DIY Ranch style wedding in Half Moon Bay

Oh this DIY wedding was off the hook!  I remember meeting with Emilie and Will a month before their wedding.  The wedding took place on there ranch South of Half Moon Bay.  When I met with them on this beautiful day in May, I have to admit, I was a little worried as their barn that was to house the celebration of about 200 guest was still very much under construction!

Although, knowing this family, and the village they have around them… my concern was only mildly there… and completely left on the day of when I showed up to capture this breathtaking day! So, yes, everything you see at this wedding was creative, do it yourself, and done with a whole lot of love for this couple.  This post is a year over due, but definitely did not want to forget about the highlights of this day!

Hastings House Wedding and Backyard Celebration

What a simple but elegant wedding.  These two chose simple ingredients and really designed a wedding that was intimate and unique to them.  It started at the Seal Cove Inn which was the perfect backdrop for the first look and the family portraits at the nearby majestical forest at the Fitzgerald Marine Reserve. We then moved on to the Hastings House, which is this beautiful seaside garden in the scenic town of Miramar.  This place is near and dear to my heart because I too chose to say my vows, 18 years ago, in this magical garden.  But if those two ingredients weren’t enough of simple and meaningful locations… we then moved onto a private residence that belonged to the groom’s father in Redwood City. They transformed this simple backyard into a celebration surrounded with their closest friends and family.  It was truly a special day.

A unique and elegant wedding at the Oceano Hotel in Half Moon Bay, CA

To get married at the Oceano comes with so much beauty.  With an ocean backdrop laced with cypress tree’s and the sound of the fog horn it really is a magical place.  To get married at the Oceano comes with so much beauty.  With an ocean backdrop laced with cypress tree’s and the sound of the fog horn it really is a magical place.  But when you add in your own flavor like Stephanie and Jeff did creating nothing like I have ever seen, you get that plus so much more.

Stephanie and Jeff decided to make full use out of the venue but getting married in their rustic gatehouse facility bringing in their own nature and greenery to really bring the venue to its next elegant level.  Stephanie wanted to make sure she created fun for all of her 200 guests including her teenage son… so created a game room separate from the reception complete with air hockey and a life size connect 4 game.  The adults were able to lounge comfortably in sofa’s and tall cocktail tables complete with an espresso bar and a photo booth.  Dancing and fun were being had by all… What a great way to change up the venue… bravo you two!

Stephanie and Jeff decided to make full use out of the venue but getting married in their rustic gatehouse facility bringing in their own nature and greenery to really bring the venue to its next elegant level.  Stephanie wanted to make sure she created fun for all of her 200 guests including her teenage son… so created a game room separate from the reception complete with air hockey and a life size connect 4 game.  The adults were able to lounge comfortably in sofa’s and tall cocktail tables complete with an espresso bar and a photo booth.  Dancing and fun were being had by all… What a great way to change up the venue… bravo you two!

Hastings House, Half Moon Bay, CA

Hastings House is a place that I hold dear to my heart.  I too got married in this majestic garden almost 17 years ago.  What sold me on this serene location was its quiet, calming and peaceful oasis created by flowers, salt air (as the beach is right out the front) and the natural beauty if possess.  Linda and Richard Patterson do an amazing job with creating a magical place to exchange your vows in an intimate setting.