When I received an email from Krista, just days after she got engaged to Colin, asking us to be their wedding photographer for their upcoming Memory Garden wedding in Monterey I was surprised and so flattered! Krista is a talented wedding photographer herself (and we have so many other similarities – both moved to the bay area from Florida, both have “matching” black and white dogs) and it meant so, so much that she wanted us to document her celebration! Truly the biggest compliment.

It was our final wedding of the year, and I just knew it was going to be a smooth, refreshing day. Krista and Colin were so laid back throughout the whole process. You could tell they were confident and calm about the decisions they were making – and they were ready to enjoy the day – however it unfolded.

Krista and Colin shared a first look outside of their beautiful venue, Memory Garden. The joy radiated from their faces. Actually, Krista glowed all day long. She has the prettiest smile! After having their sweet moment, we all packed in the car and took a little road trip along the 17 Mile Drive. How can you get married in Monterey and not have photos by the water? Although it was overcast, it was still so beautiful to see the iconic Monterey views.

Their ceremony was held in Memory Garden in front of the blue door. Mandy’s Garden Design created a deconstructed floral arch for their ceremony. These two walked down the aisle with so much excitement in their step – Colin high-fiving guests as he made his way to wait for Krista.  They exchanged personal vows – making promises of all that’s to come on their journey together. The theme of owning many, many dogs came up a few times.

Their reception was filled with a fresh and perfect fall color palette – stormy blues, deep yellows, sage greens and pops of pink and burgundy. They had an intimate wedding with petite tables that each held five to eight guests. With the addition of the twinkle lights in the magnolia trees, the space was magical. At the beginning of dinner, we all took a moment to honor the guests that couldn’t be there with them – specifically Colin’s mother. It was a touching tribute and I feel confident she was smiling down on everyone in attendance as she watched her son marry the love of his life.

Krista surprised Colin with two tiny figurines of their pups on the back of their wedding cake. I love how they incorporated Shiloh and Luna throughout the event, even though the dogs couldn’t be there. After a hilariously messy cake cutting, Krista and Colin shared their first dance. The party continued for a few hours and at 9pm, they transitioned to a local bar to close out the night with an afterparty. It was the perfect conclusion to our 2022 season!

Colin and Krista – thank you, thank you, thank you! You were such a treat to work with. I appreciate the trust you gave us. I admire that you were able to be fully present on your wedding day – something that’s hard to do as a wedding photographer. I also really admire how diverse your vendor team was – I appreciate the effort you made to support businesses of many kinds. You two are radiant and I’m so grateful that we were able to be a part of your story. I hope this is just the beginning of our friendship! Cheers!

A big thank you to Style Me Pretty for sharing this day on their blog!

Venue: Memory Garden in Monterey // Planning & Design: By Alysa Monet // Florist: Mandy’s Garden Design // Bridal Boutique: Janene’s // Dress Designer: Essence of Australia // Bridal Shoes: Badgley Mischka // Bridesmaids Dress: Lulu’s // Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply // Invitations & Paper Goods: Paperplum Co // Catering: Wylder Space // Hair & Makeup: Raven Reed Makeup // DJ: Dennon & Doyle // Guitarist: Terrence Farrell // Cake: Sweet Reba’s // Rentals: Illusions of Grandeur, Chic Event Rentals, AtoZ Party Rental // Watercolor Bar Sign: Rubi & Lib // Photography: The Ganeys // Videography: Tim Fox Weddings // Film Lab: Richard Photo Lab // Styling Mat: Locust Collection //

Are you having a Memory Garden wedding in Monterey and looking for a wedding photographer? We would love to be considered! Send us a message!

We are husband and wife California Bay area wedding photographers. We strive to capture joyful moments. We use film and digital cameras to capture your wedding with a timeless, fine art approach.