Matt & I’s Wedding on Top of the World

So honored to be featured on Inspired By This! Click the image above to see their feature!

I most definitely put this together while listening to Shania Twain radio & Michael Buble Christmas music. Crying + smiling simultaneously, 100%. There’s a lot, happy Scrolling! All our WONDERFUL vendors are listed after! Let me know any favorite photos in the comments! xx

Where do I even begin. First and foremost, this day was absolutely breathtaking — and if you took all the design aspects away — it would still be just as breathtaking. Aside from all the stunning florals, pretty dresses, and unbelievable view on top of that rolling hill overlooking the ocean and Big Sur, it was about a marriage. The uniting of two completely unique individuals in God’s unconditional love.

Man, my absolute favorite part, and I will tell any bride to focus on this, was seeing Matt’s face at the end of the aisle. The man I did a double-take at when I met him in college. The man that selflessly loved me through all the ups and downs of growing eight years together before he got down on his knee and said his life wouldn’t be complete if I didn’t spend mine with him. After capturing weddings for 4 years now in the industry, Matt & I finally got to feel all the wonderful moments that we’ve watched my brides & grooms feel through our camera lenses, and it couldn’t have been more real to feel. The anticipation of our wedding was incredible: we kept thinking, in 3 days, it’s going to be US! 

I designed my dress from scratch, and surprised my mother & new mother in law by creating it out of both of their wedding dresses. My cap sleeves were in fact the beaded wristlets from Matt’s mother’s dress, and the lace florals were from my mom’s. It had a plunging V in both the back and front, a tight skirt & slit to show off a little leg, and a flowy layer over the skirt to add the ethereal illusion. It was so special to show both moms the finished product when we were all getting ready! Matt spiced it up with a subtle, floral patterned shirt. 

MA GIRLSSS. I love them so much. They’re such babes. With hearts of pure gold. We danced & twirled in our dresses to alllll the music before heading down to line up for the ceremony, and it might have been one of the most memorable moments. Also thankful for each of Matt’s groomsmen, they’re like brothers. Life advice: pick some solid, loyal, beautiful to the core people to have by your side.

Walking down the aisle to my best friend — I can’t put it into words. It felt like our story had come full circle, to the most peaceful place. The largest & most exciting commitment in 2 people’s lives. And when Matt became my husband, my protector, my supporter, my partner — I couldn’t believe the joy that I felt. Standing up there was a complete dream. I swear I can’t even remember half of it because it was so overwhelmingly incredible. But I remember Matt’s face. And reflecting on the years that had built up to this moment. I pray every SINGLE woman & man feels that kind of raw bliss on their wedding day.

The central coast has a magical feel about it, with gorgeous miles of golden grass, stunning oak trees, and blue skies, it set the tone for our natural & simply elegant wedding. Seeing as our life together started in San Luis Obispo, our seating chart distinguished each table by a different town, hiking trail, or beach that meant something to us in the central coast. Our head table, of course, was where it all started: “San Luis Obispo.” Our reception was inspired by Italian family style dinners, with long wooden tables, silk runners, and natural floral arrangements filled with garden roses. We surprised our guests with handwritten “love you” cards that we placed on each plate, as well as with a surprise photo underneath their plate. Some photos dated back to when Matt or I were toddlers, sitting on the lap of our guest. So. many. good. tears.

We had a sign at our bar that read, “Drinking Life to the Lees.” It is a quote from Ulysses, meaning, “living life to the fullest.” We couldn’t have wished for a better life-phrase that tied to our new last name (Lee). We also had a specialty “boba drink” dessert cart that Matt’s father created (I am in love with boba), with the prettiest glasses. Who wants Boba?!

For our first dance, we had the slow song “Speechless” by Dan & Shay fade into the fun, upbeat classic “Somebody Like You” by Keith Urban. I’ll never forget spinning, twirling, and embracing to these two songs with the love of my life on top of Lekai’s mountain hill with the most surreal backdrop. I can’t thank Jesus enough for making Matt my forever best friend. We could not believe how many people cried and shed tears during the ceremony & reception. That’s the power of God’s unconditional love! The dance party flew by as the sun set into the most beautiful orange and purple sky. We were on top of the world, living real life, celebrating one of the most beautiful gifts God can give you with all of our favorite people. I didn’t want it to stop. I recall looking back on the reception space as Matt & I walked away from the celebration holding hands, and I thought to myself with the largest smile & fullest heart I have ever had, “this was truly, hands down, the absolute best day of my life.” I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

INCREDIBLE TEAM, WHOM YOU SHOULD HIRE FOR YOUR GLORIOUS DAYS!

Event Coordinator/Design: Dani at Couture Events / @danicoutureevents :::::::: Photography: Nicole Clarey Photography / @nicoleclareyphoto :::::::: Cinematography: Roman Howell Films / @romanhowellfilms :::::::: Florist: Chelsea at Blissful Blossoms :::::::: Calligraphy & Signage: Kaylyn at Pirouette Paper Company / @pirouettepapercompany :::::::: Makeup & Hair: Amy at The Blushed Company / @theblushedcompany :::::::: Wedding Dress: Miss Tashina / @miss_tashina :::::::: Suits: Grooms Grotto / @groomsgrotto :::::::: Rentals: Scout Rental Co. / @scout_rental_co, :::::::: All About Events / @allaboutevents, Otis & Pearl / @otisandpearl :::::::: Catering & Bar: Matt at Old San Luis BBQ / @oldsanluisbbq :::::::: Bridal Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes / @bellabelleshoes :::::::: Bridesmaid Dresses: Lulus / @lulus