Casey + Andrew’s uniquely personal Costa Mesa intimate wedding day!

This wedding in Southern California was a heartfelt and relaxed celebration. All in all, it perfectly reflected the couple’s love for family, friends, and great food. Rather than following traditional wedding norms, they opted for a deeply personal day. First, they had an intimate backyard ceremony at a beloved family friend’s home. Then, they ended the evening with an unforgettable wedding reception at Harper Barbecue. This wedding was all about connection, laughter, and celebrating in a way that felt uniquely them.

A Cozy and Meaningful Ceremony at a Family Home

Choosing a beautiful wedding venue is a big decision, but for Casey and Andrew, the choice was clear. They decided to host their ceremony in the backyard of Casey’s best friend’s grandmother’s home. The outdoor ceremony space was naturally beautiful, with lush greenery and colorful flower beds lovingly maintained by the grandmother herself. This personal touch made the outdoor ceremony feel even more special. Their all-white floral arrangements added an elegant contrast to the vibrant setting, creating a stunning backdrop for the day’s most meaningful moments.

A Laid-Back and Joyful Costa Mesa Intimate Wedding Ceremony

Following the ceremony, Casey and Andrew kept things informal. They didn’t have a traditional bridal party. So, instead, we focused on capturing candid moments with their closest loved ones. We also took couples’ portraits in the backyard, capturing their genuine joy at this intimate event venue. With no rigid timeline or formalities, the couple was free to soak in every moment. They fully embraced the fun and love surrounding them.

An Unforgettable Southern California Reception at Harper Barbecue

Rather than a conventional reception venue, Casey and Andrew chose Harper Barbecue, a soon-to-open restaurant owned by family friends. This choice not only made for a unique reception but also gave Harper Barbecue the chance to test out hosting private parties before officially opening its doors. The restaurant’s patio provided the perfect venue for a relaxed evening filled with incredible food, laughter, and celebration.

Despite the casual nature of the evening, the wedding reception still carried an air of elegance. Rustic wooden chairs, white table linens, and simple yet refined centerpieces added a polished touch to the restaurant’s outdoor spaces. Casey, knowing how much the food was a part of their celebration, even made sure to get photos with the incredible barbecue spread—images that perfectly encapsulated the essence of the evening.

Capturing Every Detail of this Costa Mesa Intimate Wedding

Another fun part of this wedding was capturing it alongside my friend and business buddy, Landry of Shae Socials. She works with me as a wedding content creator, capturing behind-the-scenes moments and candid highlights that bring a fresh, immersive perspective to the wedding day experience. In addition to content creation, she also manages my TikTok.

If you’re interested in adding a content creator to your wedding day, Landry is the perfect person to help document all the in-between moments you’ll want to look back on. Though she’s still getting her start in this industry, she has an eye for content and would love to work with you! Brides, if this sounds like something you’d like to include, let’s chat about incorporating content creation into your big day!

A Costa Mesa Reception Focused on Great Food and Even Better Company

From the start, Casey and Andrew wanted their wedding reception to feel less like an event and more like a fun dinner party with family and friends. Their cocktail hour featured signature drinks, elevated appetizers, and even a round of beer pong with red Solo cups, setting the tone for an evening filled with laughter. Guests enjoyed a family-style dinner, passing around platters of ribs, sausage, brisket, and chicken—classic Harper Barbecue flavors that made the meal feel even more communal.

A Lighthearted End to a Perfect Costa Mesa Wedding Day

After dinner, guests gathered to watch Casey and Andrew cut their wedding cake, decorated with fresh fruit and delicate flower petals. But the true highlight of the night? A hilarious beer-chugging contest, where Andrew and his friends competed to crown an unofficial “best man” in good fun. This carefree, joyful energy was a fitting way to end their Costa Mesa intimate wedding, proving that weddings don’t have to be extravagant to be unforgettable.

Your Costa Mesa Intimate Wedding Photographer

Casey and Andrew’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that love stories deserve to be documented in a way that feels authentic and true to you. Are you planning a Costa Mesa intimate wedding? A Southern California elopement? A destination wedding? If so, I would love to capture your day in a way that reflects your unique connection. Learn more about my wedding photography services or explore my upcoming travel dates for destination sessions. Then, if you’re ready to start planning, contact me here to inquire about your date.

Costa Mesa Intimate Wedding Vendors

Content Creator: Landry Shae
Catering & Reception Venue: Harper Barbecue