DC events and design Archives

Nanllel and Mikael booked the Wind & Sea Estate in Big Sur to celebrate their first wedding anniversary with 30 of their closest friends and family.

On June 16, 2018, Nanllel and Mikael privately eloped at the courthouse. It was a quick and casual affair, but they still wanted the opportunity to celebrate with friends and family. A year to the date, they hosted everyone for a weekend long celebration. Guests traveled all the way from England and Mexico to be there.

A Fireside Vow Renewal at Wind & Sea Estate

The Wind & Sea estate sits right along Pacific Coast Highway, hidden behind an inconspicuous wooden gate. It sits high on the cliff side, with winding pathways to the ocean, populated with native succulents. From the balcony and living room, you’re treated to panoramic views of the coastline.

To kick off the weekend, the couple hosted a casual BBQ on Friday and built a bonfire as the sun was setting. As everyone gathered around the fire, Mikael’s uncle, a pastor, led their vow renewal.

A Quiet Morning at Wind & Sea Estate

Both Nanllel and Mikael got ready at the Wind & Sea Estate, with a handful of close family and friends. Nanllel wore the feminine and romantic, Willowby by Watters Reagan Gown from BHLDN. Neither of them wore traditional wedding clothes for their courthouse elopement, so this was a highlight.

Nanllel and Mikael emphasized a natural, light-hearted, and candid approach to their photography. They wanted photos that captured the atmosphere of Big Sur and tangible essence of their most intimate relationships.

A Cliffside First Look & Redwood Portraits at Limekiln

I found the perfect secluded spot at Wind & Sea Estate for their first look, with amazing views of the coast stretching for miles in both directions. After, we headed down to Limekiln State Park for couple portraits in the redwoods. Nanllel’s wedding dress swept the forest floor and was full of needles and acorns by the end.

Big Sur Bakery Reception Party

After portraits, we drove to Big Sur Bakery and arrived just in time for cocktail hour. Everyone mingled in the Loma Vista Gardens, punctuated by lots of cheery group photos.

The couple asked guests to wear floral and colorful attire to compliment the garden setting of Big Sur Bakery. They kept the decor simple to let the natural beauty of the venue shine.

Peaches & Poppies Floral created colorful flower arrangements for the wooden tables, set on soft pink cheese cloth runners. Herbs like rosemary and lavender were used as escort cards for seat assignments.

Nanllel and Mikael love sweets and opted for a candy bar buffet. For the rest of the decor, they opted for timeless pieces they could display in their home.

Before dinner, a few friends and family members toasted the couple. Mikael’s dad got everyone choked up when he presented a book of “dude trips,” a scrapbook he had been working on since Mikael’s childhood of their adventures together. Afterward, we shared a delicious family style meal, catered by the one and only Big Sur Bakery.

To wrap up the evening, Nanllel & Mikael cut their epic cake. Then a cheery dance party under the market lights broke out.