Intimate Oceanside Elopement | Carmel Beach

One night nine years ago, Erica and Neal were reluctantly convinced by friends to attend a party in Hollywood. What had felt like an obligation was transformed when the two met and instantly bonded over Bukowski and Dylan. Neal followed through on a promise to call her the next day and they've been together ever since.

Years later, the LA-based couple entered the world of wedding planning, heading towards a big event with lots of moving pieces. When family circumstances put their plans on pause, they used the time to reevaluate. What they really wanted was a small celebration, an intimate ceremony with family and dearest friends. A new program developed: a drive up the coast, an elopement on the beachside cliffs of Carmel-by-the-Sea, a weekend of wine, food, and family, concluding with an intimate dinner party at Folktale Winery in Carmel Valley.

Their wedding date was set for late autumn, which allowed for the perfect lucky combination of clear bright skies and mostly-empty beaches. In front of 10 closest friends and family members, Neal's father officiated, assisted by the couple's adorable Shiba Inu mix, making the sweetest family of three official.

Click here to see their elegant dinner party at Folktale Winery!

 Carmel Beach, Carmel-by-the-Sea, California

Romantic Autumn Wedding at the Golden Gate Club

Catherine and Dustin are two of the sweetest people you can imagine, so it didn't surprise us to learn one of their top priorities for their wedding was creating an event that felt warm and welcoming.

The majority of their guests traveled, some to San Francisco for the first time, and many from as far as Australia. They loved the idea of sharing the city with them: the natural beauty of the Presidio, tall trees, ocean views, and with luck, a bright blue sky.

While their guests filled the Presidio Chapel on the hill above the Golden Gate Club, they kept their bridal party small, choosing to have just their sisters with them at the alter.  The day was absolutely bursting with loving, joyful moments between family and friends.

Venue:  Inn at the Presidio + Presidio Chapel  + Golden Gate Club   |  Planner: Downey Street Events  |  Florals: Rare Sparrow  |   Hair + Makeup: Pins + Curls  + Face West |  Gown: Martina Liana via Novella Bridal   |  Bridesmaid Dresses: BHLDN   |   Suit: Tom Ford    |  Jewelry: Appelblom Jewelry   |   Shoes: Jimmy Choo  |  Caterer: Presidio Foods  |  Videography: Acorn Films  |   Band: All Star Juke Box  + Corelli Strings   |  Lighting: GOT Light   |  Rentals: Standard Party Rentals

Exquisite Garden Party | Vintage Botanical at Wild Iris

It’s not hard to see why Anthony and Caitlin were drawn to the Wild Iris. Imagine the most exquisite garden you can, fill it with manicured paths, fruit trees, and sprawling lawns that lead right up to the wooded forest, add a wisteria-draped pool, secluded sunny afternoons, and a spectacular view of hillside vineyards.

Caitlin has always been fascinated with biology and now works as an environmental lawyer. She immediately started envisioning complementing the natural beauty of Philo with a botanical theme. They collected vintage scientific illustrations for table markers, agate slices for name cards, and incorporated gems, flowers, and woodland themes into their decor.

In what seemed a perfect nod to the bride’s fiery Irish locks, the wedding date approached in time for trees full of apples and bright autumn foliage. Heartfelt vows were followed by al fresco dinner overlooking the valley, and dancing by the pool under the rising full moon.  

Venue: Wild Iris, Philo, CA   |   Planner: Zoe Braga Events    |   Hair + Makeup: M Salon   |  Florals: Mendocino Floral Design  |  Rentals: Bright Event Rentals   |   Videography: DP Weddings

Heat Wave | Elegant Wedding at Corinthian Yacht Club

Dorothy and Ryan originally planned to marry in Chicago, but one visit to the Corinthian Yacht Club and they envisioned sharing a weekend with their friends and family in the Bay. Sailing was a big part of Ryan's childhood, and the sweeping views and nautical ambiance of the Corinthian felt right.

When booking their Labor Day weekend date, they’d expected guests on the sun porch to enjoy watching the infamous Bay Area fog slowly blanket the view and chill the evening air, instead of the record-setting temperatures the day brought. Guests from the East Coast, Chicago, and Indiana left air-conditioning and manageable 70-80 degree climates for unexpected triple digits that scorched California that weekend. But, really, what better day to be by the water?

After a quick stop at the charming, historic St Hilary's, the wedding party headed into an elegant reception complete with veiled string lights, massive white hydrangeas, oysters, and champagne. Instead of toasts from just the best man and maid of honor, Dorothy and Ryan asked each of their party members to share a story or a wish. Between the wide-open windows and the deck looking out at the sparkling bridge and the glistening water reflecting the waxing moon, the night had a shimmer and a refreshing open-air vibe everyone could appreciate.

 Ceremony: Westminster Presbyterian Church    |   Reception: Corinthian Yacht Club     |   Gown: Stella York    |   Music: All Ears DJ    |   Limo: Fast Limo    |   Catering: Corinthian Yacht Club     |   Cake: Susie Cakes