A Timeless, Classic Wedding at Holman Ranch, California

Setting: Ceremony: Carmel Mission Basilica, Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA; Reception: Holman Ranch, Carmel Valley, CA
Location: California, US
Wedding season: Late summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 ½ years with the help of Sealed-With-A-Kiss Event Planning
Amount of guests: 200
Wedding theme/style: Timeless, classic, understated elegance, California Summer

Chris and Katie had been dating for 9 years before Chris proposed at Katie’s family’s vacation home in 2020. The couple was married in July 2022. They chose to have their wedding in Carmel as it is one of their favorite places to escape for a relaxing and romantic weekend together. With the venues being so beautiful, the couple really wanted to highlight architectural elements and use the natural backdrop to its fullest potential. Photographer Mashaida Co. stunningly captured this special day and everything around.

Chris and Katie are high school sweethearts who met in 2011, their senior year of high school. Thanks to a few friends who pointed them both in the right direction, it didn’t take long for them to realize they were meant to be more than just friends. They began dating shortly after meeting and have been together ever since despite being long-distance through college as Chris went to school in Chicago, and Katie in Washington state.

Despite the challenges that a global pandemic presented, Chris was determined to propose to Katie the summer of 2020. Labor Day weekend they had plans to visit Katie’s parents at their cabin (Katie’s favorite place in the world.) Katie thought they were making the trip for other reasons and was completely shocked when Chris dropped to one knee on her parent’s dock overlooking the lake!

After saying “YES!”, they got in their car with the plan to meet Katie’s parents nearby for a celebratory drink. When they arrived, Katie was in for yet another surprise. Chris had flown in his family for the weekend as well. This is when Katie truly lost it – she couldn’t believe all that Chris had done to make the proposal so incredibly special. The two families spent the rest of the weekend together enjoying the lake and celebrating. It was truly a magical weekend – one which they will never forget!

Cinematic bridal preparation.

Katie asked for an elevated natural look for makeup with warm tones. She chose to have her hair up in a bun to show off the back opening of her dress. The bride added dried baby’s breath hair pins to her bun (purchased on the Etsy shop – OliveWeddingArt). The baby’s breath was inspired by her mother’s wedding day hairpiece made of fresh baby’s breath. So heartwarming touch!

The 250-year-old Carmel Mission Basilica is a historic California mission and the final resting place of Catholic Saint, Fr. Junipero Sierra. It was a stunning location for the ceremony.

As a personal touch, the couple drove away from the wedding in Chris’ vintage convertible which he and his father restored when Katie and Chris first started dating in high school. This was one of the first cars Katie and Chris drove around in as teenagers, so it was really special to have it on their wedding day!

The ceremony was followed up by the reception at Holman Ranch which shared the same ambiance and setting – both being historic Spanish-style properties in Carmel, CA. With relatives and friends coming from both near and far, Carmel was the perfect destination. From Carmel-by-the-Sea’s quaint downtown and beaches to Carmel Valley’s scenic views and winetasting experiences, there was something for all guests to do nearby the venue.

The couple chose three signature drinks for their cocktail menu in addition to a full bar that was provided at the reception.
(1) “The Kusber Manhattan” – based on Chris and his father’s personal recipe.
(2) “The Original Joe’s Espresso Martini” – inspired by the Espresso Martini at Original Joe’s restaurant in North Beach, San Francisco, one of the couple’s favorite restaurants.
(3) “The Burntside Spanish Gin & Tonic” – inspired by the Spanish Gin & Tonic served at the couple’s proposal location.

The bride’s vision for the wedding was timeless and understated elegance. She wanted design choices to feel classic, purposeful, and elegant, while also being inviting, welcoming and comfortable for guests.

Natural colors that worked with the scenery of Carmel and the architecture of the venues were important to Katie as well.

For the wedding weekend as a whole, the couple placed a large focus on the concept of “community”. The bride and groom wanted everyone to feel truly a part of their special day. This had a large impact on the location and venue choice for the event.

Holman Ranch’s property allowed the couple, and their family and friends, to spend a long weekend relaxing by the pool overlooking the vineyard on the 750-acre private estate. The historic hacienda and guest cabins allowed the couple to host the rehearsal dinner and reception at the ranch, making it feel as if they were inviting guests into their own homes.

The couple chose to have a cookie bar with milk shooters for dessert. Guests were able to choose from a variety of cookies.

Some advices from the couple:

• When planning your wedding, ask yourselves what are the most important things to you – and invest in those things! Our event planner, venue, and photographer were three things at the very top of our list.

• Everyone will tell you that your wedding day will go by in the blink of an eye – and it truly does! Our wedding planner Sealed With A Kiss Events gave us great advice that we’ve since passed on to other couples as well…. Take moments throughout the day and event to just pause and take it all in / reflect.

—For example, when walking down the aisle, Katie and her parents stopped halfway before making their way to the church altar. This gave Katie time to let the moment truly sink in and to take a good look at all the guests who had traveled from near and far for their wedding before carrying on with the ceremony and meeting Chris at the altar.

—Another example was after the ceremony, the bride and groom drove in the vintage convertible from the church to the reception venue. This 20-minute car ride together allowed them time to reflect on the ceremony and truly enjoy the moment together as husband and wife for the first time before heading into the reception festivities ahead.