Polaroid Memoirs

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Anna and Brian exchanged vows for each other. With blue everywhere, from the ocean, the sky, and the cool atmosphere, you will keep calm and carry on at  moment. Oodles of DIY’s heightened the beauty of the event as the cake, cupcakes, and the cake-topper were all made by a friend. Even the boutonnieres and the bouquets were carefully handmade just for the whole entourage. This rustic and shabby-chic themed wedding will feed your creative soul with natural hues that are perfect for a beach bluff wedding. Even nature gave them a gift on their wedding day – humpback whales gracefully played in the deep blue waters of the ocean. Here’s the most creative part that I really like best – the polaroid guestbook where their guests take goofy photos on a burlap backdrop affixed with their message for the couple! Ahh, what a highly spirited day! Good goin’ right there, Anna And Brian!

The Album Story

Anna and Brian’s sweet & simple beach bluff wedding took pace at Shell Beach Dinosaur Caves Park, with a
driftwood arch placed at the the edge of an overlook of the Pacific Ocean. I still cannot believe how blue
everything was; the ocean, the sky, everything just popped behind such a beautiful and electric backdrop. The
ceremony was short and sweet, with poems shared from Anna’s mother (that have been read at her own
wedding). Anna and Brian’s bridal portraits were taken down in a private beach cove, with lots of tide pools and
reefs to explore.

Shaffer_Shirley_Hannah_Kate_Photography_BrianAnna201560of128_low

Their reception was held at the Ventana Grill in Pismo Beach. Anna and Brian have an incredible network of
amazing people that made their wedding absolutely beautiful. Both the bride & groom are from Washington
state, so they relied heavily on Anna’s mother, sister and friends to bring their vision to life.

The Theme

The ceremony & reception had a rustic, sort of shabby-chic vibe going on. They did an excellent job of tying in
mint, creams and burlap into their beach wedding.

Shaffer_Shirley_Hannah_Kate_Photography_BrianAnna201553of107_low

Wedding Outfit Inspiration

The outfits are very laid back and in soft and neutral hues– perfect for a California beach wedding!

The Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Projects

Anna and Brian’s cake-topper was handmade by an amazing family friend! The cake, the cupcakes, the bouquet and the boutonnieres are all handmade! You’ll also see a lot of handwritten details around the reception and even a DIY polaroid Photo booth. Sometimes it takes a village, and this village did an amazing job at tying in all the beautifully crafted details.

Shaffer_Shirley_Hannah_Kate_Photography_BrianAnna201555of128_low

Along with all the handmade and DIY goodness, Anna and Brian’s wedding date held a special significance. June
21st was Father’s Day this year, and unfortunately Anna had lost her father in 2014. In a way to honor his
memory, they lit lanterns during the ceremony and Anna carried a locket with photos of her and her father on
her bouquet. The whole wedding was beautiful, but to have all those sentimental details made it absolutely gorgeous.

Favorite Part of the Day

As the photographer, I just absolutely loved the entire day! It was a beautiful summer day on the coast, the ceremony was heartfelt and personal, and Ventana Grill is an amazing venue with breathtaking 180 degree views of the Pacific! Couldn’t have asked for a better way to spend a Sunday than documenting a love story in such a gorgeous area.

Shaffer_Shirley_Hannah_Kate_Photography_BrianAnna201569of128_low

Highlights From the Ceremony and the Reception

The highlight of the ceremony was definitely the vows; so romantic and sweet, there was not a dry eye in the
crowd.

The highlight of the reception probably had to be the whales; every year along the central coast, humpback
whales migrate down with the changing currents. During dinner, the whales could be seen breaching and playing
directly behind the newlyweds! A lot of the guests were not from the area, so it was something a little extra
special on their wedding day.

 Shaffer_Shirley_Hannah_Kate_Photography_BrianAnna201521of88_low

VENDORS

Photographer:  Hannah Kate Photography
Bridesmaid Dresses: Anthropology
Ceremony Location: Dinosaur Caves Park
Reception Venue: Ventana Grill

Leave a Comment