1. Real Weddings

An Elegant, Rustic Wedding at the Paion Estate in Big Sur, California

Unifying natural beauty with sophisticated details, Aurora "Rory" Hughes (31 and a small business owner) and Kevin Kusterer's (31 and a trader) destin

Unifying natural beauty with sophisticated details, Aurora "Rory" Hughes (31 and a small business owner) and Kevin Kusterer's (31 and a trader) destination wedding atop a seaside cliff on California’s Big Sur coast was a grand effort with even grander results. From cozy postceremony relaxation stations to clever sound ordinance solutions, Fondly Forever Photography chronicled every detail of this thoughtful, idyllic event. Rory and Kevin built their ideal wedding at the Paion Estate in Big Sur, California. "We learned we could build our dream wedding from the bottom up—it was a blank canvas," Kevin says. "We had to bring in everything from mobile restrooms to stoves for the caterer. The prospect was daunting but we knew the final product would be well worth the extraordinary effort—and it was.” 

Based in New York, Rory and Kevin relied heavily on their local planner Diane Allen's area expertise and coordination while they shared their vision from afar. White, peach and soft-blush flowers from local growers paired perfectly with the event’s neutral color scheme. Floral centerpieces and ceremony decor included fragrant medleys of sage, lavender, rose and Staghorn Ferns. After Rory and Kevin exchanged vows on a cliff under the arch of two pine trees, the 120 guests sipped signature cocktails, snacked on mini lasagnas and lounged on cozy couches overlooking the Pacific Ocean. After an outdoor sunset dinner under the glow of hanging Edison lights, the dancing kicked up and went on long into the night. An early sound ordinance could have stopped the party, but Rory and Kevin wisely supplied silent disco headphones, allowing guests to continue grooving. At the evening’s end, shuttles took revelers safely back to their hotels. “Planning a destination wedding is not for the faint of heart,” Rory says. “Nothing special and unique comes without hard work. But the result will also be worth every moment of worry and anxiety.” —Carolyn Meers

New York-based Rory and Kevin had their clifftop outdoor wedding at a private property in Big Sur, California. The two relied heavily on an on-site planner, who helped land local vendors and educate the couple about the area.
Custom vintage-inspired postcards served as the couple's save-the-dates and invitations. Momental Designs painted the event's invites, programs and menu cards.
Custom vintage-inspired postcards served as the couple's save-the-dates and invitations. Momental Designs painted the event's invites, programs and menu cards.
Rory and Kevin's 120 guests sat on wooden benches to watch them exchange vows on a cliff under an arch of pine trees overlooking the Pacific Ocean.
Rory wore a Chantilly lace Monique Lhullier gown with a high neck, long sleeves and low-cut back. "I opted to wear my hair up because of the dress’s high neckline and its open-back detail," Rory says. "We decided to pull it back in loose, ‘messy’ pieces to give it an overall look that felt elegant yet effortless. We didn’t want my hair to look stiff or overly formal.”
Rory altered her long-sleeve Chantilly lace Monique Lhullier gown to have a lower-cut back.
Rory calls these cobalt blue Self-Portrait dresses "the antibridesmaid dress." Each was slightly different from the other and looked "effortlessly cool, edgy and elegant."
Bridal and bridesmaid bouquets were meant to have a freshly picked wildflower appearance. Each was made with pale pink and white blossoms, all locally sourced.
Kevin and his two groomsmen wore midnight blue Ralph Lauren tuxedos with black bow ties and white blossom boutonnieres.
At the ceremony, the aisle was lined with a fragrant medley of sage, lavender and rose petals, while the aisle itself was lined on both sides with lush pink and green garlands.
Rory and Kevin wed under an natural archway of two pine trees on the private Paion Estate in Big Sur, California.
After the ceremony, guests were served one of two signature cocktails from wooden barn-wood box trays: a Manhattan for Kevin and a cucumber and mint vodka soda for Rory.
After the ceremony, guests picked up cocktails and appetizers and took in views of the Pacific Ocean from artfully arranged "comfort zones" comprising plush couches, armchairs and coffee tables.
During the cocktail hour, guests took in Pacific Ocean views from artfully arranged "comfort zones" comprising plush couches, armchairs and coffee tables.
Succulents in brass and gold containers served as centerpieces and table number holders.
For dinner, guests were served plated entrees and family-style side dishes, all of which were made with locally sourced ingredients and included an heirloom tomato salad, roasted cauliflower and fingerling potatoes, and farmers' market succotash.
At dinner long, dark brown tables were adorned with a simple cream-colored table runner, gold flatware and chargers, and black and gold chairs. The U-shaped seating arrangement sat under a wooden frame from which a floral garland and Edison lightbulbs hung.
Tables were set with gold flatware and chargers, as well as napkins that had pops of gold. The colors were paired with vintage postcard-inspired menus and place cards, which also integrated gold-foil lettering.
The long, wooden center table was topped with a lush garland of greenery, herbs and pops of white flowers.
The U-shaped seating arrangement sat under a wooden frame from which a garland, white flowers and Edison lightbulbs hung. "The lights provided a beautiful visual, which evolved as we lost daylight," Rory says.
Local baker Edith Meyer crafted a three-tier, horizontally rough-frosted cake with layers of bittersweet chocolate with strawberry buttercream. The base of each tier was encircled with fresh olive branches, with a large gold marzipan succulent offset on the center tier.
Rory and Kevin's celebration at the Paion Estate, a private property on the coast of Big Sur, California, went on long past sunset.