It is with great pleasure that I share Lauren and Steve’s wedding. They were married in true California style with an outdoor ceremony and reception all on a private estate in Carmel Valley. They were surrounded by friends and family for a weekend of festivities. Though relatively close to home, their wedding definitely had more of a destination feel. We had an amazing time sharing in their celebration.

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Without further ado….

Lauren’s gorgeous dress, in the master suite at the private residence.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- wedding gown

Lauren getting ready with her bridesmaids, a good friend and her sister-in-law Emily.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- bride with bridesmaids at the estate

The finishing touches…

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- bride getting ready at the estate

The true fun begins, Lauren walks down the aisle on her father’s arm. Her smile made everyone in the area smile along with her.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- bride walks down aisle with her father

Their ceremony was held on the front lawn of the estate under a gorgeous old oak tree.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- bride and groom get married during ceremony on the estate

During the ceremony, Lauren’s Spanish family shared a reading.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- readers during ceremony at the estate

After the ceremony, we took a few moments for portraits around the estate. I love how her magenta bouquet matches the bougainvellia.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- bride and groom during portraits on the vineyard estate

A little into the evening, we stepped out for a few minutes to capture some images as the sun set. The light was absolutely stunning streaming through the valley. And Lauren and Steve were able to enjoy a few private moments.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- bride and groom during sunset portraits with view towards the ocean

Dave captured this image of their reflection in the pool. I love the dreamy, watercolor quality of it- all done in camera.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- bride and groom reflection in the pool at the estate

The reception got going with a fabulous meal, great speeches, and good times all around. There were definitely tears during the ceremony. But once the party got started, Steve and Lauren were cracking up non-stop.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- groom laughs with bride at the estate

All of their guests surrounded them when they took the dance floor for their first dance.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- bride and groom first dance under stars and lights the estate

They danced to an upbeat swing song. The movement was so much fun, absolutely perfect for these two.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- bride and groom first dance is swing dance- estate wedding

Lauren dancing with her dad.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- bride dances with her dad during father daughter dance at private estate reception

Steve with his mom.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- groom dances with his mom during mother son dance on private estate

Our closing photo from the evening. What a idyllic way to celebrate, under the stars, under the lights, on a perfect evening.

lauren_steve_wedding_carmel_valley_ca- guests dance under stars and lights during outdoor reception

We have so many people to acknowledge and thank for making Lauren and Steve’s wedding a dream come true.

First, Heather from Colette Cuccia Wedding & Event Design. She and her partner made sure everything about the day ran smoothly. A huge success!

Also, a shout out to Ginger at Studio 519 for Lauren’s beautiful hair, with touch-ups by Lauren’s fabulous sister-in-law to-be Leah. And to Justin Alexander Bridal who completed her look with that gorgeous gown.

For the lovely bridesmaids, kudos go out to Jasmine Bridal for their B2 collection. And to Jos. A Bank for the guys.

The paper goods and gifts set the tone for their day:
Invitations: Union Street Papery
Save-the-Dates and other printed materials: Little Lulu
Favors: beau coup

The party and party design were amazing. Huge congrats and thanks to the following:
Caterer: Paradise Catering
Wedding Cake: Layers
Floral Design: Kathryn Smith Flowers
Lighting Design and Plants: Plant Tenders
Rentals: Classic Party Rentals
DJ: Daryl Lowery
Video: Dream Media Weddings

And lastly, to Lauren’s dad Phil, you are amazing! The flowers you planted around the ceremony site brought the space to life. All I can say is: Wow!

Thank you so much, Lauren and Steve, for including us in your wedding day. We are so glad we could be a part of it.

And for those of you who would like a few more from this gorgeous wedding, check out their Sneak Preview and their Slideshow.