Carmel Valley Ranch | Katy & Matt

Katy and Matt's wedding day was pure joy from start to finish! From the very first moments of the morning you could feel how much fun this group was going to have, and the whole day delivered on that promise. These two are so easy to root for, and being surrounded by people who clearly adore them made every part of the day glow.

We were at Carmel Valley Ranch, a luxury resort spread across 500 acres of Carmel Valley, California. Rolling oak-studded hills, vineyards, and rows of lavender give the whole property this relaxed wine-country elegance, all framed by the Santa Lucia Mountains. It is the kind of place where every direction you turn is another backdrop, and we took full advantage of it.

Their first look happened on a sunlit wooden bridge tucked under the oaks, and it was so sweet. Matt waited with his back turned, and the second he saw Katy in her gown his whole face changed. They held onto each other, foreheads together, and you could tell the rest of the world melted away for a minute.

The palette was timeless and crisp, black-tie all the way! Matt and the groomsmen in classic black tuxedos, the bridesmaids in long black gowns, all set against crisp white and cream florals with so much lush greenery. Against the green hills and the deep oak shade, that clean black-and-white look was absolutely striking.

The ceremony was set on the lawn with white chairs lining a petal-strewn aisle and a soft floral arrangement marking the way. Katy walked down on her dad's arm, and the vows and ring exchange were full of laughter and a few happy tears. When they were finally announced, they came back up the aisle beaming with their hands in the air!

Inside, the reception was just as polished. Long and round tables dressed in cream linens, low white centerpieces and greenery, warm wood ceilings and candlelight, and the prettiest little olive-sprigged menus at each place. The white tiered cake with its fresh white roses tied it all together.

Then golden hour arrived, and oh my, it was unreal. We stole away for portraits beside a vintage red convertible, walked through the lavender rows as the light went soft and warm, wandered the dahlia garden bursting with color, and stole a kiss under a leafy green arch. This stretch of the evening is exactly why I love Carmel Valley Ranch so much.

And then the party! Their first dance turned into Matt swinging Katy clear off her feet, and from there the dance floor never emptied. Friends and family packed in close, arms in the air, laughing the whole night through.

Katy and Matt, thank you for letting me be part of such a joyful, beautiful, fun-filled day! From that bridge in the morning to the lavender at golden hour to the very last song, it was an absolute honor to photograph. Wishing you a lifetime of exactly this kind of happiness!

The Dream Team

• Venue & Catering: Carmel Valley Ranch
• Coordination: Kindred Events Co
• Photography: De Joy Photography
• Florals: Seascape Flowers
• DJ & Entertainment: DNA Entertainment
• Desserts: Sweet Reba's
• Hair: The Beauty Resort & Blush Hair and Makeup Design
• Makeup: Nikki Beauty
• Signage: Heart Paper Soul