Destination Wedding Among the Oak Trees

Izzy and Mike’s destination wedding at Carmel Valley’s Holman Ranch in California blended West Coast eclecticism with East Coast charm. Residing in the hustle and bustle of New York City, Izzy, and Mike love nature and travel. They wanted to combine their passions for their wedding guests to enjoy. When comparing the nature-filled venues of Upstate New York to those in Carmel Valley, Holman Ranch was the perfect one for them.

Charming Carmel Valley

The region was named El Rio de Carmelo by friars in the 17th century. It is a perfect rustic getaway filled with rolling hills and picturesque grape vines. Lush vineyards and towering oak trees surround the area, providing a stunning backdrop. Home to luxury resorts, restaurants, and wine-tasting rooms, this little slice of heaven is the perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. 

The region’s climate and terrain are ideal for growing rich, full-bodied wines. People can sip and relax at a wide variety of vineyards and wineries such as Holman Ranch.  

Historic Holman Ranch

A world away from the bustling streets of NYC, this destination wedding offered an idyllic escape into the serene beauty of nature. Holman Ranch is a historic winery and venue with stunning stone terraces and spacious lawns. It is easy to see how such stunning architecture and sprawling views attracted the likes of Charlie Chaplin and Clark Gable back in the day. 

The historic hacienda features beautiful stone terraces that cascade gracefully down to expansive, manicured lawns, providing a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Surrounded by the serene landscape of the countryside, it’s an idyllic setting for an unforgettable wedding, where guests can sip fine wines, enjoy stunning sunsets, and celebrate in an atmosphere of natural beauty and refined sophistication.

 Set against wide-open skies, rolling hills, and rustic charm, the venue provided a refreshing contrast to city life. 

Bring the East Coast Elegance to the West 

Despite choosing to have a destination wedding on the Golden Coast, Izzy and Mike wanted to stay true to their New England roots and incorporate an East Coast feel. NYC-based photographer Mary Dougherty captured it all. She photographed the couple in their element in NYC and then traveled to California to capture the full visual story of their wedding journey. 

The design for Izzy and Mike’s spring wedding was intentional when incorporating East Coast elements with West Coast resources for a unique design experience for this destination wedding. Chelsea Brooke Events (CBE) paired East Coast blues with West Coast yellows and pinks to create an elevated and enchanting countryside feel. 

Natural Beauty

Carmel Valley’s natural beauty enchanted CBE, and we desired to make the most of it by taking full advantage of its charms. The gray blues in the design complements the cool undertones of the wooden beams throughout the venue. The design incorporated decor and other elements, such as wooden handles on the cutlery, inspired by the rustic wooden architecture of the ranch.

Destination Wedding Weekend

The first night of Izzy and Mike’s destination wedding extravaganza began on Thursday with a rehearsal dinner at Holman Ranch. Under the pergola, guests enjoyed a lovely dinner with a Mediterranean feel while experiencing the venue’s local wines. On Friday, the welcome party was held at The Wine House. There, guests were served delicious Mexican food and more West Coast wine. On the wedding day, guests could relax with stunning views while doing some yoga at Holman Ranch. 

Vineyard Vows

The ceremony was held on a sun-kissed meadow overlooking the expansive vineyards of Holman Ranch. As the bride and groom stood before each other, they were surrounded by stunning florals as they exchanged vows and became husband and wife, cheered on by all their loved ones.

City-Meets-Chic Cocktail Hour

Cocktail hour elegant garden-party vibes were followed by a stunning reception on a stone terrace overlooking panoramic views. String lights, fire pits, and rustic décor blend seamlessly with refined touches, giving the wedding a chic, city-meets-country vibe that speaks to the couple’s roots in urban sophistication and their love for wide-open spaces. It’s a perfect fusion of modern elegance and rustic romance, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Celebrating with Cake and Coldbrew!

There was a live band to create a fun, high-energy experience for the guests that they will never forget.

After her outfit changed into a chic cocktail dress and blazer, the bride served guests cold brew as the cake was served because the groom loves cold brew coffee. Afterward, the dancing continued at Carmel Valley Ranch Hotel for the after-party before guests said their goodbyes and headed home Sunday morning. 

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Want to see more of this whimsical destination wedding at Holman Ranch?

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Looking for more vineyard wedding inspiration for your dream wedding? Check out this wedding at Saltwater Farm Vineyard! 

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