The Barns at Cooper Molera | Patricia & Jon

Patricia and Jon's wedding day started soft and quiet, her ivory gown catching the morning light long before the rest of the day picked up speed. That first quiet hour, before anyone else is awake and the whole day is still ahead, is one of my favorite parts of this job.

She got ready surrounded by the people who love her most, easing into her gown together and finishing the morning with her earrings just before it was time to go.

Across town Jon was getting ready in navy, pinning on his boutonniere and having his groomsmen straighten his tie before it was time to go.

Before the ceremony we stole Patricia and Jon away to a stretch of coastline nearby, green bluffs dropping down to the water with one big, windblown cypress standing over the whole scene. Her gown caught every bit of that wind, and the two of them barely noticed the camera at all.

Their wedding party joined them out there too, the groomsmen sharp in navy and the bridesmaids carrying loose white and blush bouquets against all that blue water.

The ceremony itself was set in downtown Monterey at The Barns at Cooper Molera, a historic property with wine barrels lining the aisle, an enormous old cypress tree overhead, and the barn's wooden doors standing open just beyond it. It is rustic and romantic all at once, and it gave the whole afternoon an easy, unhurried feeling.

Their flower girl and ring bearer led the way down that aisle, Patricia walked in with the afternoon light behind her, and Jon could not stop smiling as she got close. They exchanged rings and their vows right there under the cypress.

Once they were married we found a few quiet minutes to walk the garden paths together, Patricia laughing under her veil while Jon stole a kiss before the whole party caught up with them.

The reception rooms were dressed in blush and white florals, gold rimmed table numbers, and greenery tucked in everywhere, all set up under the trees just outside the barn.

The toasts had everyone laughing and a little teary, Patricia covering her mouth more than once as the people closest to her stood up to talk about them.

Then the barn doors opened for dancing, string lights overhead, and Patricia and Jon danced the night away with everyone who loves them, right up until they were lifted into the air on their way out. Patricia and Jon, thank you for having me there for every bit of it. I had the best day.

The Dream Team

• Venue: The Barns at Cooper Molera
• Planning + Coordination: I Do Day-Ofs
• Photography: De Joy Photography
• Florals: Fleurs du Soleil Monterey
• Catering: Events by Classic
• DJ / Entertainment: Disc Jockey by Macio Henry
• Desserts: Layers Cake Monterey
• Makeup: Haley Belle Beauty