Elyse + Story
Santa Lucia Preserve, California
Of all the outdoor ceremonies I have photographed, Elyse and Story’s wedding at Santa Lucia Preserve felt the most like a fairytale story happening before our very eyes.
The towering Redwood trees all around us created a mystical and time-worn narrative reminiscent of “once upon a time…” The bride walked the flowering aisle of organic blooms toward the groom, as guests looked on under the broken light from the branches above.
Santa Lucia Preserve encompasses 20,000 acres of incredible landscape just a few miles inland from Carmel-by-theSea. It is made up of a community with a ranching history and a dedication for conserving the natural resources. After falling in love with its natural beauty, Elyse and Story decided to plan their wedding at the Preserve.
The Wedding Weekend
The big weekend began at Carmel Valley Ranch, with a “Havana Nights”-themed cocktail party. To commemorate one of Elyse and Story’s first trips together to Cuba, they had custom jute cabanas accommodating woven furniture ready for cocktail lounging. Latin music and cuban fare gave the evening a most festive welcome for the weekend’s guests.
The party continued after the ceremony in the Redwood forest with a hillside dinner. Under a grand tent with cascading garlands, guests dined and toasted the newlyweds. The green and white floral theme continued, bringing the beauty of the surrounding landscape inside.
Then the guests enjoyed a grand finale dessert and dancing reception in the historic barn at the Preserve. Elyse told Flutter Magazine that one of her favorite parts of the event was “the unveiling of the barn to the magnificent lighting.” The gilded chandeliers echoed the forest florals from the ceremony, and the white tiered cake mirrored the chandeliers. Event designer Laurie Arons planned this wedding at Santa Lucia Preserve to perfection.
And afterward… Everyone danced happily ever after to The Cowling Band!
See this “Redwood Romance” in Issue No. 18 of Flutter Magazine and get lost in the enchanting wedding weekend below.
XX,
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've spent the past decade capturing love and chasing beauty across the globe, and I believe every story like yours is different and special, and deserves to be told exceptionally.
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