Kelsey+Nick // Monterey Peninsula Country Club

Carmel California. This stunning seaside town set the stage for this incredible wedding. I arrived bright and early on Saturday morning. Kelsey informed me that the city of Carmel does not have addresses for their homes, she wasn't kidding. With a picture of the location and help from Google Maps satellites, I was able to find the home of Kelsey's grandparents, Bill and Sally. I noticed our bride had not made it to the house from her makeup location, so I patiently waited in the car outside. Within a minute or two, I was greeted by Sally, who had made her way out to investigate the suspicious car parked outside her stunning Carmel home. I introduced myself, and we chatted for a bit. She told me all about the area and the history of the homes in the neighborhood. She also casually brought up the fact that her husband, Bill, frequently plays at my number one bucket list golf course, Cyprus Point, located just minutes from their home. To say I was jealous was an understatement. Sally invited me inside to get started on filming the details Kelsey had dropped off the night before. Soon the first half of one of my favorite photo duos, Elisabeth, arrived to get started on photographing the details. Sally and Bill's home had perfect lighting to get our flat lay and dress shots. We heard a knock at the front door, and in walked our bride Kelsey, as well as her mom Kristin, dad Brent, and sister Katie. After formal introductions were shared, it was time to get our bride into her wedding dress. Katie and Kristen made quick work of getting Kelsey into her dress and jewelry. Brent then came into the room and shared my favorite wedding day moment, the father daughter first look, with Kelsey. It was then time to head to the church for the ceremony. Carmel Mission, our ceremony site for the day. This 250 year old Carmel icon offered so much natural beauty and character to the wedding day. The property had several amazing portrait locations as well as a courtyard to stage the first look. After the tears were wiped away, Kelsey and Nick shared their vows with each other. The vows were incredible, and as a filmmaker, I knew my job would be easy during editing because of them. Guest began to arrive, and before too long, our ceremony was underway. The two shared the vows they had recited earlier during their first look and a kiss to make things official. It was then time to move over to our reception venue, the Monterey Peninsula Country Club. I have had the true honor of filming at this location a few times in the past. Each time I step foot on the property, I am struck by the fact that a place so beautiful exists. I really have the best job ever. After some incredible portraits were taken, we moved inside to start the reception. During the bride and groom's thank you speech, Kelsey dedicated her bouquet to her mom, Kristen, for all the hard work she had poured into this wedding day. It's rare to see something I've never seen before at a wedding, but this was an incredibly sweet gesture. The couple shared their first dance, and the party was officially underway. My time in Monterey had come to an end. 

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