1. Real Weddings

Amanda & Michael: An Outdoor Wedding in Carmel, CA

Amanda and Michael's wedding was a country-style celebration in Carmel Valley. The Bride Amanda Hall, 30, Acquisitions Analyst The Groom Michael Lin

Amanda and Michael's wedding was a country-style celebration in Carmel Valley. The Bride Amanda Hall, 30, Acquisitions Analyst The Groom Michael Lindberg, 32, Human Resources Analyst The Date May 22 Amanda Hall and Michael Lindberg met over cocktails at a bar in San Francisco and started dating shortly after. Their five and a half year romance culminated with Mike's surprise proposal after a hiking trip in Carmel. It wasn't long before the couple decided the rustic, country locale was the perfect setting for their springtime ceremony.

Amanda walked down the aisle in an ivory Maggie Sottero gown. The modified A-line strapless gown featured a corset back and beautiful beading across the bodice.
Amanda and Michael exchanged vows in a non-denominational ceremony. Our officiant, Denise, helped us create a ceremony that was short but heartfelt, Amanda remembers. Our vows emphasized our love for one another and our happiness to be joining our lives together. Brevity could not quell emotions, however. As Amanda prepared to walk down the aisle with her father she saw Michael wiping his eyes. This caused me to tear up and it continued throughout the entire ceremony, Amanda says. Emotions were running so high that at one point the officiant had to stop the ceremony to get Amanda a handkerchief to wipe her nose. The ceremony truly reflected our feelings for one another, laughs Amanda.
The moment Amanda and Michael first visited the Mission Ranch, they immediately knew it was the perfect place for their wedding. We cancelled all of our other appointments and wrote a deposit check, recalls Amanda. The small, historic inn is owned by actor Clint Eastwood and boasts breathtaking views of flower-covered pastures, rolling hills and the Pacific Ocean. Amanda and Michael decided to have their late afternoon ceremony on a hill that takes in every vista.
The Bride
The Rings
In this barn, guests indulged in the four-tier dark chocolate and vanilla wedding cake, which was decorated with Swiss dots and adorned with pink peonies and sweet peas.