The Barns Monterey Wedding for Mailey and Allbry
As guests arrive at The Barns Monterey, both the bride and groom are doing things differently. The Bride, Mailey, was hiding away in the bridal suite upstairs, peeking out and seeing who all is here. While Allbry is in the crowd, saying hello to everyone he can. In a way, it’s how these two are passing time as they anxiously await seeing each other. The guests soon take their seats, and Allbry returns to The Barns to walk out with the family members and wedding party. Each time a groomsman passes by, he shakes their hand, gives them a hug, and smiles, because the time has come to see his bride.
Heaven begins to play, and you can feel the guests smile, some even brushing their arms because they are getting goosebumps. The song continues, and when it hits the chorus, Mailey walks out with her parents; as they walk down the steps, you can see Allbry smiling with such emotion. Although they started their day with private vows dressed in their cozy outfits, this is his first time seeing her in her wedding dress.
Both her parents and Mailey gracefully walked down the aisle, giving Allbry and the guests time to take it all in. It was slow, emotional, and beautiful.
David, Mailey’s Uncle, officiated the wedding and spoke so emotionally. No one knew what he was going to say during the ceremony, and when he finally married them, the emotions ran through the air with each guest. During the wedding ceremony, there were tears streaming down some faces.
“Marriage, at its best, is two people who are committed to lifting each other up… supporting each other’s dreams…
and showing up – especially on the hard days.
Not to keep score…but to stand side by side.
To say, “l’ve got you.’ To celebrate the wins…
and to help each other through the setbacks… without judgment, and with grace.
And in a world where there’s always something new… something shiny… something just a click away…
There is something incredibly powerful about choosing to build something over time.
Something shaped by shared experiences… by effort… by patience…
by love that is both felt… and chosen.
Because what you build together… over time…
That’s the part that lasts”
The bride and groom exchange rings, make it official with a kiss, and walk down the aisle as husband and wife for the first time! Guests are excited, and we are celebrating because the wedding party’s hype was perfection!
Getting Ready Moments and Details
Let’s back it up before their Monterey wedding at The Barns. Mailey and her bridal party got ready at The Sanctuary in Marina. The vibes were fun, peaceful, and honestly, just very zen. There was no stress, no rush, and no worrying about what was happening next. Mailey and her party got ready together and enjoyed a morning of music, some TikTok making, and relaxing.
While everyone was getting ready, I photographed a few details Mailey saved. It was nice to dedicate an hour to these. Using fresh flowers that matched her wedding day made these even more meaningful.
Before Mailey got dressed, we did a quick shot on the bed of everyone in their matching PJ’s. Then, we included some custom donuts from Monterey Donuts. It was fun and a sweet way to get the day going before we headed out to their wedding.
As for the guys, Allbry and his groomsmen got ready at The Marriott in Monterey!
First look at The Barns Monterey
Mailey opted in to do a first look with her dad and her brothers at The Barns Monterey. This lead straight into bridal portraits and family formals with Mailey and her Bridal Party/Immediate Family.
It was so sweet seeing her dad and brothers see her all dressed up in her white wedding dress (which is beautiful), and then gifting her some jewelry.
We completed Mailey and her side of the wedding party; it was time for Allbry to arrive with his guys and his family.
Knocking out some of the wedding party formals before the ceremony meant less to do after the wedding, so this way, Allbry and Mailey can enjoy their cocktail hour.
Cocktail Hour + Family Formals
Before the bride and groom enjoyed cocktail hour, we finished up the last of the family and wedding party portraits. These photos took about 20 minutes, but we captured a lot in that time and made sure we got every shot on the couple’s list.
Bride and groom Portraits at The Barns Monterey
This time was dedicated to Allbry and Mailey’s bride-and-groom portraits. I made sure not to take too long, as I know they wanted to go back and enjoy their evening. 15 minutes was all I needed to capture some really great, romantic moments with them. Vanessa, my second photographer, took a few minutes to capture some motion shots. The weather was perfect all day long, and golden hour did not disappoint.
Wedding Reception at The Barns Monterey
That wedding day at The Barns Cooper Molera continued with open dancing, a cake cutting, and fun times! The wedding party had a blast on the dance floor, and the guests enjoyed late-night snacks, great music, and the overall vibe of the night! It truly was the best way to end the day.
Outside was dinner. They used the upper lawn for dinner, toasts, and socializing.
I am so thankful that Mailey, Allbry, and their families hired me to photograph this wedding at The Barns in Monterey a few months ago. I loved spending time with them throughout the day and capturing the amazing moments, both planned and candid. These two, and everyone there, were truly so fun to talk to and photograph. I cannot wait to see where their marriage takes them, and I hope to continue staying in their lives for years and years to come!
About Destinations with Dana
Hey, Dana here! I am a wedding photographer based in Jacksonville, Florida. For the right couples, I will travel to anywhere to photograph their weddings. Destination Weddings, and local ones here in JAX are truly what bring me joy. Getting to serve couples I love and vibe with is what makes this so special to me. If you are looking for a light, joyful wedding photographer and are getting married anywhere in the U.S., let’s chat!
