Monterey California Wedding | Elizabeth and Patrick

Elizabeth and Patrick had been planning their Monterey California Wedding for well over one year. Their vision was to have a full wedding mass at San Carlos in Monterey, then have an epic wedding cocktail hour and reception at The Barns in Cooper Molera.

One-hundred of their friends and family came in from all over to celebrate these two. From Florida, Pennsylvania, California, and more. Everyone was excited to travel in and spend all day to watch these two tie the knot and have one amazing (and memorable) wedding day.

Getting Ready Details

For their Monterey California Wedding, the wedding couple decided to get ready close by the ceremony and reception location. This is so their guests can stay there, and are walking distance to both locations. While the bride and groom were getting ready in separate rooms, the couple had a mariachi band playing while guests enjoyed brunch at the hotel.

Before their Monterey California Wedding ceremony, the wedding couple decided to do a first touch with private vows. It was so sweet, as both of them shed tears and felt the emotions of the day. Elizabeth (or Betty to many), felt so much calmness when her hand grabbed Patrick’s hand. Together, they took a moment to appreciate this time before their ceremony – where Patrick will see her for the first time.

Betty also did a first look with her dad with her veil on. A pure and sweet moment that happened right in the hotel lobby of the Casa Munras Hotel.

Monterey California Wedding at San Carlos

Just a few blocks away, was the San Carlos. The perfect location for a beautiful full Mexican Catholic Mass. One of the most beautiful moments of the ceremony was seeing Patrick watch his wife down the aisle. He was smiling ear to ear, and tears ran down his face and under his chin. The Mariachi band played the music throughout the ceremony as several traditions took place, such as giving flowers to Mary, blessing of the coins, and more. It may have been one of my favorite ceremonies to photograph.

The couple later recreated a grand exit out of the church with ribbons for everyone to wave. It was such a sweet moment and you can see the joy everyone, and the couple, had for their day. It’s perfect for a couple planning a Monterey California Wedding who wants an exit, but does not want one after leaving the reception!

Monterey Wedding Portraits

San Carlos is one of my favorite Monterey California Wedding locations to have portraits done. Whether with the couple, the family, or wedding party, I love that it has a garden and plenty of space in the front for images. Patrick and Betty wanted shots with their veil, and so we made sure to include the veil in many of their images!

Monterey California Wedding bride and groom

Monterey California Wedding Reception and After Party

The wedding day ended with a bang. Throughout the night, there were several wedding traditions that represented the Mexican culture. They started with the traditional first dances, and lead to more fun games and events. This included the La Vibora De La Mar where guests form a line and run under the arch. As well as the Money dance, and El Mandilon (which is meant to celebrate marriage with humor).

The evening continued with dancing all night long until the very end of the night! But, it did not stop there. Once 10pm hit, everyone walked down the street for a few games of pool, tacos, and tequila. Photos that I had to stick around for because it was the perfect way to end the incredible wedding day!

Truly, I am so grateful to have been their wedding photographer. I loved getting to meet all their guests at both the welcome dinner and during the wedding day. Every moment was fun, and joyful, and it will be a wedding I will never forget.

Cheers to Patrick and Elizabeth!