California Coastal Summer Hyatt Highlands Inn Wedding » Carmel + Big Sur

Iva and Daniel met during college on OKCupid and after exchanging a few messages online, they finally set up a first date and the connection in person was instant. After several years of dating, they decided to make it official. Iva writes “We had planned a trip to Croatia in June 2017 so Dan could meet my extended family for the first time. The morning before we were going to leave, Dan invited me to go to Andytown to get snowy plovers, walk down to Ocean Beach, and drink coffee in the dunes watching the seagulls -- all my very favorite things. After finishing our coffees, he knelt down and said some beautiful things. It was the sweetest day -- intimate and bright.” Having traveled the world together, they ultimately decided on the Monterey Coast for their wedding as it was the first place they said “I love you.” Iva has always loved the ocean and while Dan loves the mountains so finding Hyatt Carmel Highlands inn which is perched high on a cliff above the Pacific was the perfect balance of both. (Their love for the California Coast is so strong, in the spring we drove down to Monterey for the weekend to shoot engagement session at the Calla Lily Valley in Garrapata State Park and at Rocky Point Restaurant overlooking Big Sur.)

The day began at the Gosby House Inn, a small bed and breakfast in downtown Monterey. Iva, her bridesmaids and mothers all got ready in her suite while Dan and his groomsmen put on the finishing touches in the lobby. As a fun and silly surprise, Iva chose to do a surprise first look dressed up in a Tyrannosaurus Rex costume. The look on Dan’s face was priceless and it really spoke to their sweet relationship. However, that look did not compare to when Dan finally saw Iva in her wedding dress for the first time, surrounded by their family and friends. With the first look complete, everyone piled into the cars to head out for some portraits along the coast. As the Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn is perched on a cliff, there is no beach access. Their ceremony was planned for the early afternoon which gave us plenty of time to visit some picturesque spots along Highway 1 for photos. We first stopped at Monastery Beach for group portraits before everyone else was sent to the hotel so that we could focus on Iva and Dan’s photos. We headed to the gorgeous Garrapata State Park for some stunning portraits along the cliffs. As we finished up at Garrapata State Park, I noticed that we actually had a bit more time in our timeline so I suggested we stop by and revisit Rocky Point Restaurant (initially removed from the timeline for fear of time constraints) where they had their engagement session photos. The cliffs at Rocky Point were just as gorgeous this time around and we made the most of our extra time before heading to Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn for their celebration.

Their ceremony was officiated by a good friend of theirs and had so many moments of sweet memories and heartfelt promises for their future. Laughs were shared when Dan unrolled a floor length scroll for his vows and when Iva had a bit of trouble getting Dan’s ring on his finger. After they kissed, guests showered them with dried rose petals before they danced their way down the aisle. During cocktail hour, guests mingle and enjoyed the views while sipping on Iva and Dan’s signature cocktails and snacking on appetizers. We snapped a few more photos in front of their stunning floral arch (just in time for the florist to reassemble for the reception) and then everyone else headed upstairs for dinner. Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn provided everyone with a delicious plated meal and guests took time mingle on the balcony and watch the sunset between courses. As the sun slowly dipped beneath the horizon, I took Iva and Dan back down to the ceremony platform for a few sunset portraits before rejoining their guests for a hilarious and touching round of toasts. The evening festivities kicked off with wedding cake and a choreographed first dance before everyone else got down on the dance floor and partied the night away.

Hotel: Gosby House Inn // Wedding Venue: Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn // Addtional Portrait Locations: Monastery Beach & Garrapata State Park & Rocky Point Restaurant // Day of Coordinator: Emily & Gabriella from Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn // Floral Design: Floral Design by Reina // Caterer: Hyatt Carmel Highlands Inn // Cake: The Buttery Bakery // Lighting & Rentals: Chic Event Rentals // Hair & Make-Up: MUAH Make-Up and Hair // DJ: Elite Entertainment // Videographer: The Good Folk Film Co // Invitation: Minted // Iva’s Dress: Watters by Willowby // Iva’s Shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo // Daniel’s Suit: Hall Madden // Daniel’s Shoes: Aldo // Wedding Bands: Brilliant Earth