Happy Real Weddings Wednesday everyone! We’ve got a fabulous wedding right on schedule for your lunch break, so kick your feet up, grab a snack, and put your planner down to get a glimpse of this elegant, outdoor ceremony. With stunning floral arrangements, timeless decor (lanterns, candles, and flower petals — oh my!), along with to-die-for desserts we know you’re going to fall head over heels for Mariah + Matt’s jaw-dropping wedding!

Bride and bridesmaids taking photos outside in pajamas

 

Groom smiling and looking out the window on his wedding day

Tell us a little about you and your beloved.

Matt and I met in high school but didn’t catch each other’s attention until senior year. We had several classes together and I had a major crush. We ended up going to prom together and made our relationship official soon after graduation in 2009. Fast forward 11 years, we graduated college, started our careers and got a dog. In September of 2020, we decided to take a trip to our favorite beach town, Carmel — he said it was to celebrate my birthday which was a few weeks before. We went to our favorite cheese shop and got some wine and headed to the beach to watch the sunset, where he got down on one knee and popped the question. I was shocked and over the moon with excitement. It was the easiest “YES”! Once we came home from the trip and shared the news, we started planning. With it still being in the midst of Covid we were worried on how we were going to plan a wedding in the middle of a pandemic. Thankfully, we were able to secure a date and a dream venue with amazing vendors for October of 2021.

Bride in dress reading vows behind a wall to her husband-to-be Groom holding his bride-to-be's hand behind a door as she reads her vows Bride in dress reading vows behind a wall to her husband-to-be

Father walking his daughter down the aisle

Bride and groom at the altar.

Bride and groom holding hands at the altar. Bride and groom kissing at the altar. Newlyweds walking down the aisle and smiling at each other.

What was the best part of your wedding day?

Walking down the aisle and seeing Matt for the first time. Also, having Matt’s sister officiate the ceremony was very sentimental and she did such a beautiful job.

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

Our food was absolutely amazing. We got compliments for weeks from guests saying it was the best wedding food they ever had. Sarah from The Wild Thistle created the most beautiful floral arrangements from the bouquets to the installation climbing up the tree at the ceremony location. It looked like a dream!

Bride and groom with their backs to the camera.

Bride and groom holding hands and walking out from underneath an archway.

Bride and groom taking wedding photos outside Groom gently holding bride's face. Bride and groom smiling at each other

What advice would you give to our readers who are planning their weddings right now?

Let your vendors know the vision you have in your head, communicate with them! They are professionals and can adjust certain things to make your vision a reality. For photos, have some poses or shots in mind, have a list of everyone who you would like to have photos with, and tell your photographer. Don’t rush yourself to stay on schedule. Every moment is important and you deserve to take it all in. Even if it means running 10 minutes behind.

Bride and groom at reception listening to speeches. Groom making a speech to audience at the reception. Bride and groom cutting their wedding cake

Anything that you would have done differently if you were given the chance?

If possible, keep your bustle down and have your groom keep his jacket on during your first dance.

Bride and groom dancing on dancefloor.

Photos courtesy of and copyright Megan Goetz Photography used with permission.

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