then under the pier...

We took more photos above the beach before heading down to the sand.

Under the boardwalk, down by the sea....

Tiffany and Jill will be taking the plunge in just a few weeks!

Capitola, California
Growing up in Chicago, winter was frost on the windows and icicles glistening in the sun, snow angels and sledding, quiet evening walks as snow spiraled from the sky, shoveling sidewalks and driveways and stuck cars, dressing in layers upon layers and seeing your warm breath make tiny clouds in the cold air, hot chocolate topped with mini marshmallows and of course Santa with his long white beard dressed in a warm red suit trimmed in fur and tall black boots.

Since moving to L.A. a few years ago, we're always looking for experiences unique to California. Palm trees covered in lights, Christmas boat parades, walks on the beach alongside swimming dolphins and Hunky Santa at the Beverly Center.

This year we headed up north to Capitola for Surfin' Santa. Capitola is a friendly beachside city just south of Santa Cruz.

Outside of Cafe Violette, which has the best ice cream, we came across this vintage car.

Even the Grinch couldn't spoil the day for us. We looked in all the little shops along the Esplanade. You can do all of your Christmas shopping here: get t-shirts at Sea Level T's, seashells in the appropriately named Capitola Seashells located in the Mercantile Exchange, and all of your pirate gear at Turtle Shells. The Craft Gallery Annex was one of our favorites for unique gifts from pendulums and whimsical sculptures to address books decorated with sassy women in 50's fashion sporting a witty blurb above their heads.

The best gift of all was from the city of Capitola itself - FREE parking!

Nicole and Justin had a beautiful fall wedding day. They incorporated beach motifs throughout the ceremony and reception. The beach is their favorite place and we took their engagement photos there a few months ago.

Nicole is truly one of the most gracious brides I've met. She's also gorgeous and sexy and very in love with Justin.

Nicole's little cousin entertained himself by jumping off the stairs. Today ringbearer, tomorrow Superhero.

Both the ceremony and reception were held at the Wedgewood Wedding and Banquet Center at Buenaventura Golf Course.

Their wedding programs featured a short paragraph about each member of the wedding party. They also included a photo from the engagement shoot in the booklet, which was beautifully accented by a hot orange ribbon, both in keeping with the beach theme.

I love this ring pillow!

Nicole surprised Justin by wearing his combat boots from Iraq during the garter toss. Fortunately for all the guys he only threw the garter.

Justin and his best man.

Nicole and Justin share a sweet kiss after the cake cutting.