Madonna Inn

Rehearsal Dinner

Avila Lighthouse Suites

Wedding Day

Our Wedding

Our story begins with a few common passions that have and continue to serve as strong connectors in our relationship since the beginning: good friends and the love of nature. Being new to the CSU Channel Islands campus, I was coerced, actually forced against my will, to sign up and go to a free sunset kayaking event (I know, a miserable task) by our good friend Libby. After dawning my favorite above-the-knee shorts and throwing on a wind breaker, we headed to the Channel Islands Boating Center where without my knowledge at the time, my life was about to make a very drastic pivot. While on the water, my friends and I made conversation with the guides. One of which was a bubbly blonde with a smile that has been etched into my mind ever since that first life jacket check and eyes that were the only thing that could rival the bright and stunning hues of that first amazing sunset we shared together. On the paddle back to the dock I was convinced to not only apply for a job leading the very activity I was participating in, but also to join the sailing team. (Both of which aforementioned bubbly blonde was part of. They really had to twist my arm.) After the paddle was over, I went back to campus unaware of just how impactful that one, forced school activity would be to my life. A few days later, I showed up to my first sailing practice and finally learned the name that would eventually take my last one, Brooke. She made an impression on me right away and by the end of that first practice we were already flirting and making excuses to hold hands whenever we could without making it TOO obvious. (It was very obvious.) Eventually, I gained enough confidence to finally ask Brooke out. Well, technically I told her I loved her and then asked her out afterwards, and only after months of coercion and reassurance from now mine and Brooke’s friend Libby. Finally, our love had blossomed naturally out of a mutual love for the ocean and perfect circumstances. Little did I know, every “natural” element of our relationship up to that point was perfectly orchestrated by Brooke. A private kayak session hidden under the guise of it being “training” that no other employee ever got, the life jacket checks everytime we went out to teach a sailing lesson were not procedure, going out for drinks after sailing practices and work days was not a normal thing, and I'm sure playing thumb wars for hours out of the day just so we could hold hands was not a customary thing in either of our lives before we met. But not much about our love follows the standard and that is what makes it feel so right. Even the proposal involved a good amount of seasickness, a fake birthday party orchestrated by Megan (and thank you Andy, her husband and our friend, for sacrificing your birthday for this) and a fight just to get Brooke to realize she was being proposed to. We are both unique and passionate individuals and our relationship highlights these qualities perfectly. Our love started with a mutual love for the ocean, and we are so lucky to be able to share both our love for each other, and the ocean with you all on our special day. We thank you for being part of it and hope that you can find as much fun in celebrating our love as we have with each other each and everyday.

Our Story

Photos

Megan Gai

Karley Barsdale

Hailey Popham

Nicole Bendorf

Nikki Gai

Kolby Vanderpool

Erik Thiesmeyer

Trevor Gillen

Joseph Sabo

Eron Ray

Andrew Pasquini

Griff McConal

Nick Flom

Wedding Party

Our Registry

To access our room block, just call the hotel and mention Brooke and Major McConal’s wedding. We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Avila Lighthouse Suites 

Offering free WiFi, the Inn At Avila Beach is located in Avila Beach. The property offers water sports facilities and free bikes. At the hotel, every room is fitted with a wardrobe and a TV. The rooms also include a private bathroom with free toiletries, while some rooms boast a terrace. All guest rooms are provided with a microwave. A continental, à la carte or American breakfast is served at the property. Guests can also enjoy the rooftop coffee house at the property. Activities are available in the area around the accommodations, including cycling and fishing. Pismo Beach is 5.6 mi from the hotel, while Morro Bay is 14 mi from the property.

Inn at Avila Beach

Located in Avila Beach, 8.3 miles from Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa, Avila Village Inn has accommodations with free WiFi and free private parking. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with free toiletries, all rooms at the hotel have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms also feature a balcony. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Guests at Avila Village Inn will be able to enjoy activities in and around Avila Beach, like hiking. Staff speak English and Spanish at the 24-hour front desk. Clark Center for the Performing Arts is 10 miles from the accommodation, while California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is 10 miles from the property. San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is 7.5 miles away.

Avila Village Inn

Located less than a mile from the Palasades Bluff Walkway, this oceanfront resort features an infinity pool and hot tub. Rooms include a full kitchen and a private balcony. A flat-screen cable TV with a DVD player and free Wi-Fi are offered in each room at the Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa. A seating area with a sofa, laundry facilities, and an private bathroom with bathrobes and slippers are also included. A fire pit is also available at the property with three barbecues for guests to prepare their own cuisines. Complimentary beach chairs and beach towels are also included. Massage and spa services are available at The Spa located on site. Bicycles are available for hire at the resort and a concierge service is provided to assist guests with area attractions. Lido Restaurant, offering sweeping ocean views, is conveniently located at the hotel. The restaurant specializes in bringing local ingredients and local wine together for a unique dining experience. Hearst Castle is 1 hours’ drive from the hotel. San Luis Obispo is 10 minutes’ drive away.

Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa

Located off Highway 101, this hotel is a 12-minute walk from Palasades Bluff Walkway. It features an outdoor pool and an on-site restaurant. All rooms offer free Wi-Fi. A cable TV and a mini-fridge are furnished in all rooms at Spyglass Inn. The traditionally decorated rooms feature warm colors and include a clock radio and hairdryer for guest convenience. Pismo State Beach and Le Sage Riviera Golf Course are a 10-minute drive from this hotel. Pismo Lake Ecological Reserve is 5 miles away.

Spyglass Inn

Located in Pismo Beach, within a 7-minute walk of Margo Dodd Park Beach and 6.1 miles of Clark Center for the Performing Arts, Shell Beach Inn provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool and free WiFi throughout the property as well as free private parking for guests who drive. Featuring a concierge service, this property also provides guests with a sun terrace. At the hotel, every room is equipped with a closet. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, guest rooms at Shell Beach Inn have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and selected rooms have a patio. All guest rooms will provide guests with a fridge. Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa is 10 miles from the accommodation, while California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo is 12 miles away. San Luis Obispo County Regional Airport is 9.3 miles from the property.

Shell Beach Inn

Offering rooms with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and free WiFi access, the Inn at the Cove features an on-site heated pool and hot tub. Pismo Beach Pier and city center are 2 mi away. A complimentary continental breakfast is served every day. A flat-screen TV with cable channels is featured in all the guestrooms. A coffee machine, and a refrigerator are included in every guest room. Most rooms offer views of either the ocean or swimming pool. Waffles, pastries, and muffins are provided as part of a complimentary continental breakfast each morning at the Inn at the Cove. In-room spa and massage services are available. Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve and State Beach is 12 minutes’ drive from the Inn at the Cove. The Edna Valley wine region is less than 9.9 mi away. Cal Poly State University is 15 minutes’ drive from Inn at the Cove.

Inn at the Cove

The Cliffs Hotel and Spa is located on a cliff overlooking Shell Beach. The hotel offers a full-service spa, an oceanfront outdoor swimming pool and a balcony in every guest room. The Cliffs Hotel and Spa features a 42-inch flat-screen TV, a coffee machine, and a work desk. Guests at the Cliffs can use the hot tub or the sauna but please note from 7-10pm, it is adults only. A 24-hour gym with modern cardiovascular and weight training equipment is also available. Marisol restaurant at The Cliffs offers Latin cuisine, indoor and outdoor seating, and live entertainment. Room service is also available. Upon request, a free shuttle service is provided to the San Luis Regional Airport and Amtrak Station. Pismo Dunes Natural Preserve and Pismo State Beach are within a 20-minute drive of the hotel.

The Cliffs Hotel and Spa

Featuring a spa tub, free Wi-Fi and a fireplace in all rooms, this Avila Beach, California hotel is just a 5-minute walk from Avila State Beach. A welcome basket is available in each guest room. Select suites feature a full kitchen with granite counters and a heated towel rack at Avila La Fonda Hotel. An iPod docking station and a flat screen satellite TV are also provided in all rooms. Each private bathroom features fresh bathrobes. Along with free CD and DVD rentals, the 24-hour front desk also serves evening wine and morning coffee at Avila Beach La Fonda Hotel. Concierge services are available. Fresh made chocolate croissants and freshly brewed coffee are provided each morning for guests. Afternoon snacks and local wine tasting are also available each day in the common area. Hearst Castle is a 1-hour drive away. Pismo State Beach is 12 miles from Avila La Fonda Hotel.

Avila La Fonda Hotel

Travel

With its beginning as a roadside umbrella in 1985, the&nbsp;Avila Valley Barn&nbsp;is a treasure of San Luis Obispo, surrounded by acres of orchards, beautiful flowers, and vine-filled trellises. With a full open-air farmers market, you’ll be able to pick up fresh fruit, berries, vegetables, and other locally grown organic produce. They also offer pies, hand-crafted fudge, and other homemade desserts if you’re looking for a sweet treat

Avila Valley Barn

The&nbsp;Central Coast Aquarium&nbsp;has visitors from all across the United States who are dazzled by the up close and personal interactions with the Central Coast marine life. Take tours or self-explore to learn about all of the aquatic creatures and their ecosystems.&nbsp;

Central Coast Aquarium

Discovered in 1907, these popular natural mineral springs are a hidden oasis in Avila Beach. The historic Avila Hot Springs is known for its heated freshwater pools, massage therapy sessions, and, of course, relaxing hot springs. This location also offers convenient cabins and dry tent camping with easy access to the beach and the Bob Jones Bike Trail.

Avila Hot Springs

This is such a magical and cozy place to enjoy an afternoon wine tasting.

Kelsey See Canyon Vineyards

The Port San Luis Lighthouse was completed in 1980 following the sinking of steamship Queen Mary Of The Pacific that attempted to navigate into the harbor in the dark of night. The lighthouse was later de-commissioned in 1974, and in 1995 a non-profit was established to restore the lighthouse and open it to the public.&nbsp;Today the lighthouse is open to the public to visit for historical tours where you will learn about the lighthouse its keepers and their families that once lived there.

Point San Luis Lighthouse

There’s no better way to experience San Luis Obispo Bay than riding the waves on a surfboard.&nbsp;Avila Beach Surf School&nbsp;offers hourly lessons for ages six and up, whether you’re looking for a private 1 on 1 lesson, private group lessons, or their all-inclusive package. Bring plenty of sunscreen but know that the board and wetsuit are included in their packages.

Brooke & Major

Brooke & Major

B&M

Wedding Day