Derek and Lena both love to entertain, so it was very important to this couple that, aside from being a special day for the two of them, their wedding was a great party for all their friends and family.

They settled on a casual, elegant style, then set off to find the perfect venue. Since Derek was determined to surf with his groomsmen at least twice during the wedding weekend, it couldn't be too far from the beach. They ended up at a private home and farm in beautiful San Gregorio, in a picturesque valley just a few miles from great surfing. 

They both love to pickle (something Lena's mother taught them), so they decided right away to make pickles as part of their welcome packages. As almost all of their guests were coming from out of town, their wanted to have something nice waiting at their hotels that reflected the couple's DIY style and kicked off the weekend right.

The ceremony was exactly what they wanted, in front of an old barn, with music by their friends and family and a surprisingly funny reading of love letters between Lena's grandparents when they were first dating and married in the 1930s. The bride and groom filled the wedding with their own handicrafts, from the old door they refurbished and used to hang escort cards to the napkin ring placecards, and their dear friend did all of the reception flowers (with lots of help from family and friends). All of these touches made it really feel like their party.

Derek and Lena are not big cake fans, so they decided on pies from nearby Duarte's–Lena's mother surprised them with two homemade kransekake (Norwegian wedding cakes). With their signature cocktails flowing freely, guests danced–hard–to the band and were sent them home at the end of the evening with tacos from the couple's favorite taco truck. It was a beautiful ceremony and a fabulous party!

Photographer:Michelle King Photography

Invitation Designer:Foglio Press

Dress Store: Amy Kuschel

Bakery:Duarte's Tavern

Event Venue:Chateau La Joye

Makeup Artist:The Makeup Dolls