This pretty Carmel wedding was sent over by the always lovely Sarah Yates. Her work is so soft and ethereal, isn’t it? The bride has a special story that goes along with her wedding planning so instead of trying to recapture it in our own words, we figured we should just let her tell it.
“My dad was always present in our thoughts when we were planning. I’m so grateful he got to meet (and, of course, approve) of Matt before he passed away. Soon after Matt proposed, I started wedding planning with my mom and sisters. It happened to be one year, exactly, since my dad had passed. In addition to possible venues, we went that day to the waterfall in Big Sur where we had spread his ashes. Just as we turned around, a rainbow suddenly came out. We all got tearful and I knew he didn’t mind we were wedding planning on “his day”, moreover that he approved and promised to be a lucky charm.
After our booked venue fell victim to the recession, my dad gave us luck finding the new one. I was disheartened to begin searching again, but on his birthday an internet search I’d done a thousand times turned up a new venue–The Naval Postgraduate School. My father had taught there as a professor for over twenty years. I knew it was on the grounds of a historic and elegantly grand hotel, but I didn’t know it was open to civilians. When I called, Melanie told me that the chef and all of the staff remembered my dad fondly. And when I did a google image search of the school plus “wedding” one of my favorite pictures of my dad (receiving a medal as a Distinguished Professor) came up.”
Gorgeous wedding and venue everyone! Thanks so much, Sarah, for sending it over.
Photography: Sarah Yates / Flowers: Big Sur Flowers / Ceremony Venue: Quail Lodge / Reception Venue: Naval Postgraduate School / Make-up: Patricia Eatmon at Cos Bar Carmel / Hair: Amy at Oya Salon / Cake: Royal Bakery / Mariachis: Trio “Alborada”, Miguel “Miki” Alvarez (831.840.1257) / Dress and Belt: Enzoani from Isis Bridal / Bustle, Veil and Alterations: Mary Shah at Isis Bridal / Party Shoes: Miu Miu / Groom’s Suit, Shirt and Tie: Hugo Boss / Girls’ Dresses: BCBG, J.Crew / Day of Coordination: Ashley Downing (831.224.4446)
33 comments
This is so lovely! I love that the bride’s dad was such a part of the planning although he wasn’t there physically. And the setting is just gorgeous not to mention all the details – the flowers, the shoes, the napkin rings, the programs, EVERYTHING.
Wow! Thanks for sharing this. It’s absolutely stunning.
Love the vintage birdcage! Beautiful soft photography!
absolutely stunning!
Um, hello? Could her dress and shoes be any more fabulous?! I’m truly inspired by the use of color here, especially the purple. It’s perfect.
I love it! Especially the different bridesmaid flowers, we are doing a post on this trend soon and this demonstrates how wonderfully it can be done. Thanks for sharing
Her dress is excellent, is that her bouquet!? It’s really different!
What an amazing story regarding Abby and her dad. Very heart-warming and I’m glad she felt her father was so involved. How amazing.
And the wedding is absolutely stunning! I love the different shades of purple in the bridesmaid dresses and bouquets. And the venue is perfect.
Wow, this is definitely awesome. The flowers, the animals..it’s all so great!
What a beautiful story and gorgeous images. Thanks so much for sharing!
Wonderful and touching. Thank you so much for sharing your story!
I LOVE, LOVE, these photos! I want to take photos like that. Beautiful! You are a new inspiration for me!
Tears are rolling down my face. What a magical, touching story to accompany such beautiful photos. Thank you for sharing.
Wow. This is just so magical and touching. Sarah is a true artist and totally created a whimsical look to what must have been an extraordinary day.
I might cry – this is EXACTLY what I want for my wedding in a year! I’m OBSESSED with purple, and I was just saying how I didn’t want the bridesmaids to all wear the same dress, same shade, but rather all shades of purple. AND I already have my purple shoes for the big day, and I want a lace dress (have looked extensively at Enzoani) more than anything!!
At least this pair has great taste in my opinion
The rosemary in the napkins is my favorite–so simple with such big impact.
And what a beautiful couple!
those shoes!!! and want a darling story!
those shoes!!! and whatt a darling story!
What a beautiful story!
And every aspect of the wedding is stunning!
Sarah really ALWAYS works magic (I know, she shot my wedding too!). Beautiful as always. That really is one of the prettiest parts of California…
What a lovely story to go with a gorgeous wedding! Those florals are to die for!
Yowzers!! This wedding is gorgeous. If i could afford a redo, this is precisely what it would be. I am in love with her dress and those shoes? Hello!! Amazing.
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful story.
OH WOW SARAH! Just stunning. And such a sweet story. Meg
what a nice story followed by a beautiful wedding. Thanks for posting this one ladies…
What a lovely story! Not only is this this wedding beautiful, but the history behind it makes it absolutely heartwarming. I would feel so broken if my father was unable to be a part of my wedding, and I’m happy to know that the bride had him there in spirit.
Thank you so much for featuring our wedding. And thank you everyone for the nice comments! Sarah and all the vendors did an amazing job!
Such a sweet story and gorgeuous wedding. I lost my Dad a year and a half before my wedding and my husband ended up losing his Mom to cancer the month before. We felt it was important to incorporate them into our wedding as much as possible, as well because they were such an important part of our lives. What a perfect venue for your reception considering her Dad taught at NPS.
I’m curious where the ceremony was actually held? The grounds look more like Carmel Valley than at the Naval Postgraduate School? It is striking. Gorgeous photos!
thank you ladies for posting and thank you everyone for all of the kinds words! it was such a lovely day and abby’s dad was most definitely smiling down on it all. erika, the ceremony was at quail lodge (link at the bottom of the post).
wow- this story brought tears to my eyes! Luckily I’m by myself in my office.
Beautiful wedding and the beauty and happiness of everyone involved shines through the pictures. Thank you for sharing. This made my day
Elegant and old fashioned with a mix of color and wine for taste. Exceptionally good wishes to you both!
Jenn
What a beautiful wedding! Its so nice that Abby felt her dad giving his love while she was planning everything.
How touching! My Dad passed six years before I got married. I, like you experienced many little signs to let me know he is still watching over me. Such a comfort! Thanks for sharing your story.
I absolutely LOVE this wedding! The colors pop and OF COURSE!!! Sarah Yates is an unbelievably talented photographer.
That’s hands down the most beautiful post I’ve seen lately… affectionate and inspiring at the same time. I’ve found by the way that one of those pictures has been pinned up by one of our Pinspire users and just wanted to verify that this was okay with you. Don’t hesitate to get in touch for the link (masterpinspire@gmail.com) All the best