pinsandpetals February 27, 2024
pinsandpetals Okay, I can’t wait for you all to see Jennifer and Kris’ gorgeous wedding day in Monterey and Carmel! If you’re into stories where love conquers all, including a global pandemic, then buckle up. Captured through the incredible lens of Dillon Phommosa, their wedding was a mix of heartfelt moments, jaw-dropping details, and a whole lot of fun. So, let’s dive in.
Jennifer and Kris’ Vendor Team:
Wedding Planning & Design: Events by Pins & Petals
Photography: Dillon Phommosa Weddings
Florals: Vo Floral design
Rentals: Chic Events
Venue: Carmel Hyatt Highlands
Hair & Makeup: Beauty by M
DJ: DC Events & Design
Bakery: Freedom Bakery
Videographer: DC Events & Design
Boba: Quickly Boba
Live Painter: Talia Koval
Here’s the thing: Jen and Kris had to play the scheduling game not once, not twice, but multiple times thanks to the pandemic. The guest list had to get a little smaller due to restrictions, and while that might sound like a bummer, it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. With some budget available to them with fewer people, they decided to go all out on the things that mattered most.
The pandemic made being a bride and groom really hard. My heart goes out to all the couples who were trying to get married and plan an event during a time where most of the world was shut down. Even as a seasoned planner, it was a time where things were so unprecedented that planning weddings became challenging. But, I think that’s the beauty of working with an experienced planner – we live in a space where we are always planning for the unexpected. It’s my job to have a backup plan. So when it came to Kris and Jen’s wedding, we had many plans in place to make sure that they got the wedding of their dreams.
Before the main event, Jen and Kris decided to welcome their guests with a beach bash at the Monterey Beach House. Picture this: the sun setting, the waves crashing, and a buffet that screams “beach paradise.” It wasn’t just a dinner; it was the ultimate beach party with games, fire pits, and a s’more station that had everyone feeling like a kid again.
With a reduced guest list, it allowed the couple the opportunity to really go all in on experiences for their guests. The intimate setting enabled them to really spend one-on-one time with the people they love most. They had so much fun spending the night before the wedding chatting with friends and family. Plus, you could just feel the excitement in the air about the celebration coming the next day. Welcome dinners are such a great way to set the tone for the wedding day!
After a welcome dinner in Monterey, the couple headed to the Hyatt in Carmel for a beautiful ceremony and reception. Their wedding venue was stunning and overlooked Big Sur and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
They stood at the altar, accompanied by their wedding parties, and even their dog made it down the aisle as a special guest. The ceremony was held on the deck of the Hyatt where guests had ocean and hillside views. The couple said “I do” in front of an epic view, a vibrant floral arch, and more importantly, all the people they love most.
I love how colorful their florals were; they popped against the ocean horizon. Their entire wedding party had similar pops of orange, pinks, and greens, even their sweet pup had a floral collar to match. The greens in their florals complemented the natural backdrop of their ceremony. It was absolutely stunning!
They held their reception inside, but to help tie in all the beautiful outdoor elements of green and coastal design, they used florals and linens to make the design very cohesive between the inside and outside. There was no tabletop that didn’t have florals to match their ceremony arch.
They opted for rich blue linens on their tables, contrasting gold chargers, and decorated with the most beautiful coral, peach, yellow, and green florals. They also opted for a chandelier made out of greenery to help tie in all the beautiful greenery surrounding their venue. With the greenery and blue tablecloths, it felt like a nod to the gorgeous ocean and tree-lined hills right outside the venue doors.
One thing about Kris and Jen is they were so intentional about all of their wedding details. There was no part of their day that felt cookie-cutter. Everything was chosen for its importance to the couple. A few of my favorite details were the jams the groom’s mom made for wedding favors. Also, they customized themed toppers for their cupcakes to tie in with their favorite TV shows. They displayed fun facts about themselves throughout the reception space for guests to read and, towards the end of the night, they offered late-night bites to guests, including one of their favorite snacks, boba from their local boba shop.
Oh! And one of my favorite details was instead of a classic guest book, they had their guests sign various places on a handmade porch swing that Kris and his dad built together. I love that they will have a piece of their wedding in their home for decades to come.
Remember how I said they had the best details? Well, not only did they shower their guests with lots of intentional activities and decorations, but Jennifer also surprised Kris with an epic wedding gift. Jennifer rented Kris’s dream classic car for him to drive before the ceremony. The two did their first look, then she quickly showed him his surprise.
They grabbed the keys to the car and took a little drive up the hillside to enjoy the gift and have a bit of time just the two of them before the ceremony. As a designer, I love that Jennifer opted for a blue car that matched their theme!
Jennifer and Kris wrapped up their big day with a spectacular sparkler exit, and what a journey it was working with them! From the get-go, planning and pulling off their vision was a blast. Their deep love for family and friends was clear in every little detail they thought of. Sure, planning a wedding during a pandemic came with its fair share of hurdles, but seeing how everything turned out, I couldn’t be happier. It felt like we really nailed what they were dreaming of.
Here’s to Jennifer and Kris—wishing you guys all the best and a lifetime of happiness together! Congrats!
