Get ready to be swept off your feet by Laura and Jackson's dreamy Monterey wedding! From heartfelt moments to spontaneous laughter, their special day had it all. Held at the stunning St. Angela Merici and Monterey Beach Station, this wedding perfectly encapsulated the blend of tradition and modern flair that defines them as a couple. Throw in a scenic backdrop, sustainable florals, and a playlist that had everyone dancing, and you've got a celebration that's as unforgettable as it is unique. So sit back, grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine), and journey with us through a day filled with love, laughter, and a lifetime's worth of memories.

Every love story deserves an unforgettable beginning, and Laura's day kicked off in the heart of scenic Monterey at the Portola Hotel. Her style, a timeless blend of classic elegance, shone through in every detail—right from her exquisite dress to her chic heels. The girls added a pop of fun with champagne toasts in matching PJs, making the atmosphere buzz with excitement. One of the morning's most touching moments was when Laura opened a heartfelt letter from Jackson; there wasn't a dry eye in the room. Her mom stepped in to help her don her gorgeous gown, adding another layer of sentiment to the day. And speaking of sustainable love, Laura opted for an eco-friendly bouquet from BloomsURent, proving that elegance and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. What a magical way to set the stage for the lifelong journey ahead!

Exterior view of Portola Hotel and Spa building with modern architecture.
Classic white pointed-toe bridal shoes with ankle straps by Elsa York displayed on light background.
Elegant white sleeveless wedding dress hanging on display against plantation shutters in natural light.
Group of friends in black dresses share drinks and laughter while sitting together in a candid moment.
Someone in white silk pajamas reads a wedding day note while getting ready.
Person in white silk robe reacts emotionally while reading a note during wedding preparations.
Wedding preparations in progress as someone in white robe reaches up in dressing room.
Final wedding dress adjustments being made in front of a mirror with white paneled walls.
Two people share a tender moment during wedding preparations in a light-filled room.
Intimate moment shared between two people during wedding preparations by a window.
Close-up of elegant bride in classic white sleeveless dress with upswept hairstyle.
A bride in a sleek white dress poses with closed eyes and delicate jewelry in an elegant pre-wedding photo.
A bride in a classic white gown sits gracefully with a bouquet of white flowers near a window with wooden shutters.

Driving up in a vintage car, Laura and her dad arrived at St. Angela Merici like something straight out of a classic romance film. As she gracefully walked down the aisle, every eye was on her; the church itself seemed to hold its breath. A bird's-eye view from the balcony captured the grandeur of the ceremony venue, making it an ideal backdrop for a day so significant. The chemistry between Laura and Jackson was palpable, their eyes locking in a secret language only they understood. When their lips finally met for the first kiss as a married couple, the church erupted in applause. The pair couldn't help but share giggles of pure joy as they began their first walk down the aisle together as husband and wife.

A vintage black and white photo showing a classic convertible car parked on a sunny street.
An emotional wedding ceremony moment captured in black and white showing the back of a bride's dress and veil.
A black and white photo of a church wedding ceremony with guests watching from wooden pews.
A wedding party gathers outside on white steps during an outdoor ceremony.
An overhead view of a traditional church wedding ceremony with red carpet and wooden pews filled with guests.
A wedding ceremony under a colorful stained glass window with the couple holding hands at the altar.
A wedding ceremony in a church with stained glass windows and red carpet leading to the altar.
A black and white photograph capturing a romantic first kiss during a church wedding ceremony.
A wedding couple exits the church ceremony while guests line the pews in this black and white photo.
A romantic black and white wedding ceremony moment showing the happy couple walking down a church aisle together.

Post-ceremony, the newlyweds took their vintage ride to Lovers Point in Pacific Grove, creating the perfect setting for some jaw-dropping portraits. With the endless ocean as their backdrop, the photos are nothing short of cinematic. Whether they were cuddled inside the car or standing beside it, their love seemed as boundless as the sea behind them. And let's not forget the chivalrous moment where Jackson helped Laura out of the car—a picture-perfect representation of their partnership.

A classic vintage car sets the scene for an elegant black and white wedding portrait by the ocean.
A candid black and white wedding portrait captured next to a vintage car with an ocean backdrop.
A stylish wedding couple poses beside their classic car with coastal views in the background.
An elegant black and white wedding portrait featuring a vintage car against a scenic coastal backdrop.
Artistic black and white shot focusing on the hood of a luxury convertible wedding car.
A classic convertible car ride captures a joyful wedding moment in black and white.

As guests arrived at Monterey Beach Station for the reception, they were greeted by an atmosphere brimming with intimacy and warmth. The tables were adorned with a sea of candles, greenery, and white blooms from BloomsURent, punctuated by tasteful splashes of red. But what truly made the setting unique were the table numbers. Each was tagged with a location that held a special memory for Laura and Jackson, inviting guests to take a little journey through the couple's love story as they took their seats.

An elegantly decorated wedding reception room with round tables, cross-back chairs and floral centerpieces.
A sophisticated wedding venue with draped ceiling, large windows and tables set with burgundy accents.
Elegant wedding table setting with white candles, red napkins, and eucalyptus greenery centerpiece.
Round wedding table with red napkins, white linens, and floral greenery centerpiece.
Wedding reception table setup with red napkins, crystal glassware, and rustic wooden chairs.
Wedding table number card for Monterey table 15 displayed with white candles and roses.

The energy hit an all-time high when Laura and Jackson made their grand entrance into the reception. Cheered on by their bridal party, you could feel the room pulsate with love and joy. The toasts that followed were equally heartwarming and entertaining, a toast not just to the couple but to friendship and family. Candid snaps of the guests captured the essence of the evening—a room full of people who love and support Laura and Jackson, each frame oozing with genuine happiness.

Wedding party members in red dresses and black suits celebrating with raised glasses.
Couple in formal wedding attire standing in bright modern room with surfboard decor.
Couple viewing seating chart display in modern room with surfboard mounted overhead.
Couple sharing champagne toast at wedding reception head table decorated with white roses.
Guests laughing and enjoying themselves during a candid moment at a wedding reception.
Wedding guests in red dresses giving speeches at an elegant indoor reception venue.
Newlyweds share a joyful moment at their wedding reception behind floral decorated head table.
Black and white photo of wedding reception guests enjoying drinks at formal dinner tables.
Black and white photo of a couple at their wedding reception under dramatic draped ceiling.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, we stole away for a few moments to capture some enchanting sunset portraits right outside Monterey Beach Station. With clear skies and boats gently cruising toward the harbor, the setting couldn't have been more picturesque. Given that Jackson is a navy man, the oceanic backdrop felt especially meaningful. The golden hour light bathed Laura and Jackson in soft, dreamy hues, reminding us all that some things are absolutely worth pausing for, even amidst the whirlwind of a wedding day.

Couple walking together on beach at sunset after their wedding ceremony.
Newlyweds share a happy moment on sandy beach with ocean and sunset in background.
Romantic beach wedding portrait with couple embracing during golden hour.
Intimate moment between newlyweds on beach during sunset photo session.
Beach wedding portrait with couple standing together against ocean backdrop.

As the sky darkened, the dance floor lit up, capturing the uninhibited joy of everyone present. From classic moves to groomsmen donning the bride's veil for laughs, the revelry was in full swing. But as with all good things, the night had to come to an end. I wrapped up the day with one of my signature long-exposure shots, capturing Monterey Beach Station from the outside. With bonfires blazing and guests enjoying the beach, the venue looked nothing short of a magical, glowing oasis—the perfect ending to Laura and Jackson's perfect day.

Black and white photo of guests having fun and laughing during a wedding celebration.
Wedding guests dancing and singing together at an indoor reception party.
Friends sharing an energetic dance moment at a wedding reception in a modern venue.
Black and white photo of energetic wedding reception dancing and celebration.
Illuminated rustic venue glowing warmly against a dark night sky with large trees.

A day as incredible as this doesn't happen by chance; it's the result of amazing vendors who bring their A-game.


Huge shoutout to Forma Weddings for seamlessly pulling off a day that was beautiful in every sense.

St. Angela Merici and Monterey Beach Station, your venues were the ideal stages for Laura and Jackson's love story to unfold.

Key to Beauty by Nora, you had our bride glowing from beginning to end.

Monterey Bay Entertainment, you set the perfect vibe for us all to let loose on the dance floor.

BloomsURent, your eco-friendly flowers added the perfect touch of elegance.

Lady M Cakes, your desserts were the cherry on top of a wonderful day.

And let's not forget Weightless Views Productions, who were there to capture it all on video.


Together, you all created a day that will be cherished forever. Hats off to each and every one of you!