Photography Unfiltered with Catherine Hall

June 30, 2007 Highlands Inn, Carmel

Sarah, 25, a Marketing Specialist, and Kevin, 32, an Everglades National Park Guide, met while Sarah was doing an internship in Naples, FL for her last remaining credits towards a Communications degree from Michigan State University.  The pair clicked instantly on their casual first date over sushi, and a shared love for the beach and being on the water.  Truly, it was love at first site, so after graduating from school, Sarah moved to Naples.  After two wonderful years together, Kevin asked Sarah to be his wife on her 25th birthday while the couple was sharing a romantic evening overlooking the Gulf of Mexico at twilight.

When it came time to plan the wedding, the couple decided that they wanted something intensely romantic, dramatic and intimate.  The found everything that they were looking for at the renowned Park Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn, on the picturesque coastline of California.  Carmel is known for its world-class golf featuring Pebble Beach and Spy Glass golf courses, as well as a quaint, downtown area filled with art galleries and small cafes.  Sarah had fallen in love with the spot while vacationing there with her parents as a teenager and witnessing an outdoor wedding on the hotel balcony which overlooked the cliffy, white-capped Pacific Ocean.

Sarah planned each detail of the wedding to be simple, elegant and personalized for the 30 family members making the journey out to California.  The invitations and cake incorporated iridescent tones, pearl finishes and rich creams. The outdoor ceremony included a lemon leaf, eucalyptus and orchid garland draped over an archway framing the couple during the marriage ceremony.  Pale pink peonies, tulips, orchids and hydrangeas were tied all throughout the wedding in the table’s cape, cake decor, boutonnieres and bouquets.

The ceremony commenced at 2 o’clock in the afternoon on a perfect June day. Sarah chose a classic sweetheart cut Mon Cheri Couture gown and complimenting scalloped veil adorned with Swarovski crystals.  Kevin wore a timeless Ralph Lauren tuxedo and soft pink vest and tie; to accomplish the look of a classic gentleman. During the ceremony, Sarah’s young cousins stood up in front of the congregation to read a special poem about the personal meaning of love and marriage to Kevin and Sarah.

After the ceremony, guests enjoyed champagne, native Californian wines and artisan cheeses while listening to the live acoustic guitarist who had also played softly as Sarah graced down the aisle with her father.   The party then moved into an intimate reception area with a long conference style table, fireplace and windows lining the walls looking out towards the Pacific.  Their dinner menu reflected Californian cuisine, incorporating artichoke hearts, Dungeness crab, local sea bass, and lots and lots of wine!!    Dessert was a delicate, chocolate buttermilk cake filled with layers of chocolate panache and fresh raspberries, and covered in a white fondant with a cascade of orchids for decor.

The party lasted until 7:30, and the guests danced the night away to the sounds of Motown and Nat King Cole while looking out over the water and feeling the overwhelming love that a close knit family can collect when they join together in the joyous celebration of marriage.

Venue:  Highlands Inn  | Event Coordinator:  Erna Clay at Highlands Inn  | Dress Designer:  Mon Cheri Couture | Florist:  Fleurish | Cake Designer:  Parker Lusseau Pastries
Classical Guitarist (during outdoor ceremony): Terrence Farrell | DJ:  Peter Burkhard | Caterer:  Highlands Inn