A Dreamscape Of Neutral Pastels At This Carmel Valley Affair

Held at the Bernardus Lodge, this couple’s wedding in the Carmel Valley balanced a laid-back California vibe with rustic European elegance. The venue provided blooming rose gardens, oak trees, vineyards, and expansive grassy lawns.

Meaghan and Tom fell in love in Seattle, where they also returned for a surprise proposal. They first met because Meaghan worked with Tom’s roommate. The two began dating and moved to Minneapolis. Tom surprised Meaghan with a last minute trip back to Seattle, where he very clearly explained they were not getting engaged. Tom pulled off the ultimate surprise, as he proposed to Meaghan in the arboretum, where they used to spend time together when they first started dating. Dinner that evening was celebrated at the restaurant where the couple went for their first date together.

The bride's dress was by Aire Barcelona from Panache Bridal in Beverly Hills. The dress had a removable overskirt that the bride wore for the ceremony and reception and then removed before the first dance. She also had a headpiece and veil custom-made by Eden lux for the ceremony, worn with a cathedral-length veil. Since the bride loves headbands and almost always wears one, it was a nice way to stay true to her style. Meaghan’s final transformation of the night was into a pastel beaded bodycon dress, complete with a feathered hem.

Tom wore a custom white tuxedo with a flocked white jacket that complemented the textured fabric of Meaghan’s dress.

During cocktail hour, guests sampled hors d'oeuvres and sipped on Aperol Spritzes, cocktails, and Prosecco from Bubbles and Brews SF Bay. A plated dinner was provided by Bernardus Lodge.

Flowers focused on the interplay of the natural surroundings with a theme of blush, mauves, dusty lavenders, and neutral texture. A decadent floral arch set the scene for their ceremony overlooking the hills of the Carmel Valley. Dinner moved to the rose garden, where tables were set with clear plates and glassware. Washed-out linens, lavender candles, and a continuation of the dusted pastel color story.

In lieu of a cake, the couple had a mini donut bar at their after-party.

The couple had a band lead guests from the garden to the ballroom in a parade through the resort. Then the couple entered to the Prince song “Let’s Go Crazy” to get the party started.

The color purple was important to incorporate to honor their home city of Minneapolis. So we incorporated a lot of purples and fun musical touches into the day that honored their life in Seattle. The other influence was their love of travel — they wanted not only to honor the laid-back California rustic location of Carmel but also their love of Europe. Which led to a rustic European garden vibe.

The couple hand-wrote thank you cards to each guest, which were used as place cards for each guest.

The couple honeymooned in Europe in Italy (Amalfi Coast) and Paris. "The whole trip was amazing and a perfect complement to our rustic European elegance wedding."