The Bride Wore a Floral Wedding Dress for Her Intimate, Elegant Big Sur Wedding

One of the first trips Alice + Kip ever took together was to Big Sur, the famously stunning stretch of California’s central coast nestled between the Santa Lucia Mountains to the east and the Pacific Ocean to the west. Big Sur holds a special place in their hearts because of the happy memories they have of that trip and because as soon as they saw it they knew it was where they wanted to tie the knot.

“The first time we visited, our breath was taken away by the sweeping cliff-side views of the ocean beautifully framed by majestic trees,” Alice + Kip say. “We immediately knew this was the perfect place to get married and share with our closest friends and family.”

With the unbelievably beautiful scenery as inspiration, the two teamed up with Elegant Events and planned an intimate celebration that was equal parts elegance and fun, and photographer Lynn Lewis captured every whimsical, joyful moment of their big day in Big Sur!!  

The First Look

Alice + Kip’s started their day with a first look under the oak trees near the private home in Carmel, California where the two got ready. Alice knew she didn’t want a traditional white wedding dress and opted instead for this stunning custom floral gown. The fabric and the dress itself were both designed by Suzanne Hanley of Atelier des Modistes. Alice and Suzanne put their heads together to create a sweetheart bodice look full of movement with a color palette that was inspired by the natural beauty of Big Sur itself.

En Route

After the first look, these two set off in a vintage Porsche from Monterey Touring Vehicles and cruised down the coast to their wedding together!!

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding
As the two of us drove down the Pacific coastline to our venue, we were amazed by how many strangers cheered and honked at us and wanted to celebrate the moment with us. One man even pulled over, asked to take a photo of us and blessed us! It was especially fun when the shuttles transporting our guests drove by us taking photos along the cliffside. None of our guests knew we were driving down together, and it was a happy surprise to get a glimpse of everyone on our way to the ceremony.

Nothing like a wedding day cliffside hike! Photographer Lynne took the couple to some of her favorite scenic spots along the way.

Alice’s gorgeous natural makeup look and updo with delicate face framing curls were the work of hair and makeup artist Kiyomi Sanada.

Check out this hairpin set if you adore the pearl details in Alice’s hair as much as we do!!

We love that each bridesmaid rocked a different color! Blush, terracotta, sage green: all hues found in the print of Alice’s custom dress!!

Check out this Hugo Boss look if this photo of Kip + his groomsmen looking SO sharp gives you tux envy.

The Ceremony

Barefoot Floral added romance to the glorious view with scattered petals, simple white blooms, and pedestal arrangements full of drapey ferns.

Details like abundant taper and pillar candles and this rustic table from Archive Rentals added whimsy to the outdoor celebration.

The private estate where these two said their “I do’s” is just too stunning for words.

Getting your billowing veil unstuck from a tree trunk: that’s what grooms and bridesmaids are for!!

The sun peeking through the trees for the kiss!!

After the ceremony wrapped up, Alice + Kip snuck off to savor a joyful, teary, sunset moment alone.

The Reception

These custom wooden escort table names came from Nella’s Signs.

Long wooden banquet tables set up for a feast courtesy of A Taste of Elegance.

The fern-filled tablescapes were made all the more elegant by dinnerware, flatware, and glassware rentals from Chic Event Rentals, linens from Napa Valley Linens, and napkins by BBJ La Tavola.

These clear table name signs by Hardwood + Home look perfect nestled in amongst the moss and votive candles of the centerpieces.

Our Advice To Those Planning Now
Plan for some alone time before the ceremony starts. It let us calm our nerves and take it all in just the two of us before our whirlwind evening began. By the time we got to the ceremony, we were relaxed and ready to celebrate!

Twinkly bistro lights gave this sunset reception moment a warm and festive glow.

Alice’s switch into a sparkly, feathery reception jumpsuit was a perfect signal to their guests that it was time to PARTY. (That and the coordinated first dance the couple performed to “Uptown Funk!”)

DNA Entertainment kept the celebration going as these two leaned into fun and unforgettable elements of the night like a dance-off, fire pits with s’mores, and even a silent glow-in-the-dark disco!!

This whole wedding was as stunning as the Big Sur scenery!! SO happy for you, Alice + Kip. Congrats from GWS!