Brittany and Jake ended their wedding day the best Santa Cruz way possible: with ice cream.

After a small ceremony in the redwoods and a relaxed dinner with their closest friends and family, the celebration continued with one more stop — Marianne’s Ice Cream on Ocean Street. Instead of a traditional dessert table or late-night snack, they invited their guests to join them at one of their favorite local spots.

Still dressed in their wedding clothes, they stood in line like everyone else, grabbed their little number tickets, and waited their turn for scoops. It was simple, joyful, and completely them.

Wedding guests in floral dress and white gown gather outside a red building with brick accents.
A series of photos showing the creation process of a cartoon character mural on a white wall.
White wedding dresses and black suits create a striking pattern against a red and white checkered floor.
An ice cream shop employee in a red uniform serves a customer at the counter while others wait in line.
Ice cream cones with chocolate and vanilla scoops being held up in a row against a blurred background.
Two people share a joyful moment while celebrating at an indoor event with orange decorations overhead.

Marianne’s has been a Santa Cruz institution for decades, and walking inside always feels like stepping into a little slice of local nostalgia. The red counters, the checkerboard floors, the huge menu of flavors — it’s the kind of place where everyone ends up smiling before they even get their ice cream.

The whole group piled inside together, chatting while they waited, picking out flavors, and laughing about the fact that the bride and groom were still in full wedding attire ordering waffle cones. It felt less like a formal wedding moment and more like friends hanging out together — which is exactly what Brittany and Jake wanted their day to feel like.

A series of candid photos showing people sitting at a diner counter enjoying a casual meal together.
A person in a beige suit and tie eats a sandwich while sitting at a diner counter.
A person wearing glasses takes a bite of food while sitting at a table with a floral patterned wall in the background.

One of my favorite parts of the night was watching everyone settle into the booths and tables with their ice cream. Some guests were still dressed up from the ceremony, others had already loosened their ties, and everyone was happily digging into cones and bowls like kids.

As a local photographer, Marianne’s is also the kind of place where you’re bound to run into familiar faces, and sure enough I spotted a couple people I knew while photographing the night. It made the whole thing feel even more like a classic Santa Cruz evening — relaxed, social, and full of good energy.

Students work together at tables in a classroom during a collaborative learning activity.
People enjoying a meal together at a restaurant table with a polka dot pattern dress visible in the frame.
A panoramic view of a wedding reception shows guests seated at tables in a room with floral wallpaper.
A crowded dance class learns salsa steps in a studio with checkered walls and overhead lighting.

I love when couples design a wedding day that reflects the places and traditions that are meaningful to them. Brittany and Jake didn’t feel the need to follow a typical timeline or formal structure. Instead, they built a day around the things they genuinely enjoy — redwood forests, good pizza, time with friends, and of course, Marianne’s ice cream.

Ending the night this way felt effortless and fun, and honestly it might be one of my favorite wedding endings I’ve photographed. A group of happy people, a Santa Cruz landmark, and a whole lot of ice cream.

A vintage diner interior with red walls and white countertops features retro-style seating and classic American decor.

A fun wedding dessert idea


Not every wedding needs a traditional dessert table. Taking guests somewhere meaningful — like a favorite ice cream shop, bakery, or late-night taco spot — can make the celebration feel even more personal and memorable.

Why Marianne’s Ice Cream is a Santa Cruz favorite


Marianne’s has been serving ice cream in Santa Cruz since 1947 and is one of the town’s most beloved local spots. With dozens of flavors and its classic retro vibe, it’s a place many locals grew up visiting.

Tips for planning a small Santa Cruz wedding


Intimate weddings allow couples to focus on experiences instead of formal traditions. Brittany and Jake’s day flowed naturally — a ceremony in the redwoods, dinner with friends, and ice cream to end the night.

Brittany and Jake’s Santa Cruz wedding came together with the help of some wonderful local vendors who helped make their relaxed and joyful day possible.

Ceremony Venue: Henry Cowell State Park

Reception Venue: Woodside Brewery

Makeup & Hair Stylist: Kelly Jo

Officiant: Zack Matsumoto

Florist: Ferrari Flourist & Gardens

Desserts: Marianne's Ice Cream

Wedding Dress: Della Curva

Shoes: Tomas Sullivent (grooms shoes)

Jewelry: Victoria Marie Jewelers

Tux: Bespoke Edge