Some love stories begin with a grand gesture. Grace and Adam’s began with a conversation.
While attending The Ohio State University, the two met through mutual friends and spent an entire evening talking at a small gathering. What started as an easy connection quickly became something more. Through college, career changes, and eventually welcoming their beloved puppy Arlo into the family, they built a life rooted in friendship, trust, and genuine companionship.
Five years later, while celebrating their anniversary in Switzerland, Adam led Grace to Staubbach Falls in Lauterbrunnen before dinner. Standing together overlooking the waterfall, he asked her to marry him.
“It was an easy yes and a beautiful, full-circle moment.”
Their wedding day reflected that same sense of effortless romance. Set against the breathtaking coastline of Carmel-by-the-Sea, Grace and Adam envisioned a celebration that felt timeless, relaxed, and deeply personal. Hosted at the historic La Playa Hotel, the day blended coastal elegance with understated sophistication through soft neutrals, dusty blues, organic florals, and candlelit details.
Before the ceremony, the couple exchanged private vows beside the pool, creating a quiet moment together before the festivities began. Later, beneath an arched stone fountain adorned with cascading greenery and florals, they exchanged vows overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The result was a celebration that felt intimate, meaningful, and entirely their own.
“Do what feels right for you, not what you think you’re supposed to do.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
Adam and I met through mutual friends during our junior and senior years at The Ohio State University. We ended up talking the entire night at a small party and quickly became inseparable, visiting each other often and building our life together – eventually with our puppy, Arlo.
For our five-year anniversary, we took a trip to Switzerland and Italy. While staying in Lauterbrunnen, Adam brought me to Staubbach Falls before dinner, found a quiet spot overlooking the waterfall, and proposed. It was an easy yes and a beautiful, full-circle moment.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
We kept our ceremony simple and personal, but we did incorporate the traditional breaking of the glass at the end of the ceremony.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
One of my favorite parts of the day was exchanging private vows by the pool before getting ready. It was quiet and intimate and helped to ground both of us.
We also chose to do our first look and all of our family photos before the ceremony, which ended up being one of the best decisions because we were able to relax, let the nerves fade, and spend real time with family.
It allowed a feeling of ease and casualness to the whole day and made everything feel fun and genuinely enjoyable.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
I was inspired by the natural beauty and relaxed elegance of Carmel-by-the-Sea. I wanted our wedding to feel timeless and a little coastal without being overly themed.
I also wanted to embrace La Playa’s warm, historic charm. Our style centered around soft and airy neutrals with touches of dusty blue and green, simple florals, candlelight, and clean, intentional details.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Do what feels right for you, not what you think you’re supposed to do.
I’d also say to trust your vendors because when you let them do what they’re great at, it takes so much stress off your plate.
Try to slow down and savor the little moments. The day goes by fast, and it’s the little moments you’ll remember the most.
Photography: Pamela Tatz Photography / @pamelatatz
Venue: La Playa Hotel / @laplayaca
Planning: Next Event Co. / @nextevent.co
Officiant: Monterey Wedding Officiant
Florals: Dahlias & Details / @dahliasanddetails
Cake Artist: Layers Cake Monterey / @layerscakemonterey
Live Musician: Eric Jarmie
Hair & Makeup Artist: Evolve Salon Carmel / @evolvesaloncarmel
Bride’s Gown: NEWHITE / @newhite_bridal
Bridal Boutique: Harper + Ivory / @harperandivorybridal
Alterations: Cara’s Bridal Alterations / @carasbridal
Desserts: Nece’s GF Bakery / @necesgfbakery
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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