THE AGS BLOG

Welcome to the blog, where I share my experience as a wedding, elopement, and proposal photographer in Carmel, Big Sur, and Pebble Beach. Read guides filled with invaluable tips on venues, locations, and much more. Dive in and let your heart swoon over the incredible moments of love that unfold through my lens.

Weddings

proposals

engagements

tips & guides

education

BLog home

THE AGS BLOG

Wedding At The Barns At Cooper Molera | Nikki & Marco

Succulent landscaping at the Barns at Cooper Molera in downtown Monterey
Wedding reception outdoor lounge seating at the Barns at Cooper Molera

Nikki and Marco had crushes on each other throughout elementary and middle school then became high school sweethearts. Since so much of their story took place in Monterey, it was the perfect city to marry in! They were one of the first couples to marry at Monterey’s newest venue, The Barns at Cooper Molera! Here are some details from a local Monterey wedding photographer- their classic Monterey wedding!

Groom details and vow book and wedding barn sign at Cooper Molera in Monterey
Monterey wedding bridal details with personalized hanger and jewel blush shoes
Bridesmaids share a champagne toast in the upstairs of the Cooper Molera Barns in Monterey
Bridal portraits in front of windown at Cooper Molera Barns
Bride getting ready with her bridesmaids at the Barns at Cooper Molera
Bridal vow book and velvet high top sneakers
Versace bridal details and bridal updo in Monterey
Bride stands in window of The Barns at Cooper Molera in Monterey and arch ceremony florals
Ivory bridal bouquet with greenery at Cooper Molera Barns

Unique Details

  • Nikki wore sneakers under her wedding gown
  • A Donut Bar for the dessert table (what is a classic Monterey wedding without donuts from Monterey Donuts?)
  • An oversized donut replaced the traditional wedding cake
  • Father/Daughter First Look
Father sees daughter in her wedding dress for the first time at Cooper Molera Barns in Monterey, CA
Father tears up after first look with his daughter at Cooper Molera Barns in Monterey
Father tears up waiting to see his daughter in wedding dress and three generations hold hands before Monterey wedding at The Barns at Cooper Molera

Nikki and Marco customized this wedding by incorporating classic touches. Nikki’s dress was a beautiful white ballroom gown that was simple and refined. She wore her grandmother’s wedding ring for “something old”. Everything was so beautiful and such an privilege to capture as her local Monterey wedding photographer.

Bride and groom do a first look at the Barns at Cooper Molera by AGS Photo Art
Bridal portraits in front of pink door in downtown Monterey
Groom adjusts bowtie for a classic portrait against Monterey adobes and a handpainted wedding sign at the Cooper Molera Barns

With any wedding, there’s always the honor of capturing those precious and vulnerable moments as the wedding photographer. Nikki and Marco’s first look was incredibly touching; Marco filled with adoration as he saw his bride before him. Another special moment was when Nikki’s dad walked her down the aisle and held her a little longer at the end.

Wedding Vibes

Since they’ve both known each other for a long time, it was such a pleasure to be Nikki and Marco’s local Monterey wedding photographer. Their chemistry is always present; they’re the kind of couple that could finish each other’s sentences and know what the other person is thinking with just one look.

Classic bride and groom pose for bridal portraits at Cooper Molera Barns
Classic bride and groom portraits in front of red door on sunny day in Monterey, CA
Classic bridal portraits in downtown Monterey at The Barns at Cooper Molera
Sunset bridal portrait with veil blowing in front of couple and beautiful light streaming through in Monterey, CA
Simple ceremony set up with wooden chairs at The Barns at Cooper Molera
Ivory and green wedding reception details at the barns in Monterey
Neutral colored barn wedding reception details by AGS Photo Art
Reception details and wine inside the Barns at Cooper Molera
Fall wedding ceremony at the Barns in Monterey, CA

Floating Dinner

This venue is rustic and charming. The property is lined with a lush green garden, there’s an empty lot outside of the barn with suspended twinkle lights, and the barn itself has a wonderful elegance to it. I loved capturing Nikki and Marco’s love story there as their local Monterey wedding photographer!

The Barns at Cooper Molera wedding reception by AGS Photo Art
Wedding guests enjoy appetizers in outside the Barns at Cooper Molera

One of the modern aspects of this wedding was the concept of having a floating dinner. Instead of having a formal dinner, Nikki and Marco opted for dining stations with varied seating options. This created a warm and inviting environment and felt like an elongated cocktail hour for 300 guests.

Monterey Barn wedding with donut bar and donut cake
Barn wedding at night

Tips for Brides

Nikki and Marco requested extra time for their classic Monterey wedding portraits, which is what made them extra special. We could take our time capturing the details and playing with different poses to capture the essence of their relationship.

  • Having the same photographer for a couple’s engagement session and wedding produces more natural and organic images. Since the photographer has the benefit of learning the couple’s chemistry and relationship during the engagement session, they are able to capture the essence of the relationship better during the wedding. Additionally, the couple feels more comfortable in front of the camera on the wedding day!
  • Choose a venue and wedding details that are reflective of your relationship. There’s a million weddings on pinterest you can look at for inspiration, but at the end of the day, remember that the wedding is about YOU and what your story is. Everyone has a different story, so bringing those elements into your wedding are what makes it truly uniquely yours.
  • Ask your photographer to get a permit to photograph inside of the Molera. It has great lighting and is such a beautiful backdrop, so it’s an ideal setting for portraits!
Classic wedding family portrait at the Barns at Cooper Molera in Monterey

Venue: The Barns at Cooper Molera

DJ: DNA Entertainment
Dress: Epiphany Boutique

Invitations: Minted
Catering: Classic Catering
Rentals: Chic Event Rentals
Videographer: Loose Tie Photography

Are you getting married in Monterey? Let’s chat! I’d love to work with you as your local Monterey wedding photographer.

comments +

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *