Oxnard, California, with its idyllic coastal charm, played host to a styled wedding shoot that epitomized the relaxed yet refined California Coastal aesthetic. We had the pleasure of sitting down with Jillian, the talented photographer behind the lens, who captured the essence of the shoot. Let’s delve into her insights as she takes us through the vision and creative process behind this breathtaking event.

Transforming Zachari Dunes: A Fresh Look

“Tiffany Emch at Zachari Dunes reached out to get this shoot started and allowed us to use the beautiful property as our canvas,” Jillian says. “Having just come out of a year-long renovation, we really wanted to capture our new look and feel – still relaxed California Coastal but updated and fresh.”

Zachari Dunes, a beachside resort, served as the perfect backdrop for the shoot’s inspiration, emanating a sense of calm as the clouds drifted over the ocean.

The Spark of Inspiration

“The inspiration started watching the calm of the clouds drift over the ocean,” Jillian says. “As a beachside resort, this was a natural match and where the inspiration all started.”

The serene movement of clouds above the sea inspired the shoot’s aesthetic, guiding the creative direction with its ethereal beauty.

A Serene Ceremony

“For the ceremony, we wanted to make sure that the beach was the feature,” the photographer says. “Wanting to be organic and true to the space, we created a design that enhanced what the guests would see and feel.”

Keeping the focus on the beach, the design palette incorporated natural tones of tans, greens, and whites. Two half arches of hydrangeas resembled floating clouds, framing the stunning scenery beyond. The open and airy chairs and the coastal foxtail agave plant at the entrance further added to the organic ambiance.

A Stylish Reception

“The reception look took a more modern beach direction,” Jillian says. “Here we kept true to the tans and whites of the ceremony but brought the ocean in through touches of blue and the modern in with black accents.”

The reception design seamlessly blended modern beach aesthetics with the traditional palette, incorporating hints of blue and black accents. Floral arrangements cleverly incorporated floating clouds, enhancing the tablescape. The head table, a personal favorite of Jillian, radiated elegance, while the bar and lounge area exuded a relaxed and refined vibe, reminiscent of exotic destinations like the Maldives or Bora Bora.

Collaborative Creativity: A Talented Team

“I always encourage each vendor to bring their own vision and creativity to the shoot, and I couldn’t have worked with a more talented, professional, generous, and just plain fun team of people.”

Jillian emphasized the collaborative nature of the shoot, appreciating the creative contributions from every vendor involved. Their collective vision and talent brought the dreamy concept to life, resulting in a truly remarkable experience.

Capturing the Magic

“My favorite part of the shoot is always seeing everything come together,” she says. “Moments like when the photographer bends over to show you a shot she just captured and says, ‘look at this,’ and you can’t believe that just happened.”

Jillian’s favorite moments revolve around witnessing the culmination of the shoot’s efforts, capturing the magic as it unfolds. The joy of discovering those breathtaking shots, shared in excitement by the photographer, encapsulates the essence of this enchanting experience.

This styled wedding shoot at Zachari Dunes in Oxnard, California, flawlessly blended a fresh update to the relaxed California Coastal aesthetic. Jillian, the talented photographer, skillfully captured the essence of the shoot, from the tranquil inspiration of drifting clouds to the organic beauty of the beach-focused ceremony. With a modern beach elegance infused into the reception, the shoot showcased the collaborative creativity of a remarkable team. It is through their collective vision and talent that this styled wedding shoot epitomized the elegance and romance of an enchanting coastal affair.

Vendors: Photography: Jillian Rose Photography; Venue: Zachari Dunes; Designer: Hoste Events; Florals: Knot Just Flowers; Rentals: Party Pleasers; Beauty: Veiled Vanity Artistry; Cake/Dessert: Patycakes; Dress: Ever After Bridal Boutique; Jewelry: Jack Weir and Sons; Suit: Friar Tux; Invitations: Minted; Draping: In The Mix Events; Lighting: AV Masters; Linens: BBJ La Tavola; Models: Sarah & Michael Fishbach