Amanda and Eli tied the knot at Amanda's childhood home and ranch, that led to many magical and nostalgic moments throughout the day. Brought together by all of their loved ones, the day started off on top of a hill surrounded by stunning oak trees with a view of the Pacific and ended in a historic barn newly renovated by Amanda's family and her now husband Eli. The day was pure love built from the ground up. With classic and rustic design elements, the day was executed perfectly by Central Coast wedding planner Kindra Ann Events and captured by the ever so talented San Luis Obispo photographer's Matrimony Media and Katie Clare Photography. I had the pleasure of interviewing the bride about the day and all of her favorite details.
Keep scrolling to see each special moment!
Their Love Story
"I had just finished my freshman year of college and was home for the summer, and my cousin invited me to go down to SB for the Fourth of July and spend the day out on the boat she worked on, the Truth. I was nervous about going because I wouldn't know anyone but my cousins and it was very out of my comfort zone, but I couldn't pass up such a fun opportunity. I met Eli when I walked on the boat and was immediately drawn to him. We spent the day out at sea and Eli was being so friendly, but he is such a nice guy I couldn't tell if he was flirting or if he was just that nice to everyone! Found out later, both were true. We watched the fireworks together that night, admitted we were both into each other, he came and stayed at my parents only days later, and we have been inseparable ever since! He proposed to me on Coronado Island at sunset with my siblings and some of our best friends present and it was truly magical. We have now been together 6.5 years, with the past few months being the beginning of our marriage!"
The Inspiration
"We went with a really classic and romantic vibe, which is always how I pictured my wedding. We got married at my parent's ranch in Arroyo Grande which was also my childhood home, so there was a lot of rustic and personal details in our day! I loved the neutral tones and romantic details complemented by the natural beauty of the ranch. It was also indescribably special to get married and have all of the most important people in my life present at a place that is so close to our hearts."
The Details
"We had our ceremony at the top of a hill where we would camp as a family when I was young. It is super close to the house and barn, but as kids my dad would drive us essentially in circles on our way there to make us feel like we were really deep in the woods! This spot is covered by beautiful oak trees and overlooks the ocean. My dad carved out a road to the top and people got to the ceremony by a tractor trailer ride, which was a super fun and unique detail of our day! In addition, the barn that had been on the property for over 100 years, and was on its last legs, got a full remodel and was standing tall and beautiful at our wedding! My whole family, family friends, and my husband built the barn in the year/months leading up to the wedding so seeing that whole process was also so extremely special."
Memorable Moments
"There are a million but I will think of a few! When Eli and I went off to take sunset photos, we rode back up to the top of the hill on a Polaris with our photographers. Not only was it refreshing to take a break from the crowd, but we also took some pretty sick exposure shots going full speed on the Polaris! It was very much so an Eli and I thing to do in the middle of our wedding day. Also, speeches. Just listening to our favorite people in the world's different perspectives on how they know us and our love story and expressing such a special connection to us, all while looking out over our guests from all walks of our lives, was absolutely surreal and beautiful. And lastly, at some point in the night during dancing I was ready to change into my party dress so I could really get down! Some of my bridesmaids and I went up to my old room to change, and while we were up there we went out on the balcony that looked over the whole reception. With my childhood best friends by my side, in the room where I grew up, we just watched the party for awhile and reflected on how insane it was that we here altogether celebrating my marriage. It was such a special moment to take really it all in."
Knowing what you know now... what advice would you have for other brides planing their wedding?
"Oops, pressed enter on that last one, I will send the IG handles to you via email when I send the photo gallery! And my biggest piece of advice is to lean on the people around you. There is something about weddings that changes the energy in the air and everyone wants to help you in any way they can! Our wedding could not have happened without our families, friends, neighbors, and more. Whether it's a huge task or something seemingly simple, let people help you. People want to be a part of your day in any way big or small! Weddings are a huge undertaking and are not possible without the support of your loved ones."
What was the most challenging part about planning your wedding?
"So. Many. MOVING PIECES AND DETAILS! There are the obvious things like you need a dress, caterer, venue, etc. but you forget about the little things like table numbers or where do we seat aunt Tammy or whatever the hell! Definitely challenging to remember the small things, which is why for me a lot of them happened in only the last few weeks before the big day!"
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