I know when I started wedding planning, I flip flopped between a big formal bash and a cozier affair. I ended up somewhere in-between those two worlds but always pause when I come across a lovely, intimate wedding. The kind that allows each and every party goer to feel like they are the guest of honor. That is indeed how this simple beach affair photographed by B. Schwartz feels; beautifully unfussy and totally heart-felt. See it in its entirety right here.
From the Bride… Our wedding was truly “our most happy day!” We started referring to our wedding as such during the planning stages and it more that met that expectation. Amos and I met at a small church in Stockton. We started dating after a few months of getting to know one another and hanging out with mutual friends. Our seven months of dating was full of coffee (for him) and chai (for me), Indian food, day trips to the beach, little adventures and late nights due to our (short) long-distance relationship. Our engagement was a total surprise to me. I was feeling overdue for a beach trip and as far as I knew had planned the whole day. I took him to the beach I had wanted to get married at, and we talked about what the day would be like when the “someday” came. He wanted to take a drive to the beach where his family has a house, and so we went. As we walked out onto the sand, the tide was out and the sun was setting. I was completely caught off guard and beyond full of joy when he paused our walk to get down on one knee! The day we were just dreaming about was now going to be a reality! We soaked up every last ounce of the beautiful sunset and started dreaming about the sweet love and exciting adventure that we would now live in for the rest of our lives.
Then the planning began. Our engagement was five months long. My younger sister got married in June, just seven weeks before us, so we held off most of the planning and details until just a month before, and I wouldn’t have had it any other way. Being a part of her planning was so fun. And doing things together was awesome; no one likes going to the DMV alone! Luckily we knew we wanted a simple beach wedding, so much of the planning was … simple! We wanted the day to be about us coming together as husband and wife, and then secondly a fun, relaxed celebration! Our wedding was on Manresa State Beach in California. We both had always pictured a casual beach wedding. My family friend had gotten married at this beach and ever since then, I knew that was the beach I wanted to get married at. I’ve always been told that I took after my Great-Grandma Pearl and her crafty and creative ways. And, being such, I couldn’t imagine planning my wedding without having my hands on every little detail I could. The invitations were created by a good friend and then printed by a local print shop. My mom and I then assembled them with the tissue paper confetti, eyelets and pictures. Our wedding toppers belonged to my Great-Grandma Pearl. The joke was always that I would have to marry a blonde hair boy to be able to use them and, what do you know, I did!
Our first look was one of my favorite moments of the day. I was waiting for Amos at the top of the stairs by our house, and just the sound of him walking up to me made me get emotional. I couldn’t believe that our day was finally here and I was getting to marry an honest, kind, wonderful man who was also my best friend! I loved being able to spend a few hours that morning while taking picture with just the two of us. The ceremony was perfect. We decided to have our siblings stand up with us as our wedding party since we both have such close families. I had my brother, Damien, and sister, Lynelle, Amos had his brothers, Zak, Levi and Sam, and his sister, Lydia. Our nephew Simeon and niece Lillia were also involved in the wedding. Everything felt so whimsical and happy. The lunch reception took place in the same place as the wedding. One of the most happy moments, was a surprise arranged by Pam, Amos’ mom. During our reception a small silver plane flew over and dropped flower petals on all of the guests. After three or four passes, the beach was scattered with petals. Everyone loved it! And it was one of the most special feelings to know that the plane had been sent just for us! Our whole day felt like so much more then I could ever ask while still staying true to the simplicity that we wanted. It truly was “our most happy day!”
Wedding Photography: B. Schwartz Photography / Wedding Location: Manresa State Beach in California / Flowers: Kitumaya Brothers + DIY Arranging / Catering: Gayle’s Bakery and Rotiserria / Saltwater Taffy: Marini’s Taffy / Printing: Parks Printing / Confetti for Invitations: PomLove / Envelopes: Paper Source / Umbrellas + Benches: M&M Party Rentals / Utensils: Amazon / Washi Tape: Etsy / Wedding Dress: Zara / Bride’s Pearl Earrings: From the Groom / Bride’s Bracelet: Borrowed from Her Sister / Bride’s Sandals: Steve Madden / Women’s Dresses: Forever 21 / Groom’ Shirt: Urban Outfitters / Groom’s Pants + Belt: Banana Republic / Men’s Shirts: Macy’s / Kids’ Attire: Gap Kids + H&M