From the very first email, it was clear that Olivia and Lars were our kind of people. Their intimate coastal wedding was never about putting on a show. Instead, it was about celebrating exactly where they came from, who they love, and what matters most to them. And honestly, that intention showed up in every single moment of the day!

They chose to get married in Cayucos, the town where they grew up, still live, and run their small businesses (shout out Olivia’s business, Dreamers & Fools, and Lars’s Cayucos Hot Sauce!!). Because of that, the entire celebration felt deeply rooted and personal, which is always something we are drawn to as photographers.

Why This Intimate Coastal Wedding Felt So Special

Right away, Olivia shared how much she valued that we are a sister duo. That connection mattered to her because of the relationship she has with her own sister. Even more, she talked about loving candid moments, film photos, and being present rather than posed. So from the start, there was so much trust, which truly meant the world to us!

Because of that trust, we were able to document the day in a way that felt effortless and honest. Olivia was just so excited to marry Lars and celebrate with their closest people. Everything else felt secondary.

A Windy Cliffside Ceremony With the Best Energy

Their ceremony took place on the cliffs overlooking the ocean, and yes, it was incredibly windy. However, the wind only added to the magic. There was movement everywhere, from Olivia’s veil to the florals, and it gave the whole ceremony a cinematic, alive feeling.

Olivia’s dad officiated, which made everything even more emotional. One of our favorite moments was seeing him carry the floral pieces back after the ceremony while everyone made their way to the reception. Those are the kinds of in between moments we live for.

After their first kiss, Olivia and Lars turned around to look at their people, and the emotion on their faces said everything.

A Front Yard Reception and Classic California Cool

Following the ceremony, everyone gathered in their front yard for the reception. It felt relaxed, joyful, and so them. Lars even drove off in his blue Volkswagen van with soup cans trailing behind, which felt like such a perfect small town detail.

We also took romantics at the iconic Borradori Garage, which is a historic Cayucos landmark. And yes, we ran into someone they knew mid session, which really sums up the charm of this town!

Clear skies, a stunning view of Morro Rock, and that laid back coastal energy made everything feel timeless.

Planning Your Own Intimate Coastal Wedding?

Bethany joy photography | santa barbara wedding + couples photographers

If you are dreaming of an intimate coastal wedding that feels relaxed, documentary driven, and true to who you are, we would love to be part of it. We specialize in capturing real moments, meaningful connections, and celebrations that feel like you. Reach out anytime to chat about your day. We would be so honored to tell your story!