Ojai Valley Inn Wedding | Carrie & Sam

Ojai Valley Inn has such a calm presence about it, making it one of my favorite places in California to photograph a wedding. Carrie and Sam’s spring celebration leaned fully into the unfussy, deeply personal, and grounded natural beauty of Ojai. Held in April with just over 100 guests, with the help of their wedding planner Michel B. Events, their wedding weekend was intimate, unfolding across some of the most iconic corners of Ojai Valley Inn.

Carrie’s fashion throughout the weekend felt thoughtful, personal, and timeless. For the welcome party, she wore Zimmermann with Manolo Blahnik heels. Her ceremony gown from the Mark Ingram Collection was a classic, and later, she changed into a Cult Gaia dress for the reception, bringing a modern, playful energy to the evening. One of the most meaningful details was her veil by Jane Rhyan, borrowed from a close friend whose wedding was where Carrie and Sam officially became a couple. Since then, several friends have worn the same veil, which made for such a lovely shared memory.

The morning began slowly, the way wedding mornings should. Carrie and Sam took an early coffee walk together around the OJI property, mirroring their usual Saturdays in New York. It was a grounding pause before the day unfolded. Then the ceremony took place beneath the oak tree near the Artists Cottage, one of the most beloved ceremony locations at Ojai Valley Inn. A garden-inspired floral installation framed the altar, blending into the landscape rather than competing with it. Standing beneath the old oak, Carrie and Sam exchanged vows, officiated by a close friend who has had a front-row seat to their relationship from the very beginning. 

Cocktail hour was hosted at the pergola, where guests sipped Aperol spritzes and Ojai Pixie Margaritas. The reception on the Orchard Lawn carried the couple’s “Refined Garden Reverie” vision forward. A clear-top tent allowed the surroundings to remain the focus, with layered green linens, candlelight, and overhead floral installations creating an intimate atmosphere without feeling heavy. The design felt intentional but never overdone. Dinner reflected the best of California cuisine, followed by a lively dance floor that never seemed to empty. Carrie and Sam entered the reception to “Jubel” by Klingande, kicked things off with espresso martini shots, and danced late into the night, eventually joined by a surprise saxophonist who brought the energy to another level entirely. Carrie and Sam’s Ojai Valley Inn wedding was a perfect reflection of who they are: grounded, joyful, and deeply connected. 

Montage Healdsburg Wedding | Mike & Anya

Mike and Anya’s wedding at Montage Healdsburg was the kind of day that perfectly captures why fall in Northern California is so special. Soft golden light, rolling vineyards, shifting weather, and a design approach rooted in simplicity and natural beauty. This October day was elegant, intentional, and deeply personal from start to finish. The beauty of the resort and a sense of calm of Montage Healdsburg added to the genuinely memorable experience.

The wedding weekend began with a welcome party at Robert Young Winery, setting the tone for what was to come. Surrounded by sweeping vineyard views, friends and family gathered the night before the wedding to reconnect, share wine, and ease into the weekend together.

On October 10th, guests arrived at Montage Healdsburg to a quintessential fall day in Wine Country. The air was crisp, the landscape lush from early autumn rains, and the neutral tones of the venue provided the perfect backdrop for Mike and Anya’s thoughtfully curated design. The ceremony took place on the Oak Lawn, one of Montage Healdsburg’s most iconic outdoor spaces, framed by oak trees and vineyard views. The ceremony design leaned into minimalism and natural textures, allowing the surroundings to take center stage.

While the reception was originally planned for the terrace, a shift in weather brought light rain — and with it, a change of plans. The reception was moved indoors, and what unfolded was a reminder that Plan B can be just as magical (if not more so). The indoor reception space glowed with warmth. Neutral linens, organic textures, and soft lighting transformed the room into an inviting and elegant atmosphere. As a photographer, these moments are always a reminder that flexibility and trust, in your vendor team and in the day itself, make all the difference.

Anya’s bridal style reflected the overall aesthetic of the day. She wore a Kyha gown for the ceremony — clean lines, modern structure, and understated elegance. It felt timeless without being traditional, and photographed beautifully against the natural textures of the venue. Later in the evening, Anya changed into a fun after-party look, bringing a playful energy to the celebration and signaling the start of an unforgettable night on the dance floor.

Every detail of Mike and Anya’s wedding felt intentional. The design focused on neutral tones, minimalism, and natural materials, allowing the venue’s architecture and landscape to shine. Nothing felt overdone. Instead, everything worked in quiet harmony. But more than anything, what stood out was the emotion. From heartfelt vows on the Oak Lawn to laughter and dancing during the reception, this wedding was full of connection and joy. Photographing Mike and Anya’s wedding was such an honor. Their day was a beautiful reminder that the most meaningful weddings are those rooted in intention, trust, and presence.

Planning + Design: Roque Events

Photography: Anya Kernes

Venue: Montage Healdsburg

Floral: Let’er Bloom

Bridal Styling: Something White Styling

Production: Twilight Design

Rentals: Theoni; Found Rental

Stationery: Wild Horse Design

Bridal HMU: God Mom World

Bridesmaids HMU: Rachel Lusk

Strings: Bellarosa String Quartet

DJ: Chris Clouse

Cake: Flour and Bloom Cakes