Matt and Meli’s Bernardus Lodge wedding here in Carmel Valley is one I’ve been SO excited for ever since I photographed their Big Sur engagement session earlier this year! I love getting to witness the individual chapters of my couples’ love story. The proposal, the engagement, the wedding, maternity sessions. I’m here for all of it!

Matt and Meli had SUCH a cheerful and bubbly dynamic during their engagement session. The vibe at their Bernardus Lodge wedding was no different! Meli is the happiest, smiliest, and sweetest bride, and Matt is head over heels in love with her.

It was a dream come true being their local Carmel Valley wedding photographer and getting to capture all their lovely moments at one of my favorite venues of all time: Bernardus Lodge & Spa! I was so honored that they trusted my judgement and style for the overall feel of their photos. It really means the world to me! Read on for the romantic vibes at this Bernardus Lodge wedding!

Carmel Valley Wedding Photography

Matt was born in New Kensington near Pittsburgh and grew up in the nearby town of Lower Burrell. Melissa was born in Cartagena, Colombia and grew up in Orange County. She has long worked in public service, public information, and community outreach for San Mateo County. Matt is a lawyer with a background in music/entertainment law. They moved to the Bay Area together not long ago. Meli is also an avid baker and loves pastries, and homemade chocolate chip walnut cookies. You already KNOW I love chocolate chip cookies! And Matt loves all sweet things. Then, one thing led to another and I got to photograph their Bernardus Lodge Wedding!

It’s always a great idea to have your wedding all in one place and Bernardus Lodge & Spa is the PERFECT venue! Matt and Meli’s ceremony was in the beautiful Rose Garden and even her bouquet by Gavita Flora was this classic arrangement of all white roses that gave her such an airy, classic bridal look. Not to mention her super gorgeous Langs Antiques 1920’s art deco ring with an old European cut diamond! Clearly Matt and Meli were bringing all the most immaculate details and pretty things to their Bernardus Lodge Wedding.

Cocktail Hour & Churros

Matt & Meli’s cocktail hour on Croquet Lawn featured His & Hers specialty drinks! Matt’s “New Kensington” was rye, Cal’s Honey, and cardamom. Meli’s “La Costeña” (The Coast) was tequila, lime, elderflower liquor, Prosecco, and agave nectar. Yum! Oh, and they had CHURROS as a special dessert! I promise I’m not only here to gush over their drink and dessert choices but these were definitely such a treat! It’s something I thought was really unique to Matt and Meli’s Bernardus Lodge Wedding!

Bernardus Wedding Photographer

First, their reception was in the ballroom where everything was so beautifully set up, there were stunning chandeliers, tall candles, and rose centerpieces everywhere! After dinner and seven toasts, Matt and Meli had their First Dance. Then, they had the father-daughter dance AND the mother-son dances! Dances are definitely my favorite part of any wedding. If the bride and groom and or their parents aren’t shedding tears, you can bet I’ll be shedding my own!

Finally, after dancing was cake cutting. This was also part of a surprise birthday announcement for the flower girl! This was the sweetest thing ever. Ultimately, it was awesome getting to work with their wedding planner, Mandi Nack of A Sparkling Event, and seeing how everything came together so wonderfully! After their special day, Matt and Meli honeymooned in Tahiti/Bora Bora- what could be better than that?

I just LOVE photographing at Bernardus! If you’re looking for a local Carmel Valley wedding photographer for your wedding, you’ve found her! Contact me here.