Santa Lucia Preserve | Carmel Valley California Wedding

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Sarah and Finley had originally planned to be married in early May 2020. When the COVID crisis was developing they weren’t immediately sure that their wedding would be affected. But sometime in late March they realized that their plans would have to change. The couple set a new date for October of 2020 with a new venue. Then sometime in early July the venue called to tell them they could no longer host the wedding due to the California regulations on gatherings. Fortunately, their amazing wedding planner Sara Fay Egan Events again took charge to revise the plans so that the couple could have the wedding of their dreams.

For starters, the couple scaled the invite list way back to immediate family only. Coming up with a weekend that could work with everyone’s schedule landed them in mid-August. With just four weeks to square up details, the team at Sara Fay Egan Events jumped into action.

The couple wanted to be married in the majestic redwoods in the Santa Lucia Preserve near her parents home in Carmel Valley. These ancient trees provide a cathedral-like setting to exchange vows. Remembered the bride, “It was such a magical location with the trees towering over us during the ceremony. I cannot imagine anything more intimate and special.” They collaborated with local florist Fionna Floral to create a vibrant color palette of fresh blooms to adorn the ceremony site and her parents’ home. Fresh garden roses, hydrangea, tulips, ranunculus, thistle (among many others!) were arranged in lush displays, including a large floral arch to frame the ceremony. Even their beloved dog sported a collar and leash covered in colorful blooms.

Following the ceremony, the couple jumped into a classic car to relish the moment alone and take the winding drive up the hill to the ceremony site at her parents’ home. Sara Fay had created a cocktail deck with expansive views of the valley and Monterey Bay. A picture perfect sunset dipped behind the mountains as the couple was announced into the tent for a first dance.

Above the dance floor was an installation of a 1,000 hand-folded cranes made by the bride’s 91 year-old grandmother. The effect of the paper cranes blowing in the breeze was truly breathtaking and one of my favorite details. Throughout the night, it provided a lyrical focal point for the tent.

The dining tables were set with pale green and blue linens and vibrant floral arrangements. Each guest had an embroidered linen hemstitch napkin with the women receiving a a blue hydrangea design and the men, a cypress tree.

The first course included a charcuterie plate with tiny flags in the cheese labeled, “Something Old, Something New, and Someting Bleu.” After a seated dinner, the couple cut into two exquisite cakes created by Edith Meyer. The groom’s cake was an obvious nod to Finley’s passion for golf. The guests were then served mini-versions of these cakes in individual servings.

After dinner, the guests moved locations for dancing. “I never knew that you could have just as much fun dancing with 24 family members as a large wedding, but we did!” recalled Sarah. Alas, the night eventually came to a close and they were sent off with confetti cannons tossed by their guests. The bride wore a second dress, by Theory, paired with tennis shoes for the grand exit.

Looking back on it, Sarah reflected “ After three date changes and three wedding locations, we had the wedding of our dreams after all.”