them for ages. They pulled me in for a group hug as we said goodbye at the end of the night, told me they loved me and would be sure to get in touch if they were ever in my neck of the woods again.

I love them too.

…Also I had to keep getting up and walking away from my computer while I was editing these because I was either tearing up again or I couldn’t handle these models and needed a moment. Honestly. It’s like they walked off the damn cover of GQ.

Congratulations, Danica and Mike, you delightful creatures. I wish you every possible happiness, which you 100% deserve.

I’ll see you in WA when you visit.

 

Thinking about getting married on the central coast? Reach out to learn more or book your date!

 

 

---

 

Coordinator: Coastal California Weddings
Dress: Mia Bella Couture
Ring: The Diamond Gallery

 

Want more Pismo Beach inspiration? Check out this elopement!