Nicklaus Club Monterey | Emma & David

Emma and David proved that the smallest weddings can be the most creative. Their micro-wedding at Nicklaus Club Monterey was intimate, just their closest friends and family, but it was absolutely bursting with color, personality, and the most playful details I have ever photographed. A mini celebration with maximum joy.

Nicklaus Club Monterey sits behind a gated entrance of rolling green hills, with a Spanish-inspired clubhouse, a trickling fountain courtyard, and that gorgeous Jack Nicklaus golf course rolling out toward the Santa Lucia Mountains and the Pacific beyond. Vines climb the walls and succulents and palms line the paths. It is romantic and a little hidden, the perfect canvas for a couple who wanted to do things their own way.

And then there were the balloons. Emma and David leaned all the way into color, teal and turquoise and white, with playful balloon installations, lush pink and peach florals, and teal velvet lounge chairs. It was joyful and modern and so completely them.

Every corner had something to discover, a balloon arch against the adobe wall, sweet lemon desserts, details layered on details. This is the kind of wedding where you could photograph for hours and still find new things to love.

The reception was an elevated, intimate dinner under the open sky, the long table glowing, every place setting considered, every flower perfect.

As the light went soft, Emma slipped out for a few portraits by the water, bouquet in hand, completely radiant. Emma and David, thank you for trusting me with a day this fun and this full of heart. Small never looked so beautiful.

The Dream Team

• Venue: Nicklaus Club Monterey
• Photography: De Joy Photography
• Florals: The Little Peony
• Rentals: Revival Vintage Rentals
• Attire: Epiphany Boutique
• Beauty: Beauty By M
• Rings: Cid Nguyen with Fire & Brilliance
• Stationery: Heart Paper Soul
• Desserts: Tart and Tin
• Balloons: Lifted Balloons