Carmel Wedding Photographer . Carmel Valley Ranch . Andrea & Sam

Andrea and Sam have one of those love stories that spans across years and miles, influencing everyone who comes in contact with it for the better. They met in the dorms their freshman year of college and proceeded to spend the next several years going on long road trips with nothing to listen to but each other, living on separate continents while studying abroad, supporting each other through grad school, and building a house together. Finally, they decided to make it all official at Carmel Valley Ranch last year.

Andrea and Sam’s easygoing personalities set the tone for the day, and the fact that their family and friends were just as excited for them to get married as they were made for a warm, joyful event all-around.

Each of their friends and family members were enthusiastically cheering them on all day. It was clear that everyone was there to full-on celebrate. Between the many belly laughs during toasts full of inside jokes (delivered by Andrea’s sister, Sam’s best friend, and both of their dads), and the wild dance moves at the reception, Andrea and Sam’s wedding was an absolute party.

Over and over again, Andrea and Sam have returned to the Monterey Peninsula to escape the stresses of their everyday lives. It’s where he proposed, it’s where they spent countless weekends together playing Scrabble and admiring the wildlife, so naturally, it’s where they decided to start this new chapter of their life together.

With the mountains of Big Sur as a backdrop, it’s no surprise the simple and intentional details were all that was needed to create a beautiful experience for everyone. The floral installation made by Willow & Plum was perfect for the ceremony backdrop, and it made the sweetheart table at the reception next-level beautiful. And what more could you ask for in a happy hour than a stroll through a vineyard, great drinks, and a stunning view of the sunset?