I’ve come to believe that there’s just something in the air at Carmel Valley. Some sort of pretty dust that meshes with the California sun to make every wedding set there beyond compare. And just when I thought these types of West Coast weddings couldn’t get any cooler, Delbarr Moradi sent over this impossibly chic Holman Ranch affair that took things to the next level. With a rustic design yet insanely glamorous feel, Simone Lennon crafted what I believe is the perfect balance of elegance and ease. And while we always encourage a trip to the full gallery, I can assure you this one is an absolute must.
From the Bride… As so many girls often do, I dreamt of my perfect wedding as long as I can remember. As a California girl through and through, never did I think I would be planning my wedding from afar, and in Texas nonetheless. It was important to both of us that our wedding reflect the life we had in California. While Blake is originally from Oklahoma (a southern gentleman through and through), we share the same fondness for California: Summer nights spent outside with friends and family, sharing stories and laughs. Gourmet meals of seasonal food from the local farmer’s market and of course, great California wine. For us, California represents where our relationship first began to flourish and holds precious memories of falling in love. We spent our first anniversary in Carmel-by-the-sea, California. I was smitten with Carmel – it’s dog-friendly policies, the trees, the crisp weather, the proximity to Big Sur, but first and foremost it’s French influence. On our first date I told Blake about my love of Paris and the French way of life, so it seemed fitting to get married in a place that blended the things I love most – a place that would allow me to create an environment of elegance that comes with attention to the finest of details, from the wardrobe choices down to the type of tea-light. We were going for the casual (yet elegant) summer California night with rustic farm tables and lush floral treatments. Holman Ranch was the perfect setting to bring my design to life.
I created and designed all the wedding collateral (Save the Date, Invitation, Menu, Programs, Table Signs, Bar Signs, Guest Book, Favor Tags, and Monogram). I was careful to use appropriate printing methods for each and chose a midnight blue and ivory color scheme to keep the event elegant while maintaining an edge. Once I had an overall look and feel I was able to create a style guide and provided it to all our vendors. Our wedding truly was a girls dream come true: everything I could have ever imagined and more. My event design was flawlessly executed. Everyone danced and my bridesmaids accompanied the band for a beautiful version of Aretha Franklin’s, “Baby, I love you”. We successfully created an environment that allowed people to step back from their everyday lives and enter a world of elegance that took them back to those fond memories of childhood: eating seasonal food, drinking California wine and relaxing underneath a pergola on a warm summer night.
From Simone of Soiree by Simone Lennon… Blake and Lily are such a dynamic and stylish duo, planning their wedding was a real treat. Lily, by far, is one of the most design driven brides that I’ve had the pleasure of working with and her vision and direction were so clear that my role as a planner was made simple. We also share the same aesthetic in terms of design so it was a magical day to watch all the special rustic yet insanely glamorous elements come to life. As one of the preferred wedding planners at Holman Ranch, I’ve executed many weddings at the venue, however Blake and Lily’s wedding is by far at the top of my all time favorite list. The day was so perfect I wish we could do it all over again.
Wedding Photography: Delbarr Moradi Photography / Wedding Venue: Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley, California / Wedding Planning: Soiree by Simone Lennon / Wedding Design: Lavender and Mint / Floral + Event Design: Fleurs Du Soleil / Catering: Paradise Catering / Rentals: Hartmann Studios & Classic Party Rentals / Linens: La Tavola Fine Linen Rental / Wedding Cake: Chef Gerard Bechler of Patisserie Bechler / Wedding Stationery: Lavender and Mint / Ceremony Musicians: Microtonic Harmonic of Kelly Productions / Reception Musicians: The Wall Street Band / Wedding Favors: Engaged & Inspired / Wedding Dress: Lazaro / Bride’s Shoes: Valentino / Bride’s Vintage Diamonds Jewelry: Fourtane Jewelers / Bride’s Engagement Ring: Finn NY / Bridal Hair + Makeup: Emily Leaverton / Bridesmaids’ Dresses: The Dessy Group / Hair + Makeup: Emily Leaverton of Magnolia Beauty Boutique / Groom’s Tuxedo: Bespoke via Steven Giles / Groomsmen’s Suits: Bespoke / Groom’s Rolex Watch: Fourtane Jewelers
