Carmel Beach Romance with a Scottish Flair: Kenna & Eric's Wedding at La Playa Carmel

September 29, 2023 Real Weddings

Welcome to the fairytale wedding of Kenna & Eric, a day that seamlessly blends tradition, whimsy, and oceanside elegance. Nestled in the enchanting setting of La Playa Carmel, this wedding is a feast for the eyes and the soul. From kilts to sunsets, Scottish dances to floral wonderlands, there's a dash of magic at every turn. Trust me, you're gonna want to see this.

La Playa Carmel isn't just a venue; it's practically a scene-stealer. But not even this gorgeous setting could overshadow Kenna's killer dress. Picture art-deco lace, not quite snow-white but close. Unique? You bet. Kenna kept it real with cozy flats because, let's be honest, comfort is queen. The dress got its glam shots in the garden, while the rings and shoes turned the venue's artsy staircase into their own personal runway. Fast-forward to the bridal suite, and it's makeover magic time. Kala Ketchum's got the beauty wand, bridesmaids are on dress duty, and both moms are beaming so hard you'd think they won the lottery.

Switching gears to Eric and the lads, it's a kilt extravaganza! Hailing from the UK, Eric's gone full traditional with his getup, and his groomsmen are totally on board. We're talking authentic kilts and dirks—that's those small, sleek daggers for the uninitiated, or those who haven't binge-read the Outlander series. Together, they look like they've just stepped off the set of a super stylish Scottish saga. Forget suits; kilts are where it's at, and these gents are slaying it!

Next stop: Carmel's stunning white-sand beach. If you've ever wondered why couples go for a first look, here's Exhibit A. Kenna & Eric's faces? Pure, unscripted emotion, all set against a backdrop of turquoise waves and clear blue skies. And if you're worried about harsh midday lighting, don't be. The beach has its own natural light reflector—the sand! Now, Eric's a Formula One junkie, and since we're talking high-speed love here, they popped some champagne and sprayed it, podium-style. Yeah, Lewis Hamilton would approve—even if I'm Team Verstappen all the way (sorry, Eric!). Don't miss the GIF in the post; it's like the cherry on top of this fizzy, feel-good moment.

Before the I-dos and the party kicks off, let's take a sec to swoon over La Playa's courtyard. It's like a secret garden decided to throw a wedding. Flowers? Everywhere. Lush greens? You bet. The stage is set, and man, it's looking Instagrammable as heck. This place is more than ready for Kenna, Eric, and their nearest and dearest to fill it with love and laughter.

Time for the main event! First up, a little twist on tradition: Kenna's grown-up brother and sister are the day's "flower pros," tossing white rose petals like it's their job. And they're loving it. Eric's face is all heart-eyes as he waits for his bride, and who can blame him? Kenna makes her entrance, arm-in-arm with both mom and dad—double the love, double the feels. Their eyes lock, hands join, and it's like the whole world just pauses. As for that killer balcony shot framed by pillars? Yeah, I'm patting myself on the back for that one. Vows are exchanged, rings are slipped on, and that kiss—oh, that kiss—seals the deal. They strut back down the aisle, throwing cheeky glances like they've just unlocked some sort of love achievement.

After the "I do's," it's straight to cocktail o'clock in that dreamy La Playa garden. Imagine sipping on your fave drink surrounded by blooms and greenery—it's like happy hour meets Secret Garden. But the real showstopper? Eric's dad taking a turn at the piano. Yeah, you read that right. Pops is delivering some soul-stirring melodies, and it's touching everyone, especially Eric. Talk about setting the vibe for an unforgettable evening.

Ready to step inside for the reception? First stop, the seating chart. Forget table numbers; we're talking iconic Bay Area spots like Big Sur and San Luis Obispo. Now that's how you give guests a true Cali welcome! The tables themselves are a garden lover's dream. Imagine colorful blooms mixed with fresh greenery, all showcased in a quirky collection of glass bottles and copper tins. It's like someone scooped up a piece of that amazing La Playa garden and sprinkled it indoors.

And now, drumroll, please... Enter Kenna & Eric! The room erupts in cheers as they make their grand reception entrance, and you can tell it's about to be one heck of a party. Cue the speeches, and cue the feels. Whether it's belly laughs or teary eyes, this crowd is all in. And then it's time for the first dance. The couple hits the floor, and suddenly it's like they're the only two people in the room. You can't fake that kind of chemistry, folks.

Bust out those dancing shoes, 'cause it's about to get real! Kenna & Eric kicked it up a notch by hiring a band AND a dance instructor to teach everyone some traditional Scottish moves. Imagine a sea of kilts swirling and twirling; it's like a Scottish dance-off, and it's epic! From pros to first-timers, everyone's in, giving it their all and loving every minute. It's fun, it's vibrant, and let me tell you, it's a sight to behold!

You guys, if there's one piece of advice I can't stress enough, it's this: sneak out for sunset photos. Trust me, you won't regret it. Kenna & Eric took a quick stroll down to the beach, and oh boy, did that sky show off for them. The light was epic, the vibe was chill, and yeah, that's a surfer photo-bombing in the background. Eric even throws a thumbs-up mid-hug—because why not? Let your personality shine through; these are your moments.

Now, about that garden. We couldn't resist; we had to get some snaps amid La Playa's floral paradise. One standout moment? Kenna & Eric framed in a doorway, completely enveloped by a burst of vibrant blooms. If you're gonna get lost, a flower-filled wonderland's not a bad place to be.

Just when you thought the night couldn't get any more lit, we head back to the reception for round two of those rip-roaring Scottish dances. This time, the energy's cranked to eleven. We're talking dizzying spins and couples darting up and down columns of cheering friends and family. Honestly, could there be a more fun, more perfect way to cap off Kenna & Eric's incredible day? Didn't think so.

A spectacular event like this wouldn't have been possible without the hard work and dedication of some truly amazing vendors:

Major props to Lia Adams Events for orchestrating the day with impeccable style and ease.

La Playa Carmel, your venue was the perfect backdrop for this love story.

Kala Ketchum, the bride looked radiant thanks to your makeup and hairstyling skills.

Wedding in Monterey, thank you for making the vows so memorable.

Reel of Seven had us all dancing our kilts off with their awesome tunes.


Together, you all played a part in a day that will be cherished for years to come.