How beautiful does our bride Alexandra look in this shot by The Why We Love? (Who also filmed their day—video in the post!) Their garden wedding was all about merging two cultures, and celebrating in Monterey where it all began when they were 17. They incorporated tons of neat DIYs too, such as raising and releasing their own doves. Really, so neat!
Alexandra says, We tried to do a lot of DIY to save costs but mainly because I am a total control freak. My sister is a painter and my father in law is a general contractor, so they helped with making all the signs, building our photo booth (made with a vintage polaroid!) as well as the white arch where we said our vows! Kate of Big Sur Flowers designed the floral + surprised her with the romantic bouquets.
Ha!
We’re thrilled that they found their photographer + videographer The Why We Love in our vendor guide! A explains, David and I love photography. We knew from the beginning we wanted our photos to be done on film, especially the videography. When we saw the work of The Why We Love, we knew we found the perfect photographers! I literally was bawling watching their wedding videos in their portfolio. They are unbelievably talented as well as an amazingly beautiful couple, (and now little family!). Vid below!
Family is extremely important to us. My husband is Portuguese and I’m Mexican, so we wanted bits here and there to reflect that. We had several handmade doilies and table clothes given to us by family and friends. We chose to have a traditional Portuguese and Mexican meal: rice, seafood, rabbit, port + beer! We also had my cousin be our officiant who definitely helped make our guests feel a part of the ceremony. We both have a love of antiques and so we tried our best to express that throughout. We chose to have several mixed and matched pieces, lots of floral arrangements and seashells everywhere. My mom and our wedding party helped so much… It was definitely eclectic and definitely us. I jokingly would tell family that would ask what our “theme” was: “Picture an old Mexican/Portuguese lady’s garden by the sea.”
If you loved all the white throughout, you’ll die for Alexandra’s mega Pinterest board.
Alexandra + David now have a baby boy, Henry James. Congrats you two!
Photographer & Videographer: The Why We Love / Venue: Old Whaling Station Adobe & Memory Garden, both in Monterey, CA / Florist: Kate of Big Sur Flowers / Hair & Makeup: Bride & Bridesmaids / Invitations: Bride with stamps from Antiquaria / Caterer (also helped with coordination): Dana Carnazzo from Grapes of Wrath Events / Cake & Desserts: Peninsula Pastries in Salinas, CA / Bride’s Dress: Temperley London / Alterations: Novella Bridal / Veil: Amelia’s Gallery / Shoes: Gianvito Rossi & Tory Burch / Engagement Ring: Lang Antiques in San Francisco / Wedding Bands & Pearl Ring: Gilroy Antiques / Diamond Ring: Borrowed from bride’s mom / Makeup: NARS & Benefit / Perfume: Jean Paul Gautier / Groom’s Suit: Nordstrom (Custom) / Oxfords: Nordstrom / Tie, Tie Clip, & Pocket Square: Indochino
