Lisa Lefkowitz has long been an SMP favorite. Her photographs capture some of the most beautiful weddings we’ve come across. From classic to California casual and always with a layer of beauty tucked into each and every image. This Carmel Valley Ranch wedding definitely falls on the classic side of Lisa’s work with design and planning by Morgan Events mixed with florals by Fleurs du Soleil that give those West Coast views a run for their money. See it all in one pretty spot right here.
And be sure to watch the sweet highlight film from IQ Videography:
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From Morgan Events… Trang and Dan’s wedding was 11 years in the making. The couple met in a class at Yale, and eleven years later the proposal finally came while the couple was on vacation in New Zealand. After Trang replied yes to Dan’s proposal, they both knew exactly where they wanted to have their special day – Carmel Valley Ranch. Carmel Valley Ranch had been the “other love” of Dan’s life since 2009, when his firm purchased the resort. Dan took a brief detour from private equity investing to oversee the ranch’s renovation and rebranding, as well as to lead its day-to-day operations as general manager. The couple loved the ranch’s natural beauty and playful setting, which provided for a full weekend of activities with their friends and family.
Working with planner Morgan Doan, they let the gorgeous setting dictate the design of their large, yet warm and intimate, celebration. They created a rustic, elegant, garden feel throughout the ceremony, cocktail and dinner. They chose garden roses, hydrangeas and other complementary flowers in fresh white and cream, accented by vibrant pops of green, deep eggplant and amethyst to set the tone.
The wedding weekend revolved around amazing food. On Friday night, they kicked off the weekend with a welcome dinner under the stars at the resort’s River Ranch. On Saturday, the real festivities began on the vineyard lawn where their wedding ceremony was held, surrounded by the new vineyard, majestic oaks and beautiful lavender field. After the heartfelt ceremony, guests were invited to the resort’s organic garden for cocktails and hors d’oeuvres to celebrate Trang’s Vietnamese heritage. Vietnamese-inspired hors d’oeurves at the cocktail reception included pork banh mi sliders, prawn spring rolls and white bass summer rolls. Guests were then invited to the dinner reception held under a beautiful Zephyr tent lit with Murano glass chandeliers. Chef Tim Wood’s delicious local farm-to-table menu at the reception incorporated fresh Monterey coast seafood and vegetables, as well as herbs from Carmel Valley Ranch’s own organic garden. The celebration continued well into the night with s’mores over a fire pit and libations up at the lodge. As if that wasn’t enough, guests were invited to a farewell brunch the day after in the Oak Room to unwind and send off the bride and groom. It was important to Trang and Dan to capture the rustic elegance that their beloved Carmel Valley Ranch had to offer while still showing their loved ones a wonderful time.
Wedding Photography: Lisa Lefkowitz / Wedding Venue + Catering: Carmel Valley Ranch in Carmel, California / Wedding Planning: Morgan Events / Floral Design: Fleurs du Soleil / Officiant: Steven Friedman / Wedding Cinematography: IQ Videography / Wedding Cake: Carolyn Wong Cakes / Wedding Stationery: Aerialist Press / Ceremony Music: Strings Quartet / Band: Savoir Faire via Joannie Liss Events / Transportation: Main Events Transportation / Favors: La Family Chardonnay / Lighting: Got Light? / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals + Zephyr Tents / Wedding Dress: Romona Keveza / Bride’s Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Bridal Accommodations: Carmel Valley Ranch / Bridesmaids Dresses: Monique Lhuillier / Men’s Suits: Tuxedo Suit / Linens: La Tavola Linen