Monterey Wedding Film from Kale Fitch Productions
Brace yourselves, SMPers. Because these two adorable lovebirds? Well, they just might be the CUTEST duo you will ever meet. (Yep, all caps style cute.) And their gorgeous film captured by Kale Fitch Productions? Amazing. It's a sweet look into a gorgeous day that will literally take your breath away and it's filled with sooo much love, you'll spend your entire weekend grinning away. An uber-cute duo and a weekend filled with L.O.V.E.? Yes, please.
From the Bride... Kelvin and I have a “non-sappy” relationship, or so we say, with an inane amount of playfulness. We are also transplants and have lived in six countries between us. With guests from over the world, we felt that a weekend-long celebration was in order — one that was fun, intimate and a little quirky. To make the most of our weekend-vacation-interrupted-by-a-wedding, we chose the picturesque Monterey Bay, just two hours south of where we live in San Francisco. We stayed at Hyatt Regency’s President House, a spacious villa where we hosted all pre- and-post wedding festivities for 60+ guests. We said our vows in the Rose Garden at Monterey Museum of Art, while our reception was held inside MMA’s historic, Art Deco mansion, where the likes of Elizabeth Taylor and Charlie Chaplin once stayed. Despite three full days of festivities, the wedding day flew by in a flurry. I am ever so grateful for my uber-talented cinematographer (whom we consider a friend!) for capturing our day.
It was a warm October day. I remember the way sunlight filtered through my silk organza dress, the huge balloons billowing in the wind and a groomsman jumping in the pool instead of getting dressed! I remember the blush dahlias and fragrant English roses in my heavy bouquet, as well as the breathtaking arrangement my florist made for MMA’s Spanish courtyard. I remember Kelvin rolling his eyes at the four “extra” pairs of Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon pumps in different colors, one of which was destined to be paired with my post-ceremony evening gown. Funny, after all the serious shoe-decision-making, I forgot to change into my evening gown anyway.
As I watch our video, I am reminded of a day we felt so humbled by the boundless love that our friends and family have for us. A little Russian princess tossing petals, my maid-of-honor’s touching speech, my imagining Liz Taylor dancing where we danced. Most of all, I was deeply moved by my “non-sappy” husband who cried the ugly cry as he said his heartfelt vows, my bridesmaids giggling and crying along with him, and the ridiculous amount of laughter that punctuated our ceremony. Oh, the impromptu sing-along session and the waltz we perfected and promptly forgot because we were laughing too hard. I remember our friends groaning at us for being, well, a little overzealous with the amount of food we served. After the cocktail hour and five-course meal, we had to pack the after-dancing mini sliders and sweet potato fries (in paper cones!) for the after-party instead. I swear I saw people stuffing their pockets with salted caramel macarons! After our farewell brunch the following day, the entire bridal party hunkered down pool-side to attack the leftover wedding cake while cringing over the embarrassing Polaroids we took of the night before, feather boas and all.
I was incredibly lucky to have talented people who beautifully translated those bits of inspiration swimming inside my head into real life. My florist, Melody King and my coordinator, Mary Lisa, were such troopers. Of course, an army of patient Etsy designers certainly helped! Our wonderful friend and officiant summed up our wedding best, that it was a celebration of our community — the joining of two people, supported by a community of loved ones, for one special day and many more to come. We are so lucky indeed.
Wedding Photography: Sergio Mottola / Wedding Venue: Monterey Museum of Art in Monterey, California / Floral Design: Melody King of Fleurish Floral Designs / Wedding Coordination: Mary Lisa Kuhn of Peace of Mind Coordination / Wedding Cinematography: Kale Fitch Productions / Catering: Classic Catering / Wedding Cake + Macarons: Patisserie Bechler / Magnolia Cake Topper: DK Designs / Cake Stand: Adaura / Save-the-Dates: Wood Chick / Custom Map: Jane Sloss of Hand Painted Wedding / "Treasure Map": Michelle Rene of arteriole / Vintage Busroll: Monica Sundberg of Hirondelle Rustique / Harp, Piano + Flute: Michael Culver of Monterey Trio / Lighting + DJ: DNA Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Watters / Bride's Headband: Bethany Lorelle / Bride's Earrings: Kevia / Bride's Shoes: Prada / Bride's Sweater: Kate Spade / Bride's Evening Gown: Badgley Mischka / Bride's Evening Gown Shoes: Vivienne Westwood by Melissa / Bride's Dancing Dress: BCBG / Bride's Dancing Shoes: Desmos / Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew / Groom's Suit + Shirt: Hugo Boss / Groom's Tie + Watch: Burberry / Groomsmen's Suits: Kenneth Cole / Groomsmen's Ties: The Tie Bar / Wedding Rings: Union Street Goldsmith
It was a warm October day. I remember the way sunlight filtered through my silk organza dress, the huge balloons billowing in the wind and a groomsman jumping in the pool instead of getting dressed! I remember the blush dahlias and fragrant English roses in my heavy bouquet, as well as the breathtaking arrangement my florist made for MMA’s Spanish courtyard. I remember Kelvin rolling his eyes at the four “extra” pairs of Vivienne Westwood Lady Dragon pumps in different colors, one of which was destined to be paired with my post-ceremony evening gown. Funny, after all the serious shoe-decision-making, I forgot to change into my evening gown anyway.
As I watch our video, I am reminded of a day we felt so humbled by the boundless love that our friends and family have for us. A little Russian princess tossing petals, my maid-of-honor’s touching speech, my imagining Liz Taylor dancing where we danced. Most of all, I was deeply moved by my “non-sappy” husband who cried the ugly cry as he said his heartfelt vows, my bridesmaids giggling and crying along with him, and the ridiculous amount of laughter that punctuated our ceremony. Oh, the impromptu sing-along session and the waltz we perfected and promptly forgot because we were laughing too hard. I remember our friends groaning at us for being, well, a little overzealous with the amount of food we served. After the cocktail hour and five-course meal, we had to pack the after-dancing mini sliders and sweet potato fries (in paper cones!) for the after-party instead. I swear I saw people stuffing their pockets with salted caramel macarons! After our farewell brunch the following day, the entire bridal party hunkered down pool-side to attack the leftover wedding cake while cringing over the embarrassing Polaroids we took of the night before, feather boas and all.
I was incredibly lucky to have talented people who beautifully translated those bits of inspiration swimming inside my head into real life. My florist, Melody King and my coordinator, Mary Lisa, were such troopers. Of course, an army of patient Etsy designers certainly helped! Our wonderful friend and officiant summed up our wedding best, that it was a celebration of our community — the joining of two people, supported by a community of loved ones, for one special day and many more to come. We are so lucky indeed.
Wedding Photography: Sergio Mottola / Wedding Venue: Monterey Museum of Art in Monterey, California / Floral Design: Melody King of Fleurish Floral Designs / Wedding Coordination: Mary Lisa Kuhn of Peace of Mind Coordination / Wedding Cinematography: Kale Fitch Productions / Catering: Classic Catering / Wedding Cake + Macarons: Patisserie Bechler / Magnolia Cake Topper: DK Designs / Cake Stand: Adaura / Save-the-Dates: Wood Chick / Custom Map: Jane Sloss of Hand Painted Wedding / "Treasure Map": Michelle Rene of arteriole / Vintage Busroll: Monica Sundberg of Hirondelle Rustique / Harp, Piano + Flute: Michael Culver of Monterey Trio / Lighting + DJ: DNA Entertainment / Wedding Dress: Watters / Bride's Headband: Bethany Lorelle / Bride's Earrings: Kevia / Bride's Shoes: Prada / Bride's Sweater: Kate Spade / Bride's Evening Gown: Badgley Mischka / Bride's Evening Gown Shoes: Vivienne Westwood by Melissa / Bride's Dancing Dress: BCBG / Bride's Dancing Shoes: Desmos / Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew / Groom's Suit + Shirt: Hugo Boss / Groom's Tie + Watch: Burberry / Groomsmen's Suits: Kenneth Cole / Groomsmen's Ties: The Tie Bar / Wedding Rings: Union Street Goldsmith