Enchanted Santa Lucia Preserve Forest Wedding in Carmel-By-The-Sea

Melissa Baran
May 13, 2019
Categories: Modern, Real Weddings, Rustic, The Blog

Truth be told, I had a LOT of wedding venue inspiration to choose from when I was in the planning process—a pro (or con?) of the job, depending on how you look at it. On my (very long) wish list was Santa Lucia Preserve, because well, LOOK. Though I didn’t end up choosing it for my own I dos, I still get to enjoy it’s beauty thanks to celebrations like today’s planned by Lady Liberty Events. Every moment snapped up by Kelsea Holder is filled with modern rustic beauty and utter joy. Experience it all below for yourself.

From Lady Liberty Events… B&A wanted their special day to be an intimate celebration truly reflecting both of their personalities and style . With the groom leaning more towards modern simplicity and the bride wanting to include hints of vintage and natural elements, we worked closely with them to create a remarkable day that embodied all of their desires. Incorporating warm jewel color tones in hues of forest green, rust and pomegranate along with gold and blush accents, provided a striking contrast to the venues surrounding.

A stunning ceremony in a serene forrest setting encompassed by massive red wood trees, we focused on the nature of the beautiful organic environment. B and A said I do surrounded by a lush floral circular floor installation that was jaw droppingly stunning. Guests were transported to the cocktail hour where the bride and groom wanted to create more of an interactive and fun post-ceremony celebration (which included elements such as monogramed jenga, corn hole, cheese tower/charcuterie display). The escort display, a salute to the groom’s company and where the bride and groom first met, consisted of a unique display of hand made miniature grocery shopping bags filled with marzipan carrots along with each guests name and table assignment. Crafted signature cocktails were flowing at both the cocktail hour and reception, providing fresh mocktails and alcohol based selections all evening long.

As guests approached Santa Lucia’s iconic barn, they were greeted by a swag of twinkling lights that lended to the cozy outdoor lounge and fire pit area. With custom draping, crawling greens, and assorted candles flanking the barn doors, upon entry guests were in awe of the barns transformation. Overhead, rustic wood chandeliers dressed with dripping foliage were hung over the center dining area while both sides of the barn were draped with flowing fabric providing a special setting above all the guests. A swooping installation of fairy lights that were strategically strung to complement the barn’s layout, created an incredible overhead moment unlike any other. Modern Wood round and kings tables romantically draped with antiqued-blush runners, gold leaf patterned chargers with forrest green dinner plates, spice velvet foiled menus, and miniature Dandelion chocolate bar place cards (the bride and grooms favorite chocolate), created a dreamy place setting for each guest.

The indulgent florals, perfectly spilling onto the tables, were constructed of blooms in hues that complimented the entire table scape with taper candles in rust and dark green displayed in gold modern holders adding to the entire moment. The tables were all named after the couples favorite places to visit in San Fransico and watercolor images of each location were used to designate each table. Under the sea of twinkle lights, a vintage photo booth bus and guest book display provided a fun place for guests to snap some pics for the bride and groom. Rather then focusing on a huge cake, we went with a selection of individual pies since Becky’s favorite dessert is pie. The pies were displayed under a plexiglass sign that read “PIED THE KNOT” with a small statement cake that B&A would cut into. The Bride and Groom wanted to be sure to create a number of different experiences throughout the evening that their guests would enjoy….it was a HUGE success.