Location: Big Sur, California, USA
Setting: Forest
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
The number of guests: 16
Wedding theme/style: Minimal, organic, vintage, romantic.
Christopher and Carly are from Edmond, Oklahoma. They met at a party in 2013, back in high school. A few weeks later, they found each other’s Instagram and finally exchanged their phone numbers. Since then, they have never been separated. Chris would pick up Carly every morning for school. Even when he had to move to Southern California for nine months to attend off-road fabrication school, they did long distances, and Carly visited him often. As soon as Carly graduated, they took the next big step and moved in together with their two adorable fur babies.
In 2022, they engaged at their favorite staycation spot in eastern Oklahoma. They drove around and looked for a perfect place to fly their kites, so they stayed at a bridge with a river flowing underneath. They were flying their kites and laughing because they haven’t done it since they were young. As they were heading back, Chris proposed to Carly, and they felt that this was such a perfect moment. The couple had dreamed of eloping out of the country, but the thought of getting married without their parents and family made them sad. So, they decided to look for wedding venues in the stunning Pacific Northwest.
Carly and Christopher are both deeply connected to wildlife, water and trees. While searching for wedding venues, Carly stumbled upon a little place in Big Sur called Glen Oaks, and when she found their Instagram, she knew it was going to be their venue. This hidden gem of California, situated amongst ancient redwoods and murmuring streams, provided the ideal runaway spot for their dream wedding.
The invitation to this special day was as unique as the venue itself. Created by Papier June, known for their dedication to organic textures and intricate minimalism, the wedding stationery was a prelude to the day’s aesthetic. Axelle, the creative director, crafted each piece with a passion for the tangible art of paper-making, layering, and hand pressing. Adorned with a custom wood seal, the invitations set the tone for an event celebrating nature and craftsmanship. Each piece of stationery represented Carly and Christopher’s elegant and grounded style.
The couple wanted to include neutral colors in their stationery and capture their surroundings’ organic feel and simplicity. The way the bark of the trees, the roughness of the earth, the waves of the ocean, and the fabric of the dress were woven into these minimalist cards and envelopes is strikingly beautiful.
The light filtering through the towering trees filled the rooms, and the day began with serene anticipation as Carly and Christopher prepared for the big day. Christopher’s outfit mirrored the natural simplicity of the setting. He opted for a crisp, clean look with a light beige suit that complemented the earthy tones of the forest. Brown leather dress shoes provided the groom’s attire with a bright and polished finish.
Carly was very inspired by the 60s and 70s, and she pulled inspiration for her dress and makeup from icons like Sharron Tate, Priscilla Presley, and Cher. Her wedding day makeup elegantly complemented her natural beauty. Daniel Salazar, the makeup artist, opted for a radiant and glowing look. The eyes were enhanced with earthy-toned shadows, while the overall look was balanced and harmonious. Carly styled her hair straight, the way she usually wears it.
Her dress was from the Cinq brand, renowned for combining vintage silhouettes with modern details. She found her dream gown online, but being from Oklahoma and the company being in Los Angeles made her hesitant to travel so far for it. She looked for a perfect gown near her home, but nothing compared to the one she had seen online, which gave her a unique feeling. One night, she decided to book a 24-hour trip to Los Angeles by herself to try it out. She had never flown alone before, but this trip was the most fun she had ever had. Carly indulged in great food and drinks and tried the dress of her dreams. She even got to meet the talented designer.
The beautiful drop-waist gown featured a pin-tucked lace corset with detachable puff-sleeve gloves. The silk tulle and lace skirt had broomstick pleats and an exaggerated pointed hem. Her dress was a complete surprise to everyone at the wedding.
The couple shared a heartwarming first look on their wedding day amidst the stunning scenery of Big Sur’s redwood forest. They walked hand in hand down a forest trail surrounded by towering ancient trees. The scene vividly illustrated their day—intimacy and nature in harmony.
Taylor Wood Bury‘s stunning photographs showcased Carly and Christopher in a breathtaking coastal setting. The couple celebrated their love on a cliffside overlooking the rugged shoreline of Big Sur. The moments captured in the photographs were filled with dramatic beauty, enhanced by the vast ocean views and the salty ocean breeze. Carly’s long, flowing hair and the soft fabric of her gown were stirred by the wind, making the scene even more magical.
The couple’s wedding ceremony took place in the enchanting natural beauty of majestic redwoods. Instead of a traditional arch, the couple opted for a natural, ground-level floral arrangement comprising native ferns, white blooms, and other forest foliage that seemed to spring from the earth.
After exchanging their touching vows surrounded by their parents, siblings, and their two closest friends only, Carly and Christopher embraced the cozy backdrops of the forest’s deep greens and browns for a series of candid and intimate photographs, capturing their first moments as a married couple. The blurred movement, laughter, and tenderness conveyed a sense of spontaneity and pure joy.
The decor and tableware for the wedding reception were thoughtfully chosen to enhance the forest environment. The wooden tables were completed with elegant cream-colored plates and sleek, modern cutlery that subtly contrasted the rustic theme. Natural linen napkins added a textural element to the table. The centerpieces were unique and eye-catching arrangements of local flora and fauna, laid along the tables on top of a runner that appeared to be made of natural fiber, enhancing the forest floor feel.
The couple’s commitment to detail was reflected in their stylish wedding menu made by Papier June, thoughtfully curated to offer a gastronomic reflection of the local environment. Guests were treated to a selection of dishes, including truffle mushroom toast, a medley of herbed greens, and seared local white fish, each echoing the couple’s love for sustainable and locally sourced ingredients. The meal concluded with a vegan chocolate cake, drizzled with raspberry coulis and toasted coconut, ensuring that their celebration was deliciously memorable.
Carly also had a second dress by Cinq for the wedding reception, featuring a coquettish twist. This smooth satin dress boasted a bodice with a structured neckline and voluminous puff sleeves. The skirt included a peplum-like overlay and a delicate ruffle hem adorned with long, flowing white ribbons.
Seeing everything come together was special. The tablescape had beautiful florals, amazing handmade menus, and place cards lying about. Getting the night talking to their friends and family after they have the most special morning getting ready and taking fabulous photos before the reception. The food was amazing, and our playlist was great. It was just very calming and peaceful.
Advice from the couple:
• Do what you want, no matter what someone says. Don’t let anyone try your opinion when you know what you want to do. Wedding planning can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. You don’t have to have a big wedding to make it special. Rules can be broken, and you don’t have to feel bad. It’s your day, and you can do what makes you happy!
STATIONERY Papier June | PHOTOGRAPHER Taylor Woodbury | PLANNER Tellurian | VENUE Glen Oaks Big Sur | MUAH Daniel Salazar | DRESS Cinq
