Katherine + Alden both love the great outdoors. “Both of us feel most at peace and connected to ourselves and each other when we are in nature,” the couple says. Rock climbing together even played a big part in the early days of their relationship. They wanted their wedding to feature as much beautiful nature as possible—a wide range of experience that included both sand and snow.
The snow portion came when the couple eloped at the foot of Mt. Baker in Washington state’s Snoqualmie National Forest!!
The sand element came a few months later in the form of this gorgeous oceanside celebration at Chileno Bay Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico that included 141 of their loved ones. That way they could have the best of both worlds—intimate elopement AND a big celebration with friends and family. Katherine + Alden collaborated with Amy Abbott Events to create a “come as you are” vibe. They chose to highlight the beauty of the beach with bright pinks, oranges and reds and Moroccan-inspired design touches.
So glad photographer MC Weddings caught all kinds of beautiful moments throughout the day!! Let’s take a look!
How great are all the hand-drawn elements on these invitations from Who Drew??
Simplicity and comfort were deciding factors for Katherine when she was choosing this flowy, fitted bodice gown by Dana Harel.
Florist Pina Cate totally captured the vibrance of this bright color palette with the day’s florals. We LOVE a color-blocked bridesmaid bouquet!!
Check out our collections of terracotta bridesmaid dresses and rose gold bridesmaid dresses if Katherine’s bridal party colors are speaking to you!
The Beachside Ceremony
We can’t get enough of these wild and wonderful florals! The greenery-wrapped stairs totally connect to Katherine + Alden’s nature-loving vision.
Bold and colorful carpets: such a fun way to create a statement aisle (one of our fave trends of 2023!!)
Our Musical Choices Processional: "Can’t Help Falling In Love" by Elvis Presley
Recessional: "Sky Full Of Stars" by Coldplay
First Dance: "Let’s Stay Together" Al Green
Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding Having our parents stand behind us while we said our vows. We will cherish that moment forever.
Alden and his groomsmen all rocked these colorful Turkish Kilim Loafers!
Alden’s wedding suit came from J3. So fun that it was it a deeper shade of neutral than his groomsmen’s looks!
The ethereal, cape-like shoulder details on Katherine’s dress!! 😍
Take a peek at our collection of the best beach wedding dresses if you’re looking for the right bridal silhouette for putting your toes in the sand.
Piel Canela created Katherine’s glamorous waves and gentle glam makeup look.
Our Advice To Those Planning Now The details do matter. For both weddings, the sentimental and personalized details that we were able to incorporate into our weddings really made the experience feel meaningful to us. Second, it’s your wedding so do what makes you happy and brings you joy. There’s no wrong way to get married, and often brides get focused on supporting the opinions of others. In short, remain inspired by what makes you uniquely you.
The Reception
How creative is this seating chart?! Check out our list of 36 unique seating chart ideas we’re obsessing over!
Katherine + Alden helped their guests find their way around the party by attaching escort cards to these beautiful white custom wedding maracas.
Cheers!!! Love that this hand-drawn signature cocktail sign matches the vibe of the couple’s invitations.
Even donkeys need a little floral decor!
Bells & Whistles created handmade details that gave the day its colorful, cohesive vibe.
These half-arch table numbers in beachy pink add a subtly modern touch to this elegant-yet-casual tablescape.
Obsessed with all of this vibrant color!!
The tassel details on this cake are breathtaking!! And totally perfect for a beachy celebration. Check out our list of wedding cakes perfect for beach weddings.
Is it even a party without a fringe cape reception look and a floral dance floor?!
Congrats, Katherine + Alden!! The sand portion of your wedding adventure was totally outstanding! Best wishes from GWS!
photography: MC Weddings // venue name: Chileno Bay Resort, San Jose del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico // event design: Carena Trampe of Amy Abbott EVents // planning: Carena Trampe of Amy Abbott Events // florals: Pina Cate // wedding dress: Dana Harel // hair stylist: Piel Canela // makeup artist: Piel Canela // groom attire: J3 // videography: Aracapro // paper goods: Who Drew NYC // handmade details: Bells & Whistles // catering: Chileno Bay Resort
