Photographing Victoria and Eric’s Carmel Valley wedding at Chateau Carmel made me feel like I was in Italy! Although they’re a big Italian family, it was a small, intimate occasion surrounded by tight-knit family and friends. It was really beautiful to witness the strong bonds between everyone. I’ve also had the honor of photographing a lot of the bridal party’s weddings in the past so I knew nearly everyone there! It was really SO special for me to get to capture Victoria and Eric’s Carmel Valley wedding at the Chateau, read on more!

Chateau Carmel is a gorgeous venue that looks like something out of a dream with its villa vibes and incredible 360-degree views overlooking the ocean and valley. I was delighted to photograph here as a local Carmel Valley wedding photographer. There are so many lovely eye-catching details even just coming up to the Chateau like its paved cypress-tree-lined driveway. Not to mention the vines growing everywhere, textured light pink backgrounds, and gorgeous fountains! It’s truly the perfect venue for Victoria and Eric’s special day!

Chateau Carmel First Look

We began the day photographing Victoria and her daughter, Vera, and of course, Eric with his brothers and groomsmen. It was really heartwarming to see how they incorporated their daughter into everything! I wanted to capture plenty of posed candids (and actual candids 🙂 during getting ready before the first look.

First looks are really underrated! Lots of couples opt to forego them so they can preserve the magic of seeing each other once the ceremony begins. I totally understand where this is coming from but as a local Carmel Valley wedding photographer, first looks really help couples relieve any anxieties BEFORE the ceremony. The nerves definitely pile high when they’re bottled up so I’m glad Victoria and Eric didn’t skip their first look!

We photographed on the property with the whole bridal party overlooking the balcony trying to witness it. These gals are all such superstars, I loved getting to do portraits of them! And Eric was so well-spoken with his feelings- what he said really speaks to WHY I recommend first looks so highly:

“I feel so much better now that I’ve seen you, I feel less anxious.”

The Wedding Ceremony

A small detail I loved about Victoria and Eric’s Carmel Valley wedding at the Chateau was that Victoria’s aunt was the officiant. Many of their vendors were family members and friends, which really added to how tight-knit and close the special day was! As a local Carmel Valley wedding photographer, I have to say, the teamwork was one-hundred-percent on point!

After a short and sweet ceremony, I got to photograph the bride and groom’s first dance. Dances are one of my favorite parts of any wedding! Then, after Victoria and Eric was the father-daughter dance with Vera- the dance floor was truly alive and full of excitement and enthusiasm!

It was a real joy to capture this Carmel Valley wedding at Chateau Carmel. It makes my heart sing knowing I really get to be PART of the special day when I’ve built relationships with not only the couple, but their friends and family too! If you’re looking for a local Carmel Valley wedding photographer, I’m your gal! Contact me here.

Vendor Team

Bridal Gown | Pronovias

Hair | Raquel @ In Bloom

Bride’s Shoes | Stuart Weitzman

Bride’s Ring | European Jewelry & Goldsmith

Groom’s Tux | Men’s Wearhouse

Groom’s Jewelry | Manly Bands

Wedding Party Attire | Show Me Your MUMU

Music | DJ NEATO

Flowers | Floral By Reina

Cake | Layers

Invitations | ZOLA

Catering | Savory Events

Rentals | CHIC

Coordinator | Tamie Aceves of LaCrème Monterey