Vibrant Carmel Valley Wedding at Bernardus Lodge
I’ve been waiting to share more of this stunningly colorful Carmel Valley wedding at Bernardus Lodge with you for a while now, starring one of the sweetest couples I’ve ever had the pleasure of capturing. Set on a gorgeous summer day in the rustic hills of central California, this day was full of life, color, and spirit, all of which beautifully reflected the relationship and love shared between Sophie and Adam in all forms. Be prepared to fall absolutely, head-over-heels in love with this wedding and its intentional, intricate design—because I’ll warn you, I sure did the moment I stepped foot onto the property and saw it all for myself!
Sophie + Adam’s Vibrant Carmel Valley Wedding at Bernardus Lodge
The sweetest couple to connect with
Fate always seems to bring the most amazing couples into my life at precisely the right timing. A while back I photographed a styled shoot at Almquist Winery, put together by the ever-talented AnneMarie of Something Blue Productions. After working together to bring that vision to life, she so graciously connected me with Adam and Sophie—a couple who lived in Los Angeles and would soon be getting married in the stunning Carmel Valley. I ended up flying down to LA to meet them for their Sunset Wildflower Engagement Session, where we spent time in their home, then explored the wildflower-covered hills of LA at sunset. I immediately knew these two were going to be such a treat to see again on their wedding day; the absolute sweetest people to know!
A colorful summer celebration in Carmel Valley
You really can’t go wrong planning a wedding in California’s gorgeous Carmel Valley, but Sophie and Adam really knocked it out of the park with theirs. Their vision for the aesthetic of their wedding was bright, vibrant, and playful; brimming with color and spirit at every corner. Each and every element was dreamed up and executed with the utmost care, from the sprawling floral arrangements at their ceremony altar down to the smallest of details incorporated into their flat lay (such as Sophie’s glistening pearl earrings, or the velvet turquoise ring box). Sophie and Adam’s invitations were decorated with multi-colored flowers in what was almost a sketchbook-crayon style, and every floral arrangement was bursting with breathtaking shades of red, blue, yellow, orange, pink. . . the works. Somehow their florist managed to infuse every color of the rainbow into their color palette without making it feel too complex, distracting, or cluttered—that is pure talent right there! Even the selection of kippahs available to wear during the ceremony and prayer were presented in different color options; when I said this day was bright & bold, intentional & thoughtful down to the smallest of details, I meant it.
A sunny morning spent with loved ones
Sophie and Adam got ready for the wedding in separate rooms, each surrounded by the people they love most. It was beautiful to watch Sophie step into her dress alongside the women that mean so much to her, both friends and family alike—and seeing her & her gals all dressed up in their gorgeous gowns was such a delight! She met Adam out in the lush gardens for their first look, beneath the bright blue skies and sunshine of Carmel Valley in the summertime, the two then pulling out their vow book for a private vow exchange. It was the sweetest moment of peace, quiet, and privacy shared between the soon-to-be newlyweds before they regrouped with their loved ones for family & bridal party portraits.
A meaningful day through and through
One thing I adored about Adam and Sophie’s wedding was the way they made sure to incorporate their unique traditions, passions, and cultures into every aspect of the day! After all, what is a wedding if not the perfect place to bring together not only the people you love, but the other pieces of your life that are most important to you? Before the ceremony began, Adam, Sophie and a few of their guests participated in a traditional Ketubah signing, where they followed the ritual of signing the Jewish marriage contract. The Ketubah itself was even adorned in a variety of beautiful colors and artwork, perfectly capturing the essence of Sophie and Adam’s special day!
Throughout the ceremony and the rest of the evening, every moment was just as meaningful and intentional; from the moment Sophie and Adam smashed the glass and shared their first kiss as husband & wife, to the tearful moments as they listened to heartfelt speeches from their guests, to the ones spent on the dance floor later in the night, getting down to the music and letting loose alongside their favorite people. You could just tell that this day was one that would be remembered forever; full of special memories that will be looked back on by everybody for years & years to come. Such a gift to be a part of it!
Carmel Valley wedding vendors
Sophie and Adam truly hired the dream team for their wedding—each and every vendor killed it in bringing their vision to life.
Planning & Design: Something Blue Productions | @somethingblueproductions
Venue: Bernardus Lodge | @bernarduslodge
Videographer: Noelle M Smith | @nmsmithsuper8films
Floral Design: Tumbleweed Floral Design | @twfloraldesignco
Entertainment: Hip Service | @hipservice
Bakery: Tart and Tin | @tartandtin
Stationary: Olympic Place Prints | @olympicplaceprints
Large Signage: Shimmer & Stain | @shimmerandstain
Rentals: Chic Event Rentals | @chiceventrentals
Linens: BBJ La Tavola | @bbjlatavola
Beauty: MUAH Makeup & Hair | @muahmakeupandhair
Dress: Mikaella Bridal | @mikaellabridal
Dress Boutique: NWLA Bridal | @nwlabridal
Suit: Malibu Clothes | @malibuclothes
About Bernardus Lodge, a Luxurious Hotel Wedding Venue in Carmel Valley
Bernardus Lodge made for the most impeccable venue for Sophie & Adam’s Carmel Valley wedding, providing a charming, intimate, and luxurious atmosphere to celebrate in the rustic hills of California. I was obsessed with this Carmel Valley resort wedding venue as soon as I laid eyes on it; the prime location amidst the Santa Lucia Mountains, the dreamy vineyards and rose gardens, the romantic pavilion, and the multitude of chic ceremony, cocktail hour, & reception locations made it easy to see why couples would choose it for their big day.
Being that Bernardus is a full-fledge lodge & spa, you’ll receive not only a spectacular place to tie the knot—you’ll also automatically get a gorgeous place for you and your guests to stay, boasting lavish guest rooms, award-winning spa treatments, and an exquisite culinary team serving dishes at the in-house Lucia Restaurant & Bar. You truly could not ask for a more magnificent place to get married in Carmel Valley; whether you’re planning an intricate and opulent celebration in the ballroom or an intimate, garden party-inspired soiree in the rose garden, overlooking Carmel Valley, you’ll have endless options to personalize the venue to your unique day. I simply cannot recommend this venue enough and would do ANYTHING to go back once more. If you’d like to get into the nitty-gritty of the wedding packages at Bernardus Lodge, click here!
Carmel Valley Wedding Photographer
Speaking of going back—I’d LOVE for my next trip to California to be for your beautiful, beautiful Carmel Valley wedding day. Get in touch with me here and let’s create some magic in the dreamy vineyards of California, my darlings!
See more of my recent destination wedding work below to get inspired!
