From the Central Valley to Carmel Valley, the road to a picturesque wedding can be long and windy. Elisa Diel and Matt Brown began their story like all others, unsure where and when to tie the knot. From contemplating the green hillsides of Ireland to a quaint backyard celebration at the family residence, the questions and decisions flew rampant through their minds and landed in the majestic Carmel Valley in the golden state of California.
Holman Ranch beheld the venue for both ceremony and the reception. A historic and operating horse ranch that represented true California, from its Santa Barbara elevation to its coastal vegetation, this estate was breath taking.
Over 200 guests from around the state entered the serene grounds and were greeted by formal wait staff and a fun fruite filled lemonade station. After being served mason jars filled with berries, libations and lace paper cups filled with spiced nuts, the guests were escorted down a manicured lawn to padded rustic benches, along the antique crate lined aisle. These Central Valley farming crates were brimming with snow clouds of hydrangea, English ivy and rosemary plants. The ceremony transpired under a handmade branch arch and overlooked the magnificent canyons of Carmel.
Guests then meandered to another terrace of the ranch and noshed on savory bite sized appetizers, from sliders to artisanal cheeses to domestic filled eggrolls. Champagne flowed as guests strolled the grounds in anticipation of the family style feast and roaming food stations that lie ahead.
Five perfect rows of Descanso tables and Chiavari chairs filled the upper terrace, lined in damask linens and adorned with hundreds of vintage and mercury glass vases and votive candle holders. Individual blooms of peonies, hydrangea, English roses and fresh cut herbs danced between the garlands of English ivy.
All feasted upon artisanal breads, cheeses and assorted local sea salts before being served a trio of organic salads, followed by a heaping bowl of pasta and shrimp, only to have the Rose Courtyard gates open to multiple gourmet food stations, all of which included land to sea selections.
After toasts and tears of happiness under the Italian light strewn sky, the guests made their way to the Carriage House which was illuminated in blush and apricot, while streamers of ivory organza danced above the guests. Hay bales draped in warm linen and piled with pillows gave the dancing guests a comfy place to relax and converse.
Just outside the Carriage House was the sweetest part of the evening, the dessert table! From paper lace cones filled with homemade donut holes and phenomenal pie pops to a carmel apple dipping station, this display was nothing but decadent!
Dancing, desserts and champagne all under the California star-laden sky, this was truly a heavenly event to attend. the bride and groom exited this magical site in a vintage 1959 Cadillac... nothing but classic style to summarize this couple.
We will hopefully add images of the fantastic print pieces very soon! Hope you enjoyed!
xoxo
