“When Kassie and Michael first told me about their vision for their wedding day, it fit their love for the ocean and Kassie’s beautiful free spirit perfectly. Friends, family and toes in the sand was exactly what they wanted and they more than delivered. Between Kassie’s stunning flower crown to the sweetest air plant favors, they day was full of all kinds of pretty little things. Their wedding took place at the stunning Avila Lighthouse Suites in Avila Beach, California. I was so blessed to be apart of my amazing friends perfect day, it’s one I will treasure always.” – Stefanie Elizabeth Photography
What is your favorite wedding day memory?
The entire day. From the moment I woke up I felt this sense of peace. I felt extremely calm & was no longer worried about all the details that go along with planning a wedding. The moment I walked down the aisle I felt so loved. The way my soon to be husband looked at me and the way I felt about him. The day was truly the best day of my life. The funny thing is I was against having a wedding. I wanted to elope, but my husband was insistent that we have a wedding. We actually had several arguments regarding this topic. I finally gave in because it seemed very important to him. I found the process of planning and paying for a wedding overwhelming, but overall the thought of being the center of attention terrified me. I’m so glad he talked me into it.
What did you DIY for your wedding?
I never considered myself a DIY bride, but when your on a budget – you learn how to make things work. We couldn’t afford a wedding planner so Pinterest was my best friend for several months. We wanted the wedding to have a boho chic beach feel. For favors I bought small sea urchins & placed an air plant inside the shell. I put chalkboard labels on mason jars for personalized glasses that our guests could take home. I painted mason jars for the goodie table and for the bar. I am obsessed with driftwood and stumbled across a local couple who sell driftwood and wire, so I had them make a few pieces for the wedding. I used one as the cake topper. I used a shell to display candy. I collected sea glass and driftwood to make it more personal and used them also as decor. I collected picture frames and displayed them all around with our engagement photos and used vintage frames as our chalkboard signs.
Something old, new, borrowed and blue?
Something old + blue + borrowed was a piece of my dad’s work shirt my sister gave me. She cut it out in a shape of a heart & I had it tacked to my new dress over my heart. He passed away 1/11/11.
Any advice for brides currently in the planning process?
Enjoy every moment of the planning process. It’s up to you to make your experience a good one. Before you know it everything will be over and there will be a part of you that will miss all the excitement of the planning process. – Kassie, the bride
Event Credits
Photographer: Stefanie Elizabeth Photography // Ceremony: Avila Beach, CA // Venue: Avila Lighthouse Suites // Flowers: Sprigs Floral Design // Catering: Catering by Crave // Dessert: Park Grace // Officiant: Tom O'leary // DJ: David Guzman // Rentals: Got You Covered // Dress: Nightcap Clothing // Shoes: Steve Madden // Jewelry: BaubleBar // Hair + Makeup: Amanda Nelson // Bridesmaid dresses: Stella // Men's attire: Men's Wearhouse // Invitations: Wedding Paper Divas
