Real Weddings Wednesday: Elizabeth + Justin's Magical, Unique and Intimate Ceremony

Happy Real Weddings Wednesdays! Today’s wedding is one full of unique and personal touches, from the ceremony to the traditions! Set at a magical, private residence in Carmel Valley, we’re so excited for you to see more photos from Meghan Smolka and read all about the lovely couple. Happy Wednesday!

Tell us a little about you and your beloved.

Justin: Elizabeth and I met as coworkers with neighboring cubicles. We became good friends quickly, discussing life, philosophy, and our disdain for corporate culture on our lunch breaks. After three years of friendship we began dating and five years later we were married at her mother’s home. We wanted to break many of the traditions of marriage, particularly anything that felt patriarchal, and create a unique celebration of us and our relationship. We planned everything ourselves – with the help of family and friends. While it was a ton of work, the result was worth the effort.

What was the best part of your day?

Elizabeth: When Justin performed songs he had written for me. It was so romantic. Some of those songs were written almost 10 years ago and it was great to revisit those moments in our relationship through his music.

What else would you like to share about your big day?

Elizabeth: I felt so loved by everyone at our wedding. I was happy we chose to keep it small because it ended up feeling very intimate and magical.

Advice from the couple:

Elizabeth: Give lots of love to the ceremony if you can. It was the heart of our wedding and the attention we placed there set the mood for the rest of the event in a really beautiful way.

Justin: This is your celebration. Make it the way you want it to be. There are no rules. You are free to remove any traditions you don’t like and make up any that you do.