Real Wedding Spotlight: Chris and Jen’s Eco-Luxe Wedding by the Beach
Both avid outdoorswomen, Chris and Jen came to me with a vision sketched out in their heads: to share their love of California scenery with their guests by creating a sustainable, kid friendly, salsa-dance, camping themed wedding. Costanoa, an eco-lodge on the coast in Pescadero, was the perfect backdrop for a weekend away from the pace of their busy San Francisco life.
Most of the guests stayed the weekend, which allowed us to plan a wedding morning bike ride by the beach, a Southwestern welcome party complete with salsa dance lessons, and loads of activities for the many children who were a part of the celebration. Chris and Jen's circle of friends brought great energy to the weekend. Here are some of my favorite moments:
Two women with great love for each other and their families
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- Chris and Jen share a tender moment
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- Who says large group photos can't be fun?
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- Chris shares a smile with Jen under the chuppah
A salsa dance themed rehearsal dinner to welcome their 150 friends
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- A colorful celebration welcomes 150 of Jen and Chris's closest family and friends
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- Tasty margaritas await the guests
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- Warm red blankets line picnic benches to keep guests warm
The energy of about 20 young nieces and nephews including “Flower Dudes” lining the aisle with petals for the brides
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- Gentle boys...
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- Matching smiles!
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- Can't. Contain. Energy!
The tent replica centerpieces, which doubled as toys and take-aways for the little ones
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- Custom made tent replicas tie in the camping theme
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- Suspended carabeners instruct guests where to be seated
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- The little ones take to the dance floor for play time
Pies ala Mode from Mission Pie in lieu of wedding cake (Mission Pie is an excellent organization that supports at-risk San Francisco youth by providing jobs and training at their farm)
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- The brides replaced the traditional cake cutting with a pie cutting
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- Pie served ala Mode were a hit with the guests
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- Tasty mini cupcakes adorned the dessert display
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- Coffee mugs, designed by a friend of the brides, were used on the dessert display and doubled as favors
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- Can't wait for the first bite!
Mini Cupcakes delivered from the brides’ favorite bakery in San Francisco to tempt the patience of all the flower dudes and kids involved!
Chris and Jen’s wedding announcement was published in the New York Times and I got to be the papergirl the morning after the wedding!
Congrats Chris and Jen!
XO,
Elle
Photography by Lori Paladino
Beauty Services by Christina Felix
Rentals by Hartmann Studios
Flowers by Blumengarten
Music by Morgan Kalakosky
Salsa Dance Lessons by David y Rosa
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