In 2011, when we started to photograph weddings, we created a long list of all the dream wedding venues we wanted to capture weddings at, and felt if we were able to book a wedding at each of these venues, we had officially “made it.” It’s so funny for us to look back at this list now and see, one-by-one, we photographed a wedding at each of these venues, and some multiple times. There was just one we hadn’t yet been to, and we were giddy with excitement to finally be able to complete our dream list this past fall with RJ and Ally’s Santa Lucia Preserve wedding!

Fast forward a few months and booking this wedding, we found out Rachel was pregnant and due only two weeks before RJ and Ally’s wedding. Talk about panic! We did everything in our power to ensure we had backup and plenty of help that day, but fingers crossed Rachel would be there. Luckily Makenna was born a few days early, and Rachel being the rock-star she is, captured this wedding alongside Laura, only two weeks after having a baby, (that’s right…. TWO WEEKS!), and it was one of the most dreamiest weddings EVER!

Working alongside the ladies of Coastside Couture and the amazing Seascape Flowers, we knew every detail of this wedding had been thought of, and this day flowed as if you were turning the pages of a novel. The girls laughing and popping champagne, while the guys we’re being guys, sharing stories of growing up and collage days. From the moment of the daddy daughter first look, emotions were high. Grandma’s were used as flower girls, a music led walk from ceremony to the gorgeous reception, and an It’s It Ice Cream dessert bar where the bride served her guests, these are just a few of the things that added icing to the cake of this perfect day!

For just a moment, pause, and stop your scroll. Let us tell you how amazing RJ the groom is for taking the time to hand write not only a lovely card for his beautiful bride-to-be, but one for each and every one of the nine bridesmaids in their wedding party, letting them individually know how special and important they were. Cue the tears!

RJ & Alexandra || The Preserve Carmel Valley from KindleWood Films on Vimeo.

Venue :: Santa Lucia Preserve
Coordinator :: Coastside Couture
Wedding Dress Designer :: Carolina Herrera from Marina Morrison
Brides Shoes :: Stuart Weitzman
Morning Attire :: Yumi Kim
Groom & Groomsmen Attire :: Chookhare & Sons
Bridesmaids Attire :: Jenny Yoo from Bella Bridesmaids San Francisco
Hairstylist :: Blush Hair & Makeup
Makeup Artist :: Blush Hair & Makeup
Floral Designer :: Seascape Flowers
DJ & Lighting :: Belmont Entertainment
Photo Booth :: The Booth Bus
Signage :: Heart Paper Soul
Catering :: Santa Lucia Preserve
Cake :: Susie Cakes
Dessert Bar :: It’s It Ice Cream
Invitations :: Aerialist Press
Transportation :: Main Event Transportation
Cinematography :: KindleWood Films
Photographer :: Laura & Rachel Photography