This Wedding at Carmel Wedgewood was perfect for Cody and Crystal. They celebrated in the best way with their friends and family!
It may be easy for many reading this blog to believe that I cried twice during this wedding day. My heart and soul goes into serving couples like Crystal and Cody. I remember when we first met, I knew two things. One, that this couple had so much faith in my wedding day, that they trusted me to guide them through this journey and were open and honest about the process. And second, that this wedding was one that will give me challenges and blessings all at the same time.
These two newly weds are two people that I can just be myself around, and they cast no judgement. In fact, they are the couple you can go to for help and they will make a plan to make sure are okay. That is the kind of people that Cody and Crystal are. They check in on you, they put others first, and are always there to just have a good conversation with.
They hired me over one year ago and not once did I feel as though this wedding was not going to be one for the books. In fact, I one of the reasons I cried is because this wedding was going so well, it reminded me how much I love being a wedding photographer. How much I love serving incredible couples, and how much I am going to miss California and all my couples when I move to Japan.
Monterey Wedding Photographer
Hey, there! My name is Dana and I am a Monterey wedding photographer. Currently, I am in the process of moving my business from here in California to Japan, and 2022 will be my last year taking weddings here. Therefore, I am taking each wedding I booked as a huge blessing, and enjoying the time I have left. Each couple is amazing in their own special way, and Cody and Crystal are no exception of that.
Carmel Wedgewood
Carmel Wedgewood is my favorite wedding venue here in the Monterey and Carmel area. Aside from the friendly staff, and vendors getting treated so well here, there are so many pros about this venue. If you are looking for a beach wedding, a ceremony under an oak tree, or one in front of a white gazebo, all those are possible here at Wedgewood. Recently, I had a wedding here and the dance floor was perfect for this reception.
Wedding at Carmel Wedgewood
Both Crystal and Cody got ready at two different hotels in the area and decided to do a first look before the ceremony began. The dolphins outside the hotel was a perfect spot, since Crystal loves them so much!
One of my favorite things about a ten hour wedding day, is that most of the images can be done before the ceremony even begins. I am talking a second first look with dad, wedding party photos, and more.
Speaking of, this wedding party for these two were incredible. They were supportive, outgoing, and loved getting in front of the camera! The album type of shots are always my favorite and I cannot help but smile at the groomsman (and women) in this one shot!
Crystal and Cody opted in to have their wedding at the beach before hosting an incredible party at the venue. The weather, considering how hot is has been here in the area, was perfect. Sunny, warm but with some wind to cool us off, and a secluded area for the perfect ceremony. Did I mention they had bubble guns?! My favorite and so much better than blowing bubbles!
The day ended with an incredible first dance, Central Coast Entertainment that got people dancing, and an epic sparkler photo that had me squealing in front of dozens of people! Photos that I cannot wait to share with these two when their gallery gets delivered!
Cody and Crystal, thank you so much for allowing me to serve you on your wedding day. I will always cherish you two, the time we had together, and the moments I will hold dear. Your support in me, my journey, and my business means the world to me. You two will always have a place in my heart and I am here to support you and your fur babies as well!
The Vendor Team
This wedding was one that will forever be unforgettable. So, I want to thank the vendor team who came together to make this day amazing for Crystal, Cody, and their guest!
Venue: Wedgewood Carmel
Photographer: Dana Arnold Photography/ Destinations with Dana
Videographer: Gabe Howard Visuals
Dress: David’s Bridal
Suit: Men’s Wearhouse
Ceremony floral and boutonnieres: Flor De Monterey
Bridal bouquet: DressMyWedding (on etsy)
Invites: Zazzle
Save the Date: The Knot
Rings: DeVons Jewelers
Cakes: I Do Wedding Cakes (Debbie)
Entertainment: Central Coast Entertainment
Makeup/Hair: Family Friends
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