Carmel Valley Ranch Wedding on film, Megan + Bryce
Carmel Valley Ranch weddings feel like a slice of pie on a cozy fall day, the kind of warmth and comfort that reminds you of visiting grandma's house as a kid and feeling truly loved. Megan and Bryce said "I do" in Carmel Valley beneath a full September harvest moon as they danced their first dance to the same song by Niel Young - a blissful arrangement. Their love is a strong, gritty, hands in the dirt and sparkles in your eyes kind of love; a sentiment reflected in the tearful eyes of friends and family who came out to support their commitment to one another.
The details of their wedding day were intentional, hand picked and filled with love. Wildflowers and strawflowers filled miniature vases on reception tables and filled bridesmaids hands. Beeswax candles, artfully twisted into tapers, filled each table and bar top with flickers of warmth as the September sun slowly set, making way for the harvest moon to shine in full glory. Their day was soft, quiet, and hushed with reverence for the beauty about to unfold.
Megan got ready in the ranch house beside the lawn where their ceremony was to take place, a cheerful, sun-soaked spot lined with wooden benches and chairs before an ancient California oak tree, sturdy as the vows the couple was about to make. She chose a simple satin slip dress with an elegant backless look and a floor length veil to top it off. Her pearl encrusted shoes perfectly complimented her family heirloom pearl necklace gracing her neck. Surrounded by her bridesmaids. mother, and sisters, she slipped into her dress before walking across the ranch to meet Bryce for their first look at the horse stables.
Carmel Valley ranch weddings offer a range of ranch styles to host a wedding at and this particular ranch was owned by friends of theirs who graciously agreed to let them host their nuptials on their horse ranch. This stable was an elevated affair complete with white-washed walls, high beam ceilings and hanging chandeliers over the cobble lined floor. Megan slipped in through the navy blue stable doors to meet Bryce and share a private moment before taking family and bridal party photos. I love it when couples choose to do a first look - it eases the nerves of a wedding day and allows them to connect one on one before the day unfolds and guests arrive. After a few quick family photos in the stables, the bridal party joined the couple for fun group photos before the guests arrived.
To deal with the limited parking space at the ranch, Megan and Bryce decided to rent a vintage bus with their new shared last name painted on the side to bring people to and from the venue. If you are interested in shuttle services for your own wedding, check out rental options here! Megan did not want to be tucked away until the ceremony, so she chose to greet her guests as they stepped off the bus for a little pre-ceremony welcome, a beautiful touch that set the tone of warmth and love for the rest of their wedding day.
As the sun lowered into a beautiful golden hue, the ceremony unfolded before the grand oak tree on the bench-lined lawn with Bryce reading his own off a hand-written scroll. The lighting was immaculate as they laughed and exchanged vows and rings, everyone cheering for the newlyweds.
The rest of the evening unfolded softly and with so much joy! Cocktail hour was warm and full of laughter, embraces of old friends reunited and excitement over the open bar selections. The couple slipped away with me for a few couple photos by some of the horse stalls and the bus before rejoining the cocktail hour festivities.
They shared their first dance to “Harvest Moon” by Neil Young, sung by Megan’s sisters, then slipped into parent dances as twilight set in and the diner tables were set. A live band played various arrangements as people were seated and dinner ensued beneath twinkling strings lights and candlelight.
Speeches were given by both sets of parents as well as the best man and maid of honor during the reception dinner, bringing cheers and tears to nearly every eye. An ice cream sandwich dessert was served as dancing filled the night with joyous laughter and celebration accompanied by an open bar for the rest of the evening.
One of the aspects I loved about this wedding was how contained it was - with a shuttle services bringing guests back and forth, there was no dusty interruption of cars or people slipping away or late arrivals. The property became an oasis where everyone could drink and mingle without any interruptions from the outside world. It crafted an environment of intimacy and love that was felt by all in attendance as intentionality and presence was the focus of the evening.
To see more examples of weddings I've shot on film, you can find more of my work in my portfolio. It would be my honor to document your own elopement or wedding. Please fill out my inquiry form and I will reach out to you within 24 hours! If you are interested in getting married in Carmel Valley or Carmel by the Sea, here are some lovely Carmel Wedding Venues I would encourage you to check out. If you'd rather skip the foral venues and opt for the delicious nature surrounding the area, here is where you can apply for an event permit with the state parks for a beach side or park-based wedding. Happy planning!
