He’s the green-thumbed vineyard manager for a Carmel Valley winery; she’s the globe-trotting ingredients manager for a ginger company in Marina. Put them together and you get drunken spice, farm gourmet, an artisan elixir of wit and laughter.
He flew to Barcelona with a 1920s vintage diamond smoldering in his pocket. The perfect moment revealed itself under a full moon, in front of famed architect Antoni Gaudí’s surreal Casa Batlló. She reminded him to take a knee. He reminded her to say yes.
Matt Shea and Katie Blandin plan to wed in Carmel Valley this August, but there’s still so much to do. Blandin is working with a local clothing designer to create a dress sketched by her grandmother in the 1930s. Shea is lining up the wine selection while Blandin pulls together a spread of local foods crafted by her friends: Big Sur cheese, Carmel Valley produce, Prunedale-cured charcuterie.
It takes patience and creativity to plan a wedding that reflects their unique story. We hope this guide brings fresh ideas, useful tips and just the right vendors to tell yours.
Because once the blooming bouquets are in place and the topper is on that decadent cake, it’s time to let go of all the work that led you here. You’re gorgeous. Your soon-to-be-spouse is glowing. Your nearest and dearest are gathered to celebrate your life together. This is your moment. Let it flow.
Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve
Publisher Erik Cushman
Editor Mary Duan
Project Editor Kera Abraham
Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser
Contributing Writers Kera Abraham, Mark C. Anderson, Adam Joseph, Sara Rubin, Walter Ryce, David Schmalz, Alexandra Videmsky
Photographers Buena Lane Photography, Nic Coury, Laura Hernandez Photography, Manuel Ortega Photography, Rachel Zee Photography
Graphic Designers Levi DeKeyrel, Rose Freidin, Kevin Jewell
Advertising Keith Bruecker, Tracy Burke, Chelsea Davey, Arno Featherstone, Diane Glim, George Kassal, Carrie Kuhl, Alexis Maceira
Advertising Assistant Keely Richter
Cover Photo Rachel Zee Photography
The Best of Monterey Bay® is published by Milestone Communications, Inc., a California corporation. The entire contents are copyright 2015. No portion may be reproduced. 831-394-5656. www.mcweekly.com.
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