These photos by Nicole Mason of Ali + Buddy’s autumn nuptials in Big Sur are equal parts fun + romantic (a good wedding goal, we think!): Consider their 50-person guest list. Their reception at Big Sur Bakery and late night gathering around campfire and grill. Ali sums it up perfectly: I wanted the day to feel like the best of any ordinary day, the dress code was boots and suits and dusty dresses.
This two piece Carol Hannah ensemble. Gorg!
You’d never ever guess that they pulled all this off after their original venue in Carmel fell through two weeks before the big day.
I was never a girl that dreamed of her wedding which actually made planning one really tough for me. The only thing I was 100% certain of was walking down a long aisle with my dad to Leroy White’s Wedding Song. Leroy is a musician from my hometown of Newport, RI. I met him for the first time when he performed for my 5th grade class—his beard was dreaded down to his knees and he never stopped smiling. I knew he was special. He wrote the song for his own wedding, and I’ve never stopped loving it.
Guests brought their own tents and they created a camp at the farthest side of Ventana Inn Campground, full of whisky, s’mores, and firewood. They also brought little care packages for neighboring campers: candy, Advil, and earplugs. Smart!
A fave moment from the groom… I remember feeling incredibly happy during our first dance. I was in a double cocoon of love, one being in Ali’s arms and two being surrounded by all of our friends and family. I had this moment to reflect on past, present, future and it was awesome.
And the bride… After the reception, still on a dancing high, everyone made their way across the street to the campground for the after party. We were tucked into the redwood trees, lit by campfire and twinkle lights, far away from any other humans. I vividly remember taking a step back to watch all of these little vignettes happen around me. A bluegrass band stomping around, playing music, my friends were dancing with my aunts and uncles, my dad was grilling my favorite late-night snack over the open campfire, and my new husband was standing by my side. At that moment I realized why people say your wedding day is the best day of your life: most of my favorite people… in my favorite place… eating my favorite food. Meanwhile, I just married my favorite human.
Cheers!
Photographer: Nicole Mason / Second Shooter: Madeline Metcalf / Ceremony Venue: Loma Vista Gardens / Reception Venue & Catering: Big Sur Bakery / Campsite Venue: Ventana Inn Campground / Day of Coordinators: Erin Erin Events & Mariah Green Events / Floral Design: Erin Erin Events / Hair & Makeup: Bride / Invitations: Minted with gold leaf accents by bride & friends / Cake: Groom’s family / Ceremony Chairs: Chic Events / Band: The Good Bad / Bride’s Dress: Carol Hannah from Lovely SF / Shoes: Danner’s Mountain Light Cascade Boots / Necklace: Bride’s Grandmother / Groom’s Suit: Taylor’s Keep of San Francisco / Shoes: Rancourt Boots of Maine
