Happy Monday, friends! Hope you like perusing *lots* of photos, because we packed as many images from Nirav Patel as we possibly could into this one. Erin + Charlie had both lost loved ones at a young age, so they had one big goal for their wedding: honor them in every detail. The result was a thoughtful, intimate oceanside celebration in Big Sur, where just about everything was custom. Not to mention all the inspo for those of you planning an organic, nature-inspired wedding…
Erin says, The day of our wedding, we used several family items. Charlie wanted her wedding band to be made from a gold ring her father gave her before he died. We took it to our jeweler to melt it down and change its design. I bought a locket, placed my parents’ wedding and engagement photos inside, and asked our florist to tie it to my bouquet. I loved having them with me in spirit that day. I also had our initials and date sewn into my dress with blue thread that belonged to my mother. Instead of a ring pillow, we had our ring bearer hold a ceramic bowl with heart-shaped rocks inside. My dad had collected the rocks for my mom over the years. During the ceremony, we both held vintage handkerchiefs that belonged to my mother.
They held the ceremony at Sand Dollar Beach, where their everyone could walk down with them (all wearing something blue), and their bridesmaid Jaimie was there to officiate.
Erin’s dress was even a bit DIY: It was a Justin Alexander dress made into a skirt + paired with a custom top by West Coast Couture.
After the ceremony, Lorraine of Harvesting Love Events set up the most beautiful champagne toast for us. I collected several different champagne glasses before the wedding, and she placed them on half a tree that had been turned into a bench. She set up fruit and breads beautifully on top of a tablecloth that belonged to my mom… The napkins at each table setting were my mother’s, as well as the table runner and the table we had the cake sitting on. Even the cake cutter we used belonged to my parents. We bought a knife in the same pattern to complete the set. We also decorated one wall with photos of our extended family members on their wedding days.
Erin’s a designer + all around crafty person, so she took on the design, invites, programs, welcome gifts, just married sign, and tons more.
And Olive Branch & Co was behind the pretty calligraphy.
Lovely details from their floral designer, Lambert Floral Studio.
The morning of the wedding, I was getting ready with my aunt and my maid of honor. I didn’t know it, but my mom had written me a card before she died that was to be presented to me on my wedding day. My aunt gave it to me right after I had my makeup done. I was a mess, but it was a really special moment. I still tear up thinking about it.
Don’t forget to grab the rest of both Charlie + Erin’s fashion details in the credits below!
Film by Max Cutrone.
Overall it was the perfect day surrounded by friends and family. We wish we could relive it over and over again. We felt so much love and happiness that day. Even our vendors were perfect. We couldn’t have asked for a better group or a better day.
Such a sweet Big Sur wedding + family tribute. Congrats, Erin + Charlie!
Photography: Nirav Patel / Videography: Max Cutrone / Venue: Lucia Lodge in Big Sur, CA / Planning: Lorraine of Harvesting Love Events / Flowers: Lambert Floral Studio / Design, Invitations, Programs, Welcome Gifts, Guest Book, & Cake Topper: Erin Thompson / Hair & Makeup: Kelly of The Hair & Makeup Co / Invitation Printing: Tankerville Press / Calligraphy: Olive Branch & Co / Save the Date Illustration: Naomi Wilkinson / Cake: Big Sur Bakery / Bartender: Kent of Craft & Consume / Linen: La Tavola / Just Married Sign: EMT Design / Vases: Honey Blues / Music: Laura and Anton / Officiant: Jaimie Sheth / Studio Photography: Dan Howell / Stamps: Darling One / Brunch: Deetjen’s / Ring Box: The Mrs Box / Erin’s 1st Skirt: altered from Justin Alexander Style 8695/ Top, Alterations, & Veil: West Coast Couture / 2nd Skirt: altered from David’s Bridal / Top: Banana Republic / Date in Dress: Mamableu Designs / Garter: Geeky Garters / Charlie’s Vest & Blue Top: Custom by Kipper Clotheirs / 1st Suit: Ann Taylor / White Shirt: Akris Punto / 2nd Suit Jacket: Ralph Lauren / Tailor: El Segundo Tailors / Rings & Cufflinks: David K Jewelers / Henna: Jody’s Threading & Beauty Care / Bridesmaid Dresses: Ann Taylor, Alfred Angelo, Lela Rose, Latter Day Bride / Groomsmen: Express / Flower Girl: Ralph Lauren / Ring Bearers: Zara, River Island, Scotch & Soda, & J. Crew
