Chelsea and Brad wanted the “vibe of a chill relaxing wedding.” And that’s exactly what they got when they married in a spring wedding at Rancho Victoria Vineyard. “We fell in love with the old oak tree surrounded by the vineyard for our ceremony. It just felt right,” says Chelsea. “We also enjoyed how open it was for every step: rehearsal night, ceremony, cocktail hour and the reception. It was full of beauty with being surrounded by the vineyard and nature.”

The couple, who met at a Halloween party in college, had dated for six years before getting engaged at the beach in Carmel. Their ceremony nearly two years later was filled with love.

“We decided to exchange our own vows which was so special and personal,” she says. “It felt so good to share that love and be surrounded by our close friends and family.”

They celebrated with 120 guests, including 40 out-of-towners, with some traveling as far as Alaska and Texas.

Chelsea was nervous before the wedding day about saying her vows in front of everyone but those nerves went away on the big day. “When it came down to it, I felt so calm as I was reading them to my best friend,” she says. “I just felt so much love and support through the entire day which was so exciting that it also was grounding.”

The newlyweds created their own tradition too by ending the ceremony with the same personal handshake they’ve been doing since the beginning of their relationship. It’s the handshake they make whenever they make important decisions. “My favorite wedding day moment was the moment we ‘sealed the deal’ with our personal handshake,” says Brad. “This is something we have done in our entire relationship, and it was something that is very personal to us. No one knew what it was, so when it happened everyone could feel our excitement and love to be officially married.”

Chelsea and Brad took photos all over the venue, including their first look near the cottage area and family portraits and bridal party photos by the oak tree. And that “first look,” provided a calming effect for the day. “I played a prank on Brad,” Chelsea says. “I had his best man come out in a dress for our first look instead of me. I don’t think I have ever laughed so hard. It was hystysterial and broke the nerves.”

The couple put a lot into wedding planning. Brad focused on the budget while Chelsea, who was in graduate school and working full-time at the same time, stayed organized and balanced their schedules. While the wedding didn’t have a theme, the couple focused on pairing country and vintage features with lots of greenery.

“This will probably be one of the only times you will have this many people around you that love and care for you,” he says. “Soak it in and enjoy every moment.” 

— Kristen Castillo