I’m beyond grateful and so excited to share that this vibrant Carmel Valley Ranch wedding was recently featured on Style Me Pretty! It’s always an honor to be recognized, but this one feels especially sweet. Especially because the day was just so full of personality, heart, and color. From the joyful energy of the couple to the thoughtful design, this wedding was a dream to capture. Every detail told a story, from floral-filled farm tables to donkeys delivering beer. It was the perfect balance of chic, playful, and deeply meaningful.

Bridal Fashion

The bride knew it was her night to shine with three outfit changes. First, she wore a simple yet sleek wedding dress and let her accessories be the show stoping moment. Her veil had a gorgeous floral pattern woven into it. Something I really had not photographed before. Plus, she wore a pearl necklace that draped down her open back. It was all so chic and fun to capture! 

For her second bridal look, she switched into a playful mini for her reception to dance the night away. Still wearing the same pearl necklace that dripped down the back of this second look. 

For her final look, the bride switched into lace pants and button up with ostrich fur at the cuffs. This was the perfect after party look. So comfy, yet chic! Again, she wore the same pearls again, only this time she wrapped them around her neck. 

Bridesmaids Fashion

Instead of matching dresses, each bridesmaid wore a gown that was colorful and unique to her body type. Each girl wore a solid color dress with a mix of soft yellows, oranges, pinks, and greens. It was a modern take on bridal party styling that photographed beautifully and celebrated each woman individually. I was obsessing over the colors, and this is something I hope to see more of at other clients wedding days! 

Ceremony & Cocktail Hour

The ceremony was held in the lush garden at Carmel Valley Ranch. During ceremony, the couple honored a dear friend who had passed. With that being said, it brought theirs guests to tears with their words. Even I couldn’t help but she a tear or two. The best part of ceremony and cocktail hour were the animals! Their dog, Pickles, walked down the aisle during ceremony as an honorary bridal party member. Plus, during cocktail hour, guests were served beers from actual donkey and llama. 

Reception Design

Next, guests were escorted to the vineyard lawn at Carmel Valley Ranch. The dinner was set with long farm tables with layered textures. The reception tables were decorated with bud vases, fresh florals, stone fruit, colorful napkins, and menus topped with dried orange slices and tiny pearl details. Needless to say, this was so fun to capture! Personally, I loved the dried orange detail because it’s not something I see often. Next to the reception tables was the black and white checkerboard black floor. This space added a bold, playful energy that was the perfect complement to the surrounding garden landscape. Plus, it got all the guests excited for dancing!

Golden Hour Portraits

Right before sunset, we drove to the top of the hotel property for a breathtaking portrait session.  The light was pure magic — soft golden tones glowing over the rolling Carmel Valley hills. It was quiet, romantic, and one of the most stunning backdrops I’ve ever photographed!

The After Party

Finally, to end the night, guests were escorted back to the top to the hotel for the after party. Guests played beer pong and giant Jenga, danced to a silent disco, and snacked on junk food favorites. Basically this was the perfect way to end a fun summer wedding night! 

Honestly, this was one of the BEST weddings I have ever captured. From beginning to end, the energy was incredible, the details were unique, and the fashion was on point! Can’t wait to capture more stunning weddings just like this one in the future.

Dream Team

This wedding was a true reminder that luxury can still be playful, personal, and deeply emotional. I’m so honored to have captured it and to see it celebrated by Style Me Pretty. None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for this amazing team of vendors. 

Wedding venue: @carmelvranch

Beauty: @blushmonterey

Florist: @quaintrelle_farms

Content Creator: @graceelizabethevents

Rentals: @chiceventrentals

Music: @epicentertainmentinc

Cinematography: @thehowardsfilmco

Wedding Dress: @sarahseven⁠

Wedding Dress: @sonyamoda_