The Ramsey
Rain on your wedding day……
Flexibility is key – rain does not ruin a wedding day! We are so very lucky to live in an area in California that rarely rarely see’s rain… when it arrives we all sort of scratch our heads and wait to for it disappear very soon.
We had heard that rain may be coming and knowing that most all of our ceremonies are outdoors, we always watch the weather forecasts for our couples.
Yesterday we were watching the radar maps minute by minute to see if we could make this couple’s dream come true without a drop of rain. The radar maps showed that there was a cleaning expecting for an hour and a half which was perfect timing for their wedding. We all waiting in our cars (guests, us (officiant/photographer and assistant) with a few chairs – until it was the right moment to pop out and set up. The day before Brian and I set out looking for an idea spot under the tree’s at Berwick Park to hold a wedding in case it rained. We found this spot and a couple of other other spots before and after this area. We knew we had out plan B and C and were super excited to make this happen for them. The couple was gracious and just knew that they wanted to have their wedding outside if they could – even in a sprinkle as they had waiting for was a long time coming. They really wanted it to happen yesterday as it was their 6 year anniversary. The pandemic had already altered their plans once and they hoped that yesterday it would be the day to exchange their vows.
In the end, the spot was perfect under the trees. The rain in the end was a small sprinkle and no one even noticed the rain coming down. Luckily, I was the only one that got caught in the rain a little and with ziplock bags (no kidding!) for my gear and my assistant holding an umbrella over my head – it was a great success! As a wedding photographer I have always believed in having an assistant with me during the day to help out with gear, lighting and now… to help out to ensure I don’t get soaked! My assistant helps ensure that everything is done in a timely manner with no lags during the day for setting up lights, etc. One of my pet peeves is having the couple wait around for me to “get ready for the shot” and thankfully, I don’t have to do this with an assistant nearby all of the time. This way I can also get them more images in the time we have together.
One of the things in life that one cannot control is the weather – we’ve known this for the past 10 years we’ve been setting up weddings for our couples. Just know that we will do whatever possible to help you have your perfect day – in sun, fog or rain! We cannot control the rain, but we can control our clients stress levels. We really appreciated this kind couple to enable for us to make this happen for them.
Congratulations TJ and Shea!
#rainonyourweddingday
Vendor Team
Planner – @weddingsinmonterey
Venue – Berwick Park in Pacific Grove
Officiant – @montereyweddingofficiant
Photographer – @heidiborgiaphotography
Married on the most romantic day of the year – Valentine’s Day! And being on the top of the cliffs of Big Sur with your closest friends and family watching you exchange your vows. True bliss for these two.
Their attention to detail was perfect! Even the all of the girls in the wedding had matching purses. And her shoes….. total perfection.
To end up the day, they had a fabulous dinner provided by Tarpy’s in Monterey.
Vendor Team:
All inclusive Wedding Planner: www.weddingsinmonterey
Officiant: https://www.montereybayweddingofficiants.com/
Photographer: https://heidiborgiaphotography.com/
Florist: https://swensonandsilacciflowers.com/
Hair and Make Up: https://powersbeautyartistry.com/
Bride’s Dress and Shoes: https://www.davidsbridal.com/
Men’s Apparel: https://www.menswearhouse.com/
Little One’s Apparel: https://www.janieandjack.com/
Dinner Reception: https://www.tarpys.com/
Sweet Chelsea reached out to me as their plans had changed due to the pandemic and I was thrilled she did! This was the most beautiful and elegant small event at the gorgeous La Playa Hotel located in Carmel. She knew when she met Christian 6 or so years ago, that he WAS the one for her. Their vows were so genuine and touching to each other. Brought a tear to my eye. This is just the first of two ceremonies that they are going to have. They surprised most everyone they know that they eloped! Their big ceremony will wait for a bit – but they are so thrilled that they are married now. Melisa at the hotel was a gem and helped them with their dream mini wedding. La Playa – one of the most magical spots to get married in Carmel. After the ceremony (officiated by their dear friend) we took some portraits on site and then a few down on Carmel Beach. I cannot wait to keep in touch with these two and follow their love story….
Team
Venue – @laplayaca
Photography – @heidiborgiaphotography
Floral – @fleursdusoleilmonterey
Hair – @bridalhairbykelsey
Make Up – muahmakeupandhair
These two lovebirds… where do I start? Oh my goodness. This past June, Lauren reached out to Brian my husband asking if Weddings in Monterey could help her and her fiance get married. They wanted Brian to officiate the wedding and me to document their day. After spending some time with Brian talking over all of the amazing spots to get married locally – they decided on the gorgeous Bernardus Lodge and Spa. We love working with the staff at Bernardus and were thrilled when they chose this beautiful location in Carmel Valley.
The actual wedding day went off without a hitch! She had just a few family members witness their vows in the rose gardens with the picturesque sunset setting behind the mountains.
You could see in an instant the connection these two have for each other. Wishing them both the absolute best in their new lives together!
Team of Vendors
Venue – Bernardus Lodge and Spa
Hair and Make Up – Mrs. Powersbeauty by Carina Powers
Floral – Unskripted Design by Aga
Officiant – Monterey Bay Wedding Officiants – Brian Borgia
Photography – Heidi Borgia Photography
Jeni and Jonathan were to get married originally in August – but their plans changed due to Covid. They switched courses and we were so grateful that they found us! They had just a few guests present to include their sons, her mom and two sisters.
These two were together for six years (wow!) on their wedding day. Another reason they chose Carmel? Jonathan told Jen that he loved her the first time when they were on vacation in Carmel and he also popped the question in Carmel! We are sensing a renewal of vows in Carmel in a six years time too 🙂
Vendors:
Wedding Planning – Weddings in Monterey
Officiant – Brian Borgia
Floral – Wildflower by Hayley
Make Up and Hair – Spa Bella Mobile Day Spa
Photography – Heidi Borgia Photography
About a week ago, these two Monterey locals exchanged their vows in front of their family at the exquisite Highlands Inn overlooking the grand Pacific Ocean. They had bigger plans before the pandemic to have a larger wedding – but decided to make alternate plans that ‘fit’ during this time for them. They had just a few family members attend their wedding and help them celebrate. It will be a surprise to some folks that they did indeed get married after all – they wished you could all be there, but they hope to celebrate with you all after the pandemic is gone and everyone can connect safely.
I loved being a part of their little day and it was even more fun as Stela is also in the hospitality industry locally and we know a lot of the same people! Being an event planner, she knew exactly what she wanted for her big day. With that said, they were so kind and laid back on their wedding day – it was like hanging out with friends and I just happened to bring my camera with me 🙂
Wishing these two fabulous friends a lifetime of happiness.
Vendor Team
Venue – The Highlands Inn
Officiant – Brian Borgia, Monterey Wedding Officiants
Cake – Layers Bakery
Flowers – Burst and Bloom
Hair and Makeup – MUAH
Wedding Dress and Tuxedo – Epiphany Boutique
Back in January of this year, Laura reached out to Brian and I to see if we could be a small part of their day with their family. Their dream was to be married with their toes in the sand with their 6 kids present. We made it happen for them and thankfully the pandemic did not de-rail their plans!
We met them at the beautiful Monterey Tides Hotel, which is right on the water in Monterey. We started with a first look…. Laura really wanted to have the sunset drop right behind her as she said her “I do’s”, so we decided to take pictures of the family and the two of them before the actual ceremony. Not all laid out plans work perfectly as it was a little foggy that night and we did not get that idea sunset. We all still had a wonderful time and the kids were fantastic sports. They even brought along their 4 month old puppy.
Thanks so much L and T! Wishing you the best lives together with your adorable family.
Vendor Team
Venue – Monterey Tides Hotel – @montereytides
Photographer – Heidi Borgia – @heidiborgiaphotography
Officiant – Brian Borgia – @montereyweddingofficiant
Back in early June, Melissa reached out to Brian and I with Weddings in Monterey to see if we could assist with officiating and wedding photography. The two of them were going to meld their two families together – they both had children on both sides.
We were thrilled when they found us and what a day we had with them! We started with the ceremony at the gorgeous Hyatt Highlands Inn, which overlooks the Pacific Ocean on a cliff. At their first kiss.. you’ll always hear the “POP” of the champagne cork compliments of the fabulous staff at the hotel. Jessica was spot on as always and served them champagne immediately (Voss for the kids) and a few passed apps.
After the had a moment to revel in it all, we started with their pictures at the arch (flowers done by the amazing Fiona Floral) and then off to Garrapata Big Sur for some memorable moments.
Wishing M and H all the best with their new marriage and family!
Vendor Team
Venue – Highlands Inn – @highlandsinn
Secondary Location – Garrapata in Big Sur
Photographer – Heidi Borgia – @heidiborgiaphotography
Officiant – Brian Borgia – @montereyweddingofficiant
Floral – Lorettas Floral Truck – @lalorettasfloraltruck
This local couple wanted to exchange their vows in front of their parents and a couple of friends in a wooded area and we found the perfect spot for them! It was a sweet, intimate mini wedding.
Wishing them both the best future together!
Vendor Team
Wedding Planner – Weddings in Monterey – @weddingsinmonterey
Photographer – Heidi Borgia – @heidiborgiaphotography
Officiant – Brian Borgia – @montereyweddingofficiant
Weddings in Monterey (Brian and I) met up with James and Jenna in July along the shores of Carmel River State Beach. There are a couple of different locations to choose at this beach to get married (with our permit) and they chose the Cove area – honestly, my favorite!
With them to help celebrate their wedding day came two of their best friends – James’ sister and her husband.
J and J live in a small community in Northern California and on a ranch! They come to visit the Carmel area frequently as James’ dad is a retired real estate specialists in Carmel and lives locally as well.
There was so much joy that radiated from the two of them and they were so excited to exchange their vows.
After dinner the four went to the new restaurant in Carmel, called The Pocket (we have yet to check it out).
Wishing them both a lifetime of love and happiness and look forward to connecting again with them the next time they are in town for a drink or two!
Vendor Team
Wedding Planner – Weddings in Monterey – @weddingsinmonterey
Photographer – Heidi Borgia – @heidiborgiaphotography
Officiant – Brian Borgia – @montereyweddingofficiant
Location with permit – @weddingsinmonterey
