Chloe and Rich’s wedding in Carmel Valley, California celebrated their highly anticipated union in style with a backdrop you’d have to see to believe. 

The couple met in a classic movie-worthy scenario – living in the same apartment building and bumping into each other in the elevator or mailroom multiple times until Rich worked up the courage to ask Chloe for her number.

When it came to planning their wedding, Chloe and Rich had a clear idea of what they wanted – a destination wedding with a stunning view. The couple also knew they didn’t want to get married at a hotel or country club, but rather somewhere exclusive and unique. The location had to be a true representation of why they love California so much, with either an ocean view, mountains, or in some sort of forest. After much searching, they finally found the perfect location in the Albatross Ridge vineyard in Carmel Valley.

“This [venue] had the view, the exclusivity, the jaw-dropping factors,” Chloe says, “and the beauty of the vineyards and rolling hills were just a bonus!”

Being a self-proclaimed Type A person, the bride knew she’d need a planner who could not only help with the logistics that come with destination weddings, but who matched her in organization and thoroughness. Enter Coastside Couture.

One bump in the road the couple faced was getting their guests to the venue as only vendor vehicles were allowed on the property. So, Chloe and Rich had to shuttle in all their guests.

“The true challenge there was just getting our fashionably late guests to understand that if they missed the shuttle, they missed the wedding!” the couple says.

Although they didn’t include any do-it-yourself projects, the couple spared no expense when it came to their special day. They had guests flying in from all over the country, some of whom had to fly all day to get to the venue. But despite the travel logistics, the Carmel Valley wedding was worth every penny spent, as Chloe and Rich couldn’t imagine their wedding being as magical anywhere else.

“The food and flowers may have been just as lovely but the location, the feel of the location and the town played such a major role in the overall vibe of the wedding that there is no way we could have achieved that by getting married in the city,” the couple says.

For those planning their own weddings, Chloe and Rich’s advice is to make sure the wedding is a reflection of who you are as a couple. Don’t let anyone else’s vision get in the way of what you want for your day. 

“Additionally, it’s just important to remember to be present,” the bride says. “Take it all in. You plan the wedding for so long and then in just a few hours, it’s over. It’s important to remember to just breathe and just be!”

Vendors: Photographer: The Delauras; Wedding Planner: Coastside Couture; Venue: Albatross Ridge; Florist: Barefoot Floral; Stationery: Robinson Creative House; Cake: Sweet Rebas; Hair: Chenikqua Agers; Makeup: The Hair + Makeup Company; Gown Designer: Ines di Santo; Groom’s Clothing Designer: Q Clothier; Bridesmaids Dresses: Lulus; Groomsmen Attire: The Black Tux; Catering: Paradise Catering; Rentals: Standard Event Rentals & BBJ La Tavola; Band: Hella Fitzgerald; Transportation: Main Event Transportation; Bar: A Twist of Lime