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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

Christina + Kenny wanted their wedding to be a fun and intimate gathering of all their most favorite people, many of which (including their families) had never met before since they all lived on opposite ends of the country. Christina grew up on the west coast and Kenny on the east coast. They met at UCLA and eventually started dating + fell in love while living in New York City. While they were planning the wedding, the two lovebirds packed up their lives and moved to Hawaii for Kenny’s work. They decided that Los Angeles would be a good meeting place for their families + friends to come celebrate and have a good time. Shutters on the Beach in Santa Monica lent itself to the relaxed, organic vibe they were going for, while reminding them a bit of home with it’s New England feel. Thanks so much to the talented duo of Erin Hearts Court for the gorgeous photos!

Most memorable moment of your wedding day?
I was really nervous about walking down the aisle. Halfway down, I got a bit tangled in my long veil which was flying around in the wind. I started laughing, as did my dad and some of the guests nearby, and my nerves suddenly calmed down. I started enjoying myself after that point.

What song did you walk down the aisle to?
Angel instrumental by Jack Johnson for walking down the aisle and One Shining Moment instrumental by Luther Vandross for our exit song. We had fun choosing the music. We also used the Lakers starting lineup music (Baba O’Riley by The Who) for the reception entrance.

Isn’t their reception area gorgeous! I just love how organic + rustic it looks – just goes to show you a ballroom can be a bit more rustic chic espcially the Shutters at the Beach location with it’s New England white walls and ceilings. All the lovely details were designed by Details Details Wedding and Event Planning and the gorgeous florals are by Brown Paper Design

Any advice for those planning now?
Roll with the punches and enjoy your wedding! I work in events and have learned that no matter how well you plan, some things will not work out accordingly. You just need to be flexible and make the best of every situation. While I tried to map out every single detail leading up to the wedding, I stopped and let go of it all on the night of the rehearsal dinner. I knew I was in excellent hands with my vendors and just committed to enjoying the company of my friends and family, and celebrating with my new husband. As a result, I had so much fun throughout the weekend and don’t even remember half the details!

Congrats to Christina + Kenny on your beautiful + personal wedding!

vendors:
photographer: Erin Hearts Court // event planner: Details Details Wedding and Event Planning // floral designer: Brown Paper Design // venue: Shutters on the Beach // wedding dress: Romona Keveza // hair: Kimi V // makeup: Syreet Kim (one of the bridesmaids) // cake: Vanilla Bake Shop // music: DeBois Entertainment // linens: la tavola linen

Erin Hearts Court, Details Details Wedding and Event Planning and Shutters on the Beach are all featured vendors of Green Wedding Shoes. Check out their vendor profiles to see more of their work or discover other GWS recommended vendors for your wedding day in our Vendor Guide.

This wedding is beautiful, intimate + simple. I think the simplicity of this wedding is what makes it so unique. Jo + Cullen are from Texas and have family scattered in different areas of the US. So they decided to all meet in San Francisco, a place Jo + Cullen love, for their wedding. They walked along the water near the Golden Gate talking and laughing. They walked until they landed in a spot they liked and then their family surrounded them + they exchanged their vows before the people who loved them most. Afterwards they walked to a favorite restaurant for dinner. They truly enjoyed every part of their day and nothing was rushed. Thanks so much to Ryan Ray for the gorgeous photos.

Congrats to Jo + Cullen for throwing a wedding that was so perfect for the two of you!

photography: Ryan Ray // wedding dress: Lela Rose // shoes: Valentino // makeup: Bianca Rubi // hair: Kelly Pace // groom attire: J Crew + Ben Sherman // florist: Plan Decor