As the sun began to set, guests took their seats overlooking the scenic Santa Lucia Mountains framed by the prettiest pastel floral arrangements. This wedding strikes the perfect balance between timeless elegance and a natural bohemian vibe. Keep scrolling to see even more from this beautiful day in these golden hour photos captured by AGS Photo Art.
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Their Love Story
Kristine and Christian were classmates and friends while attending Santa Clara University School of Law in 2017. Their dynamic began to shift a few years later during a group trip to Lake Tahoe. Whether it was Kristine’s excellent chili or the natural ease of getting to know each other, Christian caught feelings and asked Kristine to lunch near her office. At the time, Kristine didn’t realize it was a date—assuming they were simply meeting as friends. From there, the two began adventuring together, and by December of that year, they were unmistakably more than friends. Christian proposed during a sojourn to Monterey, California, one of their favorite weekend escapes. On the way to what Kristine believed was a “fundraising dinner,” Christian pulled over in Big Sur and proposed. A photographer was waiting, along with heartfelt video messages from family and friends who had been in on the plan all along.
The Vision: Soft and Natural
Incorporating deeply personal touches was central to Kristine and Christian’s wedding vision, where thoughtful DIY details were layered with meaningful cultural symbolism. Set in the foothills of the Santa Lucia Mountains, they hosted their September wedding at Carmel Valley Ranch. Designed and planned by Kate Ford Events, their outdoor ceremony took place on a hilltop vantage point, framed by florals at the altar and a wooden platform overlooking the landscape. The reception continued outdoors, offering sweeping 360-degree views of the tree-covered hills. A seating chart rested at the base of a tree, crafted with small cowboy boot bottle openers that doubled as guest favors, an homage to the couple’s love of country music. Floral moments by Seascape Flowers appeared throughout the space, from arrangements nestled along lounge sofas to statement pieces at the outdoor bar.
The Fashion
For the elegant outdoor affair, the bride selected a timeless A-line gown by Jaxon James Couture. Her bridesmaids incorporated the pastel blue from the color palette in a variety of styles and silhouettes. The groom also sported a bold shade of blue in a beautifully tailored three-piece suit by Franco Uomo. Later that night, the bride traded her gown and Jimmy Choo heels for a satin mini dress and bridal cowgirl boots—a trend we’re loving at the moment!
The Escort Display
A hint at the bride’s fit change that would come a little later, the guests were asked to find their “Dancing Shoes.” The escort display featured its very own floral installation and a gilded cowboy boot for every guest.
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Guests were welcomed with a custom-printed “Newlywed Times” newspaper and handwritten thank-you notes paired with personalized photos placed at each seat.
Intentional Details
Sentimental heirlooms were woven throughout the day. The couple cut their cake with Christian’s parents’ knife and toasted with Kristine’s parents’ wedding champagne flutes. They honored their cultural backgrounds through meaningful traditions, including an Iranian Haft-sin table, an Iranian honey exchange during the ceremony, Armenian baklava, and Italian wedding almonds.
The Cake
In keeping with the timeless aesthetic, the couple cut into a classic four-tiered wedding cake. Notice the smooth white fondant and the dramatic bow? A nod to the bride’s gown. Now, that’s what we mean when we say a wedding design is intentional!
Planning Takeaways
Looking back, the couple cherished not only the wedding day itself but also the planning process. From tastings and dress shopping to Zoom calls and invitation-making, Kristine and Christian found connection together and with family—memories they now hold just as close as the celebration itself.
