If you love soft curls and garden roses, if you love trailing vines and rustic elegance, then you are going to love this wedding at Mission Ranch from CHRISTINA MCNEILL, one of our SNIPPET & INK SELECT vendors!
Did Jessica and Tom incorporate any traditions into their wedding? “We did!” says the bride. “I am Jewish and Tom was excited to honor that with smashing the glass to commemorate the end of our ceremony and the beginning of our marriage. My grandmother, who is 94 years old and flew up from Los Angeles was extremely proud to see that moment. We also had our chuppah designed by our florist and it came out so breathtakingly beautiful!”
“I loved staying on-site at the Ranch along with my immediate family and some of our wedding party. Our honeymoon cottage was right across the road from our ceremony and reception; it just felt so intimate and not too hotel-ish.”
Why did you choose this location for your wedding? Tom and I chose the Mission Ranch, Carmel as a destination wedding to honor both of our hometowns. I’m from San Diego and Tom is from Sonoma county. The view of the beach and the pastures represented us both and felt far enough to feel like a vacation but not too far to keep guests from attending.
What was your favorite moment or part of the day? My favorite part of the day was when Tom and I read our personal vows to one another during our ceremony. I remember reading mine to Tom, I felt as if it was just he and I alone; at that moment no one else existed. It was eight years in the making and worth every tear! Another favorite moment was walking into our reception and seeing the ambiance that was created by our florists. We were taken back by the candles, beautiful centerpieces and smiles that greeted us as our favorite songs played.
What was the best advice you received as a bride? The best advice was given to me by my girlfriend, Divya – she advised me to go slow during the ceremony and enjoy every minute of the love and happiness people are ready to share with you.
What advice do you have for other brides? Remember it’s your partner that you are walking down the aisle to. Hold that thought in your mind when you make all your decisions. I did so when I tried on my wedding dress, as I tasted cakes, and picked out flowers. Nothing else matters except the love you have for one another, so don’t worry about expectations, just focus on what’s important: each other.
Is there anything else that helps tell the story of the day? The day was absolutely beautiful weather and as my guests enjoyed cocktail hour, they were entertained with whale sightings out the coast of Los Lobos. Mission Ranch was a truly magical experience.
KATHRYN from Snippet and Ink
Vendors:
Photography: CHRISTINA MCNEILL
Venue: MISSION RANCH in Carmel, California
Floral Designer: FIONNA FLORAL
Stationery: TINY PRINTS
DJ: SIGHTNSOUND
Hair, Makeup: Katie Donaghy with Whimsy Bridal
