by Alison Ferguson

As a surfer (started surfing about 8 years-old), I always thought I would have a wedding on the beach. When I could not win the battle of location with my mom, I decided that at least the rehearsal would be a beach party. Tony (husband) and I needed a place to stay in Newport Beach, and rented a house on the beach so we could surf anytime easily while we were there before and after the nuptials. This way, I felt like I got what I wanted (my wedding at the beach) and my mother got what she wanted (a country club wedding).

The morning of the wedding, I needed to get in the water and catch some waves before the big event. My friend Susi (the photographer) busted out the veil from my bachelorette evening and told me to catch a few for posterity.

The wedding itself was on September 26th at 5pm at the pool area of the Mesa Verde Country Club in Costa Mesa, CA. In southern California, Septembers are beautiful — perfect Indian-summer evenings with sun and warmth. The ceremony was on the lawn adjacent to the pool, our good friend was the ordained minister, we had a Plumeria exchange ceremony, and we wrote our own vows. After the poolside cocktail hour following the ceremony, the party was moved inside the facility for food, dancing, cake, etc. I admit, despite my whining about wanting my wedding on the sand, it worked out seamlessly at the club.

The next day, we all surfed, played volleyball (yes, wearing the veil and bikini) and continued the celebration through the weekend.