We can’t stop talking about this gorgeous Mission Ranch Inn wedding by Allyson Megda Photography. It’s all sorts of vintage chic with pretty little touches that would make any girl swoon! From the picture perfect florals to the cute as can be burlap favors, this wedding is sure to get your creative DIY juices going! Click here for more!
From Allyson Magda Photography… Kelly and Christopher came all the way from Texas to tie the knot near the coast in California. I first met up with them for an engagement session on a trip they had taken to California to explore Carmel and Napa, in search of their perfect wedding venue. Immediately, we felt like friends and enjoyed our shoot together in the Carmel area and lunch at the BEST Cassanovas. Over lunch we talked about all the places to get married in Carmel and Napa. The next day they were headed north to explore the beautiful region of Sonoma and Napa Valley. Not long after their return, I heard back from them — they had decided they were in love with the central coast of California, and Carmel was the spot to tie the knot!
In August we met up again for a celebration of a lifetime. Over 100 guests traveled all the way from Texas to beautiful Carmel by the Sea. Texans filled the town and the valley, and they had an amazing weekend with their closest friends and family. On Friday night, they treated their guests to a lovely dinner at historic Will’s Fargo steakhouse, the perfect welcome for Texans to California. On Saturday, they said they vows and got hitched at amazing Carmel Mission and had their reception over at Clint’s place (Clint Eastwood that is), Mission Ranch Inn, a hop skip and stone from the Mission. While the gals were getting ready for the BIG day, Christopher took his guys to the Carmel Hat Shop to pick a hat, any hat! They broke them out at the reception, which was so much fun!
Kelly was very clever in tying together their history, on many levels, and the oh so charming sheep that graze the pastures in front of Mission Ranch Inn. To welcome their guests were lovely canvas totes with sheep silk-screened on them and filled to the brim with necessities for a weekend to remember. To add a bit of whim to their invitations were mad-lib RSVP cards, which were so fun to read! During their reception the couple imposed a southern tradition that was new to me, a wedding photographer for over 12 years: each bridesmaid pulls a string that was baked into the cake with a charm on the end, telling their future. It was SO much fun! I wish we saw more of that on the west coast. Their after-party was held at one of my favorite locales in Carmel, Clint’s other joint, The Hog’s Breath Bar and Restaurant. Guests were invited for a nightcap if they chose to continue the party. Kelly changed into her mother’s modified bridal gown for the after-party, complete with boots, of course! Gotta love Texans and their spirit. Cheers to you, Kelly and Christopher!
Wedding Photography: Allyson Magda Photography / Ceremony: Carmel Mission Basilica in Carmel, California / Reception: Mission Ranch Inn in Carmel, California / Floral Design: Kathryn Smith Flowers / Wedding Invitations: Paper Moss
