Emily & Dylan - Half Moon Bay

Written By Linda Newman
A couple kisses tenderly in black and white. The groom wears a suit, while the bride in a lace dress embraces him, capturing a romantic, timeless moment.

I was incredibly grateful to Alex for inviting me to second shoot Emily and Dylan’s Taylor Swift–inspired garden-party wedding in Half Moon Bay, California.

After a quick wave to Emily and check-in at Mavericks House, where their ceremony and reception were held, I headed over to The Oceano Inn to spend some time with Dylan while he got ready. Dylan would like to pass along one piece of groom-to-groom advice: practice your bow tie beforehand. He used to tie them all the time while working as a server, but a few years’ break meant we needed to call Dad in for backup.

And speaking of advice, Emily wants future brides to know that smaller bouquets are your best friend. You don’t realize how heavy they get until you’ve held them through portraits—so if we can save you that shoulder workout, let this be your sign.

Emily and Dylan absolutely nailed their colorful, ethereal, boho aesthetic. Emily’s crocheted gown paired perfectly with her wild blonde curls, matching her free-spirited energy. And the bridesmaids? A full rainbow of shades that popped beautifully against the deep navy of the groomsmen’s suits. The whole day felt like a dreamy, sun-kissed palette come to life.

Man adjusting a bow tie in a calm, elegant room with blue walls and framed seashell art. A small inset shows the Oceano Inn sign outside.
A collage of four images: a watch in a leather case, a smiling groom with a coffee cup, hands adjusting a bow tie, and a dog in a tuxedo. Mood: joyful, celebratory.
Two men in a living room watch a college football game on a wall-mounted TV. The scene feels focused and engaged, with muted decor tones.
A man in a blue suit and bowtie is being helped into a jacket by another person. He looks focused. The setting is a room with neutral colors.
A young man in a suit watches a tutorial on a laptop, adjusting his tie. An older man in a white shirt helps straighten it, conveying concentration and care.
A man in a navy blue tuxedo with a bow tie smiles while leaning against a light blue wall on a balcony. The mood is joyful and formal, with soft natural light.
A group of men in suits stand together in a room with a chandelier, holding drinks and smiling, conveying a celebratory and jovial atmosphere.
A group of men in suits are gathered indoors, smiling as one holds a champagne bottle. The scene conveys celebration and camaraderie.
A man in a suit and bow tie pours champagne into a glass held by another person, surrounded by smiling men in suits, creating a celebratory atmosphere.
Bride laughing while holding champagne and leaning out a window in candid black-and-white wedding photo.
A woman with long, curly blonde hair and a floral lace top smiles while standing by a sunlit window, creating a warm and cheerful atmosphere.
Two women happily posing indoors. One woman, in a lace dress, holds a champagne glass, while the other playfully sticks out her tongue, holding a can.
A woman with long curly blonde hair adorned with small flowers looks down, smiling softly, wearing a lace dress in a bright, cozy room with soft lighting.
A woman in a lace dress with floral headpiece smiles joyfully. She twirls, descends a staircase, and glances back in a softly lit room.
Close-up of a woman in a lace wedding dress with intricate circular patterns and wavy blond hair. She holds a colorful bouquet, conveying a romantic atmosphere.
Smiling woman with curly blonde hair in a lace dress in a brightly lit room with elegantly set tables, conveying a joyful and celebratory mood.
A groom in a tuxedo stands confidently outdoors, slightly smiling. Behind him, a blurred bride holds her bouquet. The mood is joyful and celebratory.
Wooden wedding arch adorned with greenery, overlooking a calm blue sea. White chairs with floral accents line both sides under a clear sky.
Elegant wedding table setting with vibrant floral centerpiece, gold candle holders, and a table card labeled "Table 4." Name card for bride on right.
Elegant wedding table setting includes a floral centerpiece with colorful flowers, table number card, and white chairs in a bright, airy venue.
A serene waterfront venue with rows of white chairs on green grass, a wooden deck by a white building, and a calm bay under clear blue skies.
Outdoor wedding setup by the sea with white chairs facing an arbor under tall trees, and a bar menu on a table adorned with colorful flowers.

All images photographed by me under Alex Denison (@thatbeachyphotographer), and shared with permission.

Hotel

The Oceano Inn, Half Moon Bay

Venue

Mavericks House, Half Moon Bay

Linda Newman
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