This Eclectic Wedding Had a 420 Bar at The Holly Farm in Carmel-By-The-Sea, California
During a romantic getaway in Marin County, Bill and Katy embarked on an adventure that would forever change their lives. Katy recalls, "We hiked out to a secluded beach on a perfectly sunny day in February and picnicked on a private dune." The serene beauty of their surroundings and the joy of their solitude set the stage for a moment that was nothing short of magical. As they shared laughter and love, Bill seized the moment to express his deepest feelings. "Bill had some nice words to say and asked me to marry him. I immediately said yes and was jumping up and down with excitement," Katy laughs. Their joyous celebration continued into the evening, marked by an intimate and light-hearted revelry. "We drank two bottles of champagne to celebrate that night and watched My Big Fat Greek Wedding!" Katy shares.
The couple's journey to matrimony was as colorful and eclectic as their personalities. From the outset, this dynamic duo knew they wanted their wedding to be a reflection of their zest for life and love for each other. With a flair for the unique and an eye for detail, they embarked on a planning adventure that would culminate in a spectacular coastal celebration in California, a tropical affair that would leave their guests talking for years to come.
"Our theme inspiration was disco retro glam," the bride explains. This motif mirrored their shared passion for upbeat disco and retro music. The couple envisioned a dance floor that would come alive under the influence of their carefully selected tracks, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. Their color palette, "heavy on pink and orange but with purple and yellow mixed in as well," was chosen to celebrate the beauty and diversity of a Spring palette, painting their day with the hues of joy and love.
As they delved deeper into the decor, the lovebirds were determined to infuse their space with personal touches that spoke volumes of their journey together. One such detail was a labor of love crafted by a family member. "A really special decoration at our wedding was the seating chart because my dad made it by hand," Katy details. This bespoke piece, alongside the stunning floral installation that adorned their altar, set the tone for a ceremony that was "joyful, bright, exciting and optimistic," much like the couple themselves.
Fashion choices for their big day were approached with equal thoughtfulness. Ever the emblem of grace and style, Katy opted for a gown that embodied a classic look with a modern twist. "I wanted my dress to feel timeless and comfortable, which it absolutely did," she muses, her decision to adorn herself with pearl details adding an extra layer of elegance to her ensemble. Not one to shy away from the dance floor, she later slipped into a white sequin jumpsuit, a nod to her retro disco dream and a testament to her spirited nature. Bill, in perfect harmony with his bride, donned a tailored black tuxedo by Anatoly & Sons, his black patent leather shoes a reflection of the classic elegance that defined their day.
The ceremony itself was a heartfelt affair, set against the backdrop of the lush tropical foliage of The Holly Farm's unique landscape. Guests gathered under a towering tree bedecked with added flora as Bill and Katy prepared to exchange vows. The moment they saw each other for the first time before the ceremony was one of profound connection and calm, a prelude to the joyful union that would follow. "Seeing each other for the first time was so special! We did a first look before we walked down the aisle," the bride reminisces.
As the day unfolded, the reception brought with it a flurry of excitement and revelry. The unveiling of their personalized ice luge was a highlight, a unique feature that encapsulated the fun and energy of their celebration. "We were the first people to take shots from the luge," Katy laughs, recalling how the moment set the tone for an evening of uninhibited joy. The addition of a specialty "recreational" bar added an extra layer of novelty, ensuring that their guests experienced a night of relaxation and enjoyment.
As the festivities wound down and the night gave way to the promise of a bright future, Bill and Katy reflected on the journey that had brought them to this moment. Their advice to other couples embarking on the journey of marriage was simple yet profound: "Plan for a beautiful life together, not just a beautiful wedding day." Their wedding, a kaleidoscope of color, love and laughter, was but the beginning of their lifelong adventure.