An Intimate Big Sur Wedding: Jen + Ryan

Jen + Ryan both fell in love with Big Sur the first time they visited 5 years ago and have made it a yearly Thanksgiving tradition to go camping there. When they got engaged, they both knew that the only place they truly wanted to get married was in Big Sur. They also wanted to have a small, intimate wedding so they could really enjoy being with their family + friends that had traveled so far to celebrate with them. Jen is a photographer so after shooting and being a part of so many different weddings, she really knew what she wanted and didn’t want for the day. They both agreed that there was no need to follow any wedding “rules” or structure so each part of the day was an expression of us as a couple.

All of the special details, like their camping themed photo booth, Ryan’s Bourbon Bar, and their welcome table + sign, were a creative collaboration between them and their amazingly talented friends who were more than willing to pitch in to help. By finding a single location that was perfect for the ceremony, cocktail hour, dinner, and reception festivities they were able to curate a simple and stress free day that everyone could enjoy from the moment they walked on to the property. Around every corner they made sure to find unique ways to express their sensibilities and most importantly, surround themselves with wonderful people who would appreciate the experience from start to finish. Thanks so much to Brandon Kidd Photography for the beautiful photos!

What song did you walk down the aisle to? Jen walked down to Hoppipolla by Sigur Ros and we exited to Inni Mer Syngur Vitleysingur by Sigur Ros.

What a beautiful ceremony location! You don’t need much in the way of decor with a view like that.

I absolutely love all their pretty dresses by Sarah Seven. And aren’t their bouquets gorgeous!? Jen and her friends + family did all the floral arrangements for the day with seasonal flowers from Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods.

Most memorable moment of your wedding day?

Jen: Right after the ceremony Ryan and I snuck away for a few minutes to let what had just happened sink in. It was such a magical, special moment for us to share together. The first couple of minutes as husband and wife, just the 2 of us. I also loved looking around during dinner at all of our guests from different parts of our lives that all mean so much to us. I felt like the luckiest person ever!

Ryan: Brandon [the photographer] told me I had to go away because they were going to do some portraits of Jen before the ceremony. At that moment I got really excited because I knew we had less than an hour before I got to see her for the first time and of course as I stood there and she walked down the aisle, looking so beautiful, there was no where else I wanted to be than standing in Big Sur knowing that forever she would be by my side.

Any advice for those planning now?

Try to plan as you go and just remember that no matter what happens, its going to be the best day of your life. Have your family and friends pitch in, we really could not have pulled it off without them! Enjoy the little moments of the day, pause and reflect on all the wonderful experiences you are having and fantastic people around you. Also, try to stick together during the reception so you are able to share the same memories of the day, wise words from Jen’s Maid of Honor and best friend, McKenzie.

We can’t thank everyone enough who showed up and helped make our Big Sur wedding dream day come true. We would also like to thank our amazing photographers Brandon + Kristin Kidd who captured our day so beautifully and are the nicest people ever to work with!

Congrats to Jen + Ryan on their gorgeous and personal wedding! We wish you cuties all the best!

vendors:
photography: Brandon Kidd Photography // venue: Private Big Sur Estate // event design: Matthew McKee of Archery Goods LTD (friend of the couple + creative genius) // wedding dress: Sarah Seven dress, Ivy and Aster sash; both from Lovely Bridal Shop in NYC // shoes: Christian Louboutin // bridesmaids dresses: Sarah Seven also from Lovely Bridal + Adrianna Papell // hair + makeup: Maggie and Mai (both friends of the bride’s) // groom suit: Hugo Boss // invitations+ paper goods: designed by a friend of the couple // catering: Paradise Catering (locally grown and seasonal; we had many guests tell us that this was the best wedding meal they have ever had) // cake: all baked goods made by Jen and her Maid of Honor Mckenzie // music: ipod + vinyl records during dinner

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