Big Sur forever has my heart. Gabe and I love the area so much we spent our honeymoon at the Ventana Inn way back in 2004. We’ve been missing the area like crazy since the bridge collapse and road closures, so we couldn’t be happier to hear that things are opening up again soon. In honor of the re-opening of the newly renovated Ventana this coming Fall I had to finally get back to blogging and share more of this magical day…

This day was fully inspired by the natural beauty of Big Sur, the luxurious yet down-to earth vibe at the Ventana Inn and the ethereal feeling of being in such a awe-inspiring part of the world. Christine Cater did an such an amazing job dreaming up the overall design, bringing in a mix of natural materials, crystals, laser cut elements and organic floral designs into every part of the day from the ceremony space to the sweetheart table for two set on the cliffside overlooking the Pacific. Our bride wore two beautiful Carol Hannah gowns, starting with a beaded caftan and embellished head piece and pony veil for the ceremony, and ending with a dramatic tulle gown and a crystal head piece. Both looks were accompanied and elevated by incredible estate jewels from Fourtane and hair and makeup by Sarah from The Hair and Makeup Co. Our groom wore a custom blue suit and bow tie from Franco Uomo, which perfectly complemented the rolling green hills surrounding Ventana. Some of the loveliest details from the day included the custom lazer cut wooden invitations and chargers that Megan Miniello made, the mix of crystal, copper and marble with that beautiful, ecclectic centerpiece by Christine, the bride’s laser cut white louboutins, the signature cocktails from Pour Girl Bartending and the crystal toped cake. The whole day felt like a dream, as the sun moved in and out of the fog, and deer roamed through the fields. Big Sur has to be one of the most stunning locations on earth, and a perfect place to get married and share the beauty of California with all of your favorite people.

See the full feature and list of credits over on Magnolia Rouge right here. Film scans by Richard Photo Lab.

This was honestly the most inspiring collaboration that I’ve ever been a part of thanks to a team full of such big dreamers and talented, hard-working artists. Carmel Valley Ranch recently built a new redwood platform with views out over the valley and they wanted to put together a shoot to show off the new ceremony site, so they got in touch and there was no way I was going to turn down that opportunity since outdoor ceremonies with grand views and warm weather are totally my jam … and will always be my jam until I can’t hold a camera any more! Christine Cater and her team created the most stunningly unique and inspiring ceremony spaces ever. I loved the hand-painted, art deco-inspired aisle runner full of ombre flowers and the way that it ended in a circular pampas grass altar surrounded by ghost chairs that didn’t obstruct any of the views. The wooden dining table was set to perfection with Christine’s eclectic centerpiece surrounded by hand painted acrylic menus, gold flatware and pampas grass tassels at each place setting. Edith Meyer’s oval cake also had it’s own moment, sitting on an oval table covered in more ombre flowers.

I’m still obsessed with the bride’s beautiful illusion back Amsale gown from Haute Bride, the teal Christian Louboutin shoes and the collection of gold, diamond and garnet vintage estate jewelry from Fourtane that she wore, plus the unplanned but perfect addition of 2 gorgeous horses and a pygmy goat during sunset. From the adorable flower girl, to the couple, to the locations and all of the animals involved, it was a dreamy day full of beauty in every single direction. A huge and heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed their time and talents!

See the full feature and Luke Goodman’s highlight video, (including some epic drone footage) on Green Wedding Shoes!

planning, design + florals: Christine Cater // venue: Carmel Valley Ranch Carmel, California // videography: Luke Goodman // jewelry: Fourtane // bride’s dress: Haute Bride // hair + makeup: Bianca & Kate // bride’s shoes: Christian Louboutin // flower girl dress: J.Crew // groom’s attire: Franco Uomo // cake + macaroons: Edith Meyer // rentals: Blueprint Studios

Words can’t even come close to describing how incredible this wedding weekend was, but I hope that our images do just a tiny bit of justice to it. Liz and Brian are both veterinarians, (Liz actually went to veterinary ophthalmology school together with my brother at UC Davis) who live in the midwest and they travelled out to the West Coast for a magical 2 day wedding in the heart of Big Sur. They are the sweetest, most down-to-earth couple and their weekend was a true reflection of who they are as a couple. They held an intimate ceremony and cliff-side dinner under the stars with only their closest friends and family on the first day and then hosted a larger reception the following day. We experienced all kinds of weather over the weekend and a last minute tent had to be set up for the reception, but it only seemed to heighten the warm and cozy atmosphere of the event. Everything seemed like it worked out just as it was meant to be, as the rain started as soon as we came in from exploring all offer the property and then stopped again the minute their guests arrived. Every single aspect of this wedding, from the personalized vows, to the food and wine, to the trails through redwoods that led to waterfalls, to the epic cliffside views, to the touching speeches and songs were all amazing, unique and beautifully memorable. We were so lucky to get to work with such a stellar team of talented vendors for one of the very last weddings ever held at Anderson Canyon, and every single of one of them brought their A+ game, including our friends Karissa from Coastside Couture, Darcy from Seascape Flowers, Sarah and Melissa from The Hair and Makeup Co and Annie from A Taste of Elegance among others.  It was a special weekend that we will never forget!

Event Design: Coastside Couture // Event Planning: Coastside Couture // Floral Design: Seascape Flowers // Wedding Dress: Rosa Clara // Cake: Edith Meyer // Invitations: Crescent Moon Paper Company // Bridesmaids’ Dresses: Bill Levkoff // Catering: A Taste Of Elegance // Band: Steve Ezzo // Groom’s Attire: Hugo Boss // Transportation: Main Event Transportation // Espresso Station:Travelin’ Joe Espresso // Hair Stylist Day 1:: Karen Nalvarian // Hair Stylist Day 2: Melissa Marie // Location: Anderson Canyon // Makeup Day 1: Shawn Cavlan Beauty Co // Makeup Day 2:: Sarah Nicole // Rentals: Classic Party Rentals // Tent: Chic Event Rentals

I think that Renee’s words do far more justice to the memory of this beautiful wedding day than mine ever could, needless to say, we absolutely fell in love with this couple and their amazing families….

“Our relationship is unique and in some ways unbelievable. We have had the pleasure of being in each other’s lives since the age of five as we went to kindergarten through eighth grade together. We also have had some similar misfortunes that have given us an understanding for each other that other couples may not have. Our sisters were both in traumatic accidents that have left them paralyzed. While they are the toughest people we know, having an understanding of what each other’s families have gone through gives us all a bond that many families don’t have. It does not define any of our lives but it has created a kinship amongst the two families and is one of the many reasons why the Moriarty and the Cimino families can seamlessly come together as one. Even our sisters think of each other as sisters, which they get very disappointed when you tell them that is not exactly how it works. However, if we mention them we must mention the amazing support that our parents have given all of their children. From our sweet selfless mothers that are quietly handling all behind the scenes to our unwavering fathers who’s poignant words are always said at just the right time. These people especially have made “Mike and Renee” an easy thing.

A good man has always told us ‘classy never goes out of style’ this was continuously on our minds as we envisioned our picturesque ceremony, and created the romantically elegant reception, which turned into an all out love fest. The vision was ever evolving throughout the planning process, but the overall theme was to put Holman Ranch center stage with subtle or maybe not so subtle touches of extravagance to set the day apart. We included special sentimental touches like having the vintage car Renee’s parents drove away in at their wedding in the background, fabric hearts sewn on blankets for the guests made from our grade school uniform pattern, and Mike’s ring being made to match his dad’s ring. We always kept our guests in mind and did our best to make sure there was something for everyone. Our goal was always to have everyone leave with a full belly and a huge smile on their face. A big thanks to all of our vendors and Amy Byrd’s team for making our vision come to fruition!”

See Renee and Mike’s full feature over on Style Me Pretty.

CREDITS: Videographer: Josh Harney Productions // Wedding Planner: Amy Byrd Weddings // Floral Design: Fionna Floral // Stationery: Three Little Words // Ceremony Venue: Holman Ranch // Reception Venue: Holman Ranch // Catering: Classic Catering // Hair And Makeup: Adrian Hernandez // Band: Groud Control // Transportation: Discovery Charters // Cigar Roller: Oye Productions // Pizza: Soleil Wood Fire Pizza // Rentals: Chic Event Rental

I love that this couple made their blended families and their beautiful new son a central part of their wedding day. Nick carried his baby boy into the ceremony so that they could both watch their favorite girl walk down the aisle, and both of them were beaming from the moment that they saw her. Amy Burke did an amazing job with the bright and eclectic floral design. One of my favorite features was the dining pavilion ceiling that was full of giant flower spheres that hung over the tables. Thomas Fogarty Winery is beautiful any time of year, but it was an extra clear day so guests could enjoy views out over the entire Bay Area throughout the evening … but don’t let all of the pretty details and sweet moments fool you, this wedding was also a super fun party that we honestly didn’t want to leave! See their feature on Style Me Pretty here.

CREDITS: Floral Design: Amy Burke Designs // Wedding Dress: Wtoo // Cake: Not Just Cheesecakes // Ceremony Venue: Thomas Fogarty Winery // Reception Venue: Thomas Fogarty Winery // Catering: Le Papillon // Makeup: Erin Perry // Hair: Ashleigh Keller // DJ: Big Fun DJ // Grooms Attire: Vera Wang // Jewelery: Mark Areias Jewelers

This was another one of those days that we’ll never forget thanks to this sweet couple, their beautiful ceremony at the historic Mission Bascilica and the great party that followed at Carmel Valley Ranch. Michelle and Jake’s wedding was an extra romantic one, full of classic, elegant and timeless details, but it was also full of a whole lot of fun! We loved getting to know these two and their whole group of family and friends, who all seemed so close. I don’t think there was a dry eye in the house during their speeches and first dances, and that includes their photographers’ eyes too. We always love working with Amy Byrd and her team, who kept the whole day flowing perfectly from start to finish. See a full feature of their wedding over on Style Me Pretty here.

CREDITS: Flowers: Floral Design by Reina // Videography: Josh Harney // Event Planning: Amy Byrd Weddings & Events // Floral Design: Floral Design By Reina // DJ: Sound In Motion // Carmel Mission: Carmel Mission Basilica // Carmel Valley Ranch: Carmel Valley Ranch // Rentals: Unlimited Events Inc. // Transport: At Your Service

We couldn’t be happier that New York City natives, Amy and Justin, decided to get married on the West Coast at the Carneros Inn in Napa, because not only are they the most photogenic couple ever, they were also a ton of fun to spend the day with! Their wedding was one of our very favorites from last year thanks to a great group of family, friends and vendors, as well as so many memorable moments from their first look to Justin surprising Amy with a song at the reception. Check out the full feature of their wedding over on Utterly Engaged!

CREDITS: Floral Designer: julie stevens design // Venue: The Carneros Inn // Invitation Designer: Paper Parfait Atlanta // Wedding Gown: Vera Wang // Band: Chuck Wansley After Hours // Hair Stylist: Cinta Salon // Groom: JCrew // Makeup Artist: Kristin Brock  // Cake Designer: One Girl Cookies

I can’t thank Destination I Do magazine enough for featuring this beautiful wedding that Gabe and I documented last year, and for choosing one of my images for the cover of their winter issue! (This issue goes on stands November 18th, but the article is running in both their fall and winter issues.) This is only the second time that I’ve ever had one of my photos on the cover of a magazine, but it’s the first time that it’s for a real wedding, and we couldn’t more excited that the honor went to this particular couple. This wedding will go down in history as one of our all time favorites, mostly because we absolutely loved this sweet and down-to-earth couple who met in vet school, but also because this Big Sur private estate was one of the most inspiring venues that we’ve ever been to, and thanks to the dream team of vendors that surrounded us all weekend, including Coastside Couture, A Taste of Elegance, and Seascape Flowers among others. We spent 3 days down in Big Sur for this event, with an intimate cliff-side ceremony on Saturday and a reception on Sunday, and during those 2 days we witnessed every kind of weather possible, and more beauty and love than seems possible to fit into a single weekend. Be sure to check out a copy of the magazine this winter!

This was our first time photographing this venue and we could not have had a better couple nor a better wedding to introduce us to the elegant beauty of Kohl Mansion. Dana and Sean are two of the kindest, most gracious and considerate couples ever, and their day full of thoughtful and personalized details really reflected who they are as a couple. Every aspect of their wedding was filled with both elegance and romance, from their first look in the middle of the rose garden, to their final dance within the grand mansion walls. I can’t thank Style Me Pretty enough for featuring their wedding. You can see the full post and list of talented vendors here.