Christiana and Istvan - Building a Life of Love
Some people shy away from “Winter Weddings” on the Central Coast, but I, personally adore them. I photograph a lot of Summer and Fall weddings, and when I get booked for a Winter wedding, my heart skips a beat a little bit - in the best way! The light is different – a little more pink than gold – and the cooler temperatures seem to cause people to huddle together a little closer and whisper a little more. There's an undeniable beauty in the details of days like these.
There seems to be a little more "magic" in the months of December and January that ooze with possibility and wonder – so why not plan a wedding during this time? Well, that’s exactly what the gorgeous Christiana and handsome Istvan did at the Cypress Ridge Pavilion in Arroyo Grande, Ca. This venue is the PERFECT choice for a Winter Wedding because you can have a gorgeous outdoor ceremony and then get warm and cozy for a dinner and reception inside.
These two beautiful souls decided on an intimate wedding – inviting their closest family and friends, some of whom traveled across oceans to be there. They also didn’t forget to incorporate their beloved four-legged family member “Toffee” – he wore a dapper little suit and stood by Istvan’s side during the ceremony and then greeted guests during cocktail hour. Intimate weddings are magical in this way, because they often allow you to do and incorporate things that larger weddings simply don’t.
As photographer’s like to say, we “lose the light” a little sooner in the winter months, but proper planning allows for some of the most incredible photographs. I was able to capture these two by the amazing lily-pad lake and dock – one of my favorite places for Bride and Groom photographs at Cypress Ridge. The intimacy of their connection and love was so incredible, which was just amplified by the dreamy “vanilla pink skies” of that winter day.
If you’re thinking of getting married in Arroyo Grande and want a venue filled with magic that has an incredible indoor reception space, it’s hard to beat Cypress Ridge. The stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings have an old-world charm that’s simply amazing.
I know these two had the exact day that they dreamed of – intimate, real and romantic. There was no stress as everyone came together to make things perfect. From start to finish, this couple’s dream wedding is definitely going to turn into a lifetime of love!