Supposedly, beaches represent sunny and bright days but apparently, the ones in Carmel are known for the opposite – and yes, we’ve searched and it is actually known for rogue waves and gloomy skies. So when Jennifer & Jason’s wedding, which was held in the same exact place, was filled with warmth and sunlight, we just knew that it is indeed their very special day. Aside from this amazing turnout, they were also blessed with wonderful guests who acknowledged their request of wearing neutral colored clothing as to match the beach so they can have beautiful photos. This couple indeed deserved this wonderful day of celebration!
Congratulations Jennifer & Jason!
What is your story as a couple, how did you meet & fall in love?
Jason and I met at work. He is very shy and introverted. He worked at our corporate office in Ohio, and when I finally won him over, he moved to California. We were too old not to take chances. And it worked!
What makes the two of you a perfect match?
We are opposites in many ways but the parts that need to match, do! We are both “thinkers” rather than “feelers”, which according to Meyers Briggs, is a good fit!
How did he (or you) propose?
He took me to Domaine Carneros in Napa, where we had our first date. After ordering champagne, he slyly got on one knee and proposed with the most beautiful ring! Once I said yes, he just as slyly got back in his chair, and no one around us even knew what happened!
How long was the planning process? Did you think it was enough time?
We were engaged May 28,2013 and were married July 11, 2014. We had hoped to married in the middle of June but many locations were already booked. It was plenty of time to plan it all!
What was the best advice you received when you were planning your wedding?
Thankfully, we are both level headed and the wedding was pretty easy to plan.
What tips & tricks (“hacks”?) can you share future brides that you yourself have learned during and after your wedding?
Pick a theme and stick with it. I liked so many different themes, so I kept bouncing around with ideas. Once I picked one, it made everything else easier.
What were some challenges you faced planning your wedding & what would you have done differently to avoid them?
Using Wedgewood took most of the challenges out of it. They cover the majority of the vendors so that made it really easy. The only piece we had to source was our photographer, and choosing Whittaker Portraits was a no brainer! They are so accommodating and take phenomenal pictures!
What inspired your wedding décor? Why did you choose the things that you did?
We really wanted a beach wedding, but a tropical location wasn’t going to be easy for any of our family to get to. Once we decided on Carmel with beach for wedding ceremony and golf course for reception, it made all the decor and accessories easy to decide on.
What was the wedding budget?
Our budget was $10,000
Where did you save the most money?
Using a one stop shop like Wedgewood saved us the most money. We liked the idea of the winery wedding but they were so expensive just for the venue. Wedgewood allowed us to have a beautiful venue and everything else we needed with it.
What was the biggest expense?
Everything was all inclusive
How many guests were invited in your wedding and what was the final guest count?
50
How did you narrow down your list?
It was strictly budget related and we knew it had to be just immediate family and close friends
What songs did you use during the ceremony?
Traditional…our entrance at the reception was to Notre Dame fight song!
Where did you go on your honeymoon?
Moorea, Tahiti
What are you most excited about for the future?
Being settled and having a fantastic family unit.
Do you have advice for couples still in the planning process?
If you can find an all-inclusive venue, it makes your life much easier! Coordinating a dozen vendors will make you pull your hair out!
What would you say, the overall story for this album?
Beach wedding + golf reception = perfect match
What inspired the wedding day outfits?
I required all guests to dress in neutral colors so the photos on the beach would be amazing….and it worked!
What was your favorite part of the day?
Walking down the aisle to my soon to be husband and seeing all my friends and family in the required dress code….it really was spectacular!
Was there any Do it Yourself (DIY) projects? If so, can you describe them in detail?
We made all the signs at the venue and each goody bag for the hotel rooms contained homemade fudge by my husband and daughter
What were the highlights from the ceremony & reception?
My brother married us. I know he was nervous ahead of time, but he did a fabulous job! I loved watching him deliver our vows and wouldn’t change a thing. My daughter walked me down the aisle, which was simply awesome! We laughed the whole way because the sand was so hard to walk in, and we were about to fall over. Precious moments.
Was there a theme for the ceremony and reception?
Beach meets golf
What part of the ceremonies do you think was the most memorable for you? Your guests?
I think the dress code stood out to everyone and the reception entrance to the Notre Dame fight song. My husband’s family are die hard Notre Dame fans, so they loved it!
Here is what their photographer had to say about that special day.
What would you say, the overall story for this album?
Jennifer and Jason planned a sweet intimate affair with 50 of their closest family and friends. They decided on a beach and golf course in Carmel, California. Each guest was asked to wear white and khaki. Jennifer’s nine year old daughter, Caitlyn was her “daughter of honor.” She had the honor of walking her mom down the aisle and being by her side for the day. In the beginning of the day, Jason gave Caitlyn a bracelet to
match the one he had given Jennifer earlier. We loved the pop of color of Jennifer’s red shoes. Such a fun little detail!
What inspired the wedding day outfits?
Jennifer took the beach theme and ran with it. The guests were requested to wear khaki and white to reflect that, and the light, airy beach vibes were definitely there.
What were the highlights from the ceremony & reception?
The weather was the main highlight for the day in general. Generally, Carmel is gray and foggy, but Jennifer and Jason were blessed with a bright, sunny, warm day for their wedding!
Vendors
Photographer: Whittaker Portraits
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Floral Designer: Elegant Affair
Hair Stylist: Extend Your Image
Cake Designer: I DO WEDDING CAKES
Ceremony Location: Monastery Beach
Reception Venue: Rancho Canada Golf Club