Simply put, we just love how Alex + Josh did things for their big day. Their actual wedding was an intimate celebration on the stunning cliffs of Big Sur in California. And a month later they hosted a huge party reception in a cornfield in Ohio, filled with all the people and things they love: music, pies, corn hole, bonfires! The two beautiful, yet contrasting, settings made for some pretty epic photos…and leave it to Julia + Jacquelyne of Our Labor of Love to impress. We’re just so in love with each + every capture, so let’s see a few + then hear some sweet words from Alex about it all…
Alex: My most memorable moment of our wedding day was reading the note Josh wrote to me. I was so relaxed getting ready with my sisters and mothers, but reading that note brought me to the present moment. The reason I fell in love with Josh was all there in the note and I was so excited to start the marriage journey with him.
Josh: My most memorable moment of our wedding day was watching Alex walk down the aisle. The wedding was set in the middle of a valley where a 300 feet winding trail led you to the ocean, where our wedding was set. It was naturally winding with wild flowers on both sides, it was beautiful. I had not seen her all day and as she walked closer she gradually became more in focus and I lost sight of everything else surrounding us. I could only stare at her.
Alex says, Josh’s impeccable planning of the proposal was the main inspiration behind the wedding day. When thinking about exactly what we wanted, the vision of an intimate ceremony with our immediate families at the spot he proposed in Big Sur just made sense. And even though it was across the country and required a lot of travel, we knew that we could not have done it without our families there. We made the whole weekend a gathering of our families, eating and drinking together in the moment. As much as our marriage is for us, the love filled in the combination of our families really made the weekend full of joy.
Pretty, pretty shots with a sparkling sea backdrop…
Following their super sweet vow exchange, everyone in attendance enjoyed a family style dinner at a local spot, Big Sur Roadhouse.
Since these two couldn’t let go of a thought of a big celebration with all of their friends and extended families, a laid-back bash on Josh’s family farm was the perfect idea.
Alex wore a custom wedding dress by Synderela. Loving all the movement!
This day is yours for the two of you to start the next adventure together. Prioritize what is most important to you. Do you love food? Make it special by eating your favorite foods! Do you love music? Find a great band that will play awesome songs. For us, we knew our memories would to soon become our photographs and video, so we made sure we had the best. Don’t be afraid to be creative, but also, don’t be afraid to relax and just hang out with your fiancé for connection leading up to the day.
photography: Julia Robbs and Jacquelyne Pierson of Our Labor of Love // event design: Bride + Family // florals: Floral Pursuit // wedding dress: Synderela // hairpiece: Synderela // bride's shoes: Anthropologie // hair stylist: Devin Bernath // makeup artist: Devin Bernath // groom attire: Brooklyn Tailors // videography: Sharkpig // paper goods: 1440 NYC // cake: Doughbox Bakery // music: The 1's & 2's // officiant: Matt Popovits // ceremony: Pacific Valley Bluff Trail in Big Sur, California // reception: Bernath Family Farms in Archbold, Ohio // event planner: Bride Alex Shellhammer of Jove Meyer Events // catering: Big Sur Roadhouse, Ida's Catering // rentals: Borrowed Rentals
Such a gorgeous bright wedding, adorable pictures.
The back of her dress is really pretty and I like how ecstatic they look.
-M
http://www.violetroots.com
Can someone tell me the location where they exchanged vows?
Hi Shane — we exchanged vows at a small trail call Pacific Valley Bluff Trail, between Big Sur/McWay Falls and Cambria. I’ve heard a storm came through in the summer and washed the beach away but I’m hoping our cliff is still in tack! http://www.hikespeak.com/trails/pacific-valley-bluff-trail-big-sur/
What a great selection of photos. Simply beautiful.
Beautiful couple, wonderful scenery and I adore the photography. The Ceremony setting was just magic!
My fiancee and I were also thinking about doing a small “wedding” and then a reception in Ohio. I love the set-up for your reception. Is there anyway you can give me some information on the location/vendors you used?
Beautiful beach wedding. The gown was simple but beautiful too… Sometimes less is more :)
Gorgeous Wedding & Gorgeous Couple !