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!

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.