Alex & Zoe’s Half Moon Bay Oceano Hotel Wedding
Back at the end of 2019 when the world was still going about business as usual, we met Zoe and Alex in Half Moon Bay for their engagement photos, which remain some of our absolute favorites. As fate would have it, the pandemic shut the entire country down shortly afterwards… but unlike many of our other couples, Zoe & Alex managed to plan their Oceano Hotel wedding around the pandemic, presciently choosing a wedding date that landed just as restrictions ended up lifting due to the coronavirus being in full retreat. In hindsight, perhaps making an accurate prediction should have been expected for this pair of very smart doctors 🙂
This was the first “big” wedding we’ve had since 2019, and we’ve almost forgotten what they’re like — energetic, exciting, emotional — yet at the same time, Zoe & Alex’s wedding also had all the intimacy and character that we’ve really enjoyed seeing in smaller weddings. We loved all of the personal flavor in their wedding, from the speeches that were so good and the story of how they met before really meeting, to cute little details like their signature cocktail “The Mello: a little sweet and a little spicy — just like the dog!”
We’re so grateful to have been a part of Alex and Zoe’s celebration and are super excited to share some of the highlights of the day!
![Oceano Hotel wedding trellis](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-41.jpg)
![bride solo photo at Oceano Hotel ceremony area](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-11.jpg)
![sunset wedding photo at Half Moon Bay pier](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-26.jpg)
![wedding dress photo](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-01.jpg)
![elegant wedding shoes](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-02.jpg)
![bride makeup touchup photo at Oceano Hotel](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-03.jpg)
![bridal hair down do](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-04.jpg)
![bride and bridesmaids taking a selfie](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-30.jpg)
![bride buttoning up wedding dress at Oceano Hotel room](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-05.jpg)
![bride getting her dress buttoned up in hotel room](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-06.jpg)
![girls getting ready for wedding](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-31.jpg)
![creative macro wedding and engagement ring photo](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-29.jpg)
![groom getting boutonniere pinned](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-32.jpg)
![groom and groomsmen in board room](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-33.jpg)
![the guys enjoynig some drinks before wedding](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-34.jpg)
![father of the groom holding a football](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-35.jpg)
![groom and groomsmen taking a shot of courage before wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-36.jpg)
![groom ready for first look](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-07.jpg)
![wedding first look at Oceano Hotel](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-08.jpg)
![about to have first look](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-37.jpg)
![bride and groom having a first look](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-38.jpg)
![photo of cute moment during first look at Oceano Hotel and Spa](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-09.jpg)
![bride and groom admiring each other](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-10.jpg)
![hug](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-39.jpg)
![bride and groom wedding portrait at Oceano Hotel and Spa](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-40.jpg)
![bride and groom with dog](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-12.jpg)
![cute photo of bride and groom holding their Chihuahua](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-13.jpg)
![wedding portrait with dog at Oceano Hotel](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-42.jpg)
![groom with bridesmaids candid photo](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-43.jpg)
![bridal party photo at Oceano Hotel and Spa](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-44.jpg)
![Oceano wedding bridesmaids](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-45.jpg)
![Oceano wedding groomsmen](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-46.jpg)
![rabbi signing marriage document while bride and groom look on](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-47.jpg)
![grandma witnessing marriage license signing](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-48.jpg)
![bride and groom reading the ketubah](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-49.jpg)
![bride and groom ketubah signing](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-50.jpg)
![wooden welcome to our wedding sign](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-51.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel wedding empty ceremony setup](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-14.jpg)
![rabbi entering wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-15.jpg)
![family members seated at wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-52.jpg)
![groom and groom’s parents walking up to wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-53.jpg)
![groom giving his mom a hug](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-54.jpg)
![bride and father entering wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-55.jpg)
![grand photo of bride and father walknig down the aisle at Oceano Hotel, showing bride’s full dress train](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-56.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel wedding bride and father walking down the aisle](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-57.jpg)
![groom reacting to bride walking down the aisle during wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-58.jpg)
![bride giving father a hug](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-59.jpg)
![bridesmaids wiping off a tear during wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-60.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel wedding ceremony photo](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-61.jpg)
![wedding ceremony at Oceano Hotel and Spa](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-62.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel Jewish wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-63.jpg)
![wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-16.jpg)
![wedding ceremony creative angle](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-17.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel and Spa wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-64.jpg)
![bridesmaid wiping off a tear](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-65.jpg)
![grandma getting emotional during wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-66.jpg)
![laughing at funny moment during wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-67.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel wedding bride reading wedding vows](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-68.jpg)
![Jewish ceremony smashing of the glass at Oceano Hotel](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-69.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel first kiss](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-70.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel wedding ceremony walking back up the aisle](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-71.jpg)
![a second kiss in the aisle after the wedding ceremony](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-72.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel wedding recessional](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-73.jpg)
![cute wedding signature cocktail signs](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-74.jpg)
![wedding guests having fun](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-75.jpg)
![guests enjoying themselves](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-76.jpg)
![wedding guests signing a surfboard](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-77.jpg)
![bride and groom entering cocktail hour](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-78.jpg)
![bridesmaid excited to see bride and groom](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-79.jpg)
![candid moment of bride](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-80.jpg)
![wedding candid photos](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-82.jpg)
![bride and groom urban crosswalk wedding photo at Barbara’s Fishtrap in Half Moon Bay](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-106.jpg)
![Half Moon Bay bridal portrait solo](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-109.jpg)
![bride and groom on the pier in Half Moon Bay](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-107.jpg)
![Half Moon Bay pier wedding photos](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-108.jpg)
![sunset wedding bridal portrait with floral bouquet](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-27.jpg)
![bride and groom happy candid](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-28.jpg)
![bride & groom wedding photos on the beach with geese in Half Moon Bay](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-110.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel indoor reception table setup](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-83.jpg)
![wedding cake by Fish Wife Sweets](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-19.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel wedding reception table decor](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-18.jpg)
![grand entrance](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-116.jpg)
![monogrammed wedding napkins](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-20.jpg)
![bride and groom cake cutting at Oceano Hotel](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-21.jpg)
![feeding the wedding cake](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-84.jpg)
![first dance](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-22.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel wedding first dance](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-23.jpg)
![first dance at Oceano Hotel and Spa](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-85.jpg)
![wedding toasts](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-86.jpg)
![guest wiping a tear](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-87.jpg)
![mother of the bride enjoying speeches](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-88.jpg)
![brother of the bride giving a great man of honor speech](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-89.jpg)
![wedding toast facepalm](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-90.jpg)
![wedding toasts at Oceano Hotel](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-91.jpg)
![guest enjoying wedding speeches](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-92.jpg)
![a handsome groomsman](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-93.jpg)
![groom reacting to embarassing wedding toast story](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-94.jpg)
![father/daughter dance](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-24.jpg)
![father/daughter wedding dance](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-25.jpg)
![bride sharing a moment with father after father/daughter dance](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-95.jpg)
![mother/son wedding dance](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-96.jpg)
![bride and family watching as groom dances with his mother](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-97.jpg)
![fun mother/son dance](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-98.jpg)
![Jewish wedding chair dance at Oceano Hotel](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-99.jpg)
![Oceano Hotel Hora dance](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-100.jpg)
![bride and groom lifted up in chairs during wedding reception](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-101.jpg)
![Lucky Devils Band playing at Oceano Hotel and Spa](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-114.jpg)
![bride and groom sharing a dance with guests surrounding them](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-102.jpg)
![groom’s parents dancing and partying at wedding](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-103.jpg)
![bride dancing with a bridesmaid](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-104.jpg)
![bridesmaids dancing the night away](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-111.jpg)
![happy guests on the dance floor](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-112.jpg)
![guests enjoying the dance party](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-113.jpg)
![cute couple dancing](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-115.jpg)
![groom having a blast on the Oceano dance floor](https://d21qxd5qkegi1o.cloudfront.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/az_2021_05-oceano-hotel-wedding-105.jpg)