Beautiful bride glowing under the trees of Carmel Fields by Wedgewood Weddings.
Carmel, CA- Looking for inspiring wedding photography for your wedding day in Carmel? Look no further than the wedding of these two from Elk Grove! For their engagement session I took them all over the coast starting south near Big Sur and ending in Carmel Valley so they could see what this area has to offer, as well as to scout locations for their first look on the day of their wedding.
After visiting several stunning locations they decided to have their first look on a beautiful spot overlooking the ocean. As the photographer, once a couple has chosen the place they want to have their first look, you have to take the reigns and direct the scene like it’s a movie.
The way I did this was to pick up the groom from the hotel and take him to the spot about 10 minutes before the bride arrives. He and I walked out to the spot and I had him face one way and made sure he would not turn around until his bride was also in place.
Blue skies, oceans, and suits.
“Stay there and look away!”
Once he was in place I ran back to the parking area to await the bride’s arrival. Right on time she showed up and we walked out together so I could make sure I took photos of her walking out in her gown.
So pretty! I love shooting elegance in nature. The bride’s dress is by Melissa Sweet.
I then jogged ahead of her and made sure the groom was still facing away from us as she approached. I don’t want them to see each other for the first time in their wedding outfits until I can get them in the right position for the shot. However, it’s almost impossible for both of them to not see each other. In this case, the bride saw her groom’s back as she walked into position but he has not seen her yet.
I placed them on either side of this large rocky outcrop and set up so I could get both of them in my frame.
Isn’t this great? This is wedding photography by John Ruddock.
Once I got their album cover shot, I gave them the green light to turn around so they could finally see each other for the first time on their wedding day.
I’m not crying, you’re crying! We took a few more couple’s photos and then I whisked them away in my Rav4 Prime chariot to the Carmel Fields by Wedgewood Weddings venue in Carmel Valley.
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The venue at Carmel Fields by Wedgewood Weddings is located in Carmel Valley not 5 minutes from Highway 1 at 4860 Carmel Valley Road.
The venue has separate quarters for the bride and groom to make last minute preparations. I ran back and forth to catch some of the final moments before the ceremony began.
Then it was go time! Here, I caught the groom making his way up the hill from the groom’s quarters. I must have went up and down that hill 6 or 7 times that day, haha. Definitely got my steps in
The groom’s suit is by Calvin Klein.
The ceremony was really nice and included a couple traditions I have never photographed at a wedding before. The couple has asked me not to share every moment from the ceremony so I’ll leave those for them and their friends and family.
That first kiss though.
The majority of the time I will take photos of the first kiss straight on in front of the couple. However, they added a video package to their wedding so I was avoiding blocking the video camera’s view of their kiss. I eventually stepped in front of the video camera to get this classic shot of the bride and groom leaving their ceremony.
Sorry video! I am crouching though.
There isn’t a bad shot at this venue.
My all Day Weddings include an engagement photo session.
Once they made it official we walked around the grounds and took some newlywed photos. Part of my photography style is to incorporate nature and the landscape around my subjects so we began with photos under this amazing tree and then walked the trail.
This was a very bright, sunny day in Carmel Valley (which isn’t rare) so I tried hard to get them into the shade. Getting your subjects into the shade is key because it helps with squinting, the light is even, and you don’t get harsh shadows across their faces. With that in mind, I lead them into the trees about a quarter mile from the venue and we took these photographs.
That’s the Carmel Fields by Wedgewood Weddings venue there in the background.
While these two took a well deserved breather, I made my way into the dining room to document the space. This reception area is huge with big windows and enough space for a buffet, DJ, and 270 guests! Click here to see the official website for Carmel Fields.
Once all their family and friends were seated the two newlyweds made their grand entrance!
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Sparks were literally flying!
They seamlessly went right into their first dance as a married couple and were clearly loving every minute of it!
And then the moment we were all waiting for: the cutting of the cake! Those were real succulents, by the way.
As the sun was setting, we went outside one last time to capture some moments in the golden hour light. Carmel Fields has this great hallway that ends in a beautiful arch that faces west so we started there.
I also wanted to add some color to these spring wedding photos so we stepped outside and found the yellow mustard soaking up the last sunlight of the day.
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Then the sun went down and the lights came on and they danced the night away.
These moments were all photographed on May 6, 2024. If you love these photos and want to see more or book your own wedding with me, please visit my weddings page on my website or take a look at this giant photo wall of my best wedding images. Let’s make you look good!
