Location: Half Moon Bay, California, USA
Setting: Five Star Hotel
Wedding season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Number of guests: 59
Wedding theme/style: Airy, elegant, organic, elevated simplicity.
Catherine and Dale met at their church while organizing an annual church-wide field day. Dale was interested from the start but waited until the event was over to ask Catherine out. After spending time together and going on romantic dates, they began officially dating and decided to get married.
Catherine and Dale chose the luxurious Five Star Hotel Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay for their wedding venue, a place that perfectly aligned with their vision of an airy, elegant, and organically beautiful celebration. Known for its breathtaking views and exquisite service, the hotel offered the elevated simplicity they desired, making it the ideal backdrop for their special day.
The concept of the wedding was centered on nature, aiming to complement and enhance the natural beauty of the venue’s surroundings. The space, with its inherent charm and scenic backdrop, was an ideal choice for their celebration. “Aiming for an organic yet elegant atmosphere, the choice of florals was a tribute to the stunning setting, ensuring a refined atmosphere befitting the Ritz-Carlton backdrop,” – said Ash + Oak, the talented florist, who incorporated local flora and seasonal blooms to create arrangements with a tender and romantic touch.
On the morning of their wedding, Catherine and Dale prepared for their day in a calm and joyful atmosphere surrounded by friends. Catherine looked stunning in her streamlined white dress decorated with bow details. Dale chose a classic black suit, accented with a tasteful boutonnière.
There was pure joy in Catherine’s laughter as Dale turned to see her for the first time. They exchanged vows in this intimate moment before joining their wedding party for a photo session. The bridesmaids in flowing blue dresses and the groomsmen in sharp black suits complemented the couple perfectly, adding to the charm of the celebration.
Catherine and Dale promised each other forever on a cliff above the Pacific Ocean, surrounded by friends and family. Their ceremony was filled with music and joy, as all guests were singing a beautiful song. The ocean’s waves behind them made their special moment even more memorable.
Following the ceremony, guests gathered for a cocktail hour in front of the hotel. As friends and family enjoyed the couple’s signature drinks, Catherine and Dale shared a private moment on the beach.
“Incorporating the coastal charm of Half Moon Bay’s surroundings, our design focus was to create an organic elegance, mirroring the grasses and delicate blooms found in the area, and by steering clear of heavy blooms to let the textures shine. Our color palette was primarily white for a clean and fresh coastal look, punctuated by selective use of blue in ikebana to add a pop of color. We leaned into a mixed vase look, and featured our designs in both bud vases and compotes to offer variety and to harmonize with the coastal setting.” told the florist Ash + Oak.
For the reception, Catherine changed into a red dress paired with white sneakers, as they both shared a contemporary and lively first dance that captivated their guests. The celebration continued with the cake cutting, after which everyone joined the couple on the dance floor.
In the evening, Catherine and Dale walked around the hotel grounds, their joy and love visible in each photo. Under the soft glow of string lights, they shared champagne, smiles, and precious moments, savoring the first hours of married life.
FLORAL Ash + Oak | PLANNER They So Loved Events | VENUE & CATERING Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay | PHOTOGRAPHER Char Perez | VIDEOGRAPHER Sesno Media Productions | STATIONERY Studio XIXI | MUAH Kelly Joe Beauty | CAKE Atelier PQ | DJ Elite Entertainment
