holman ranch, Carmel Valley
- as seen on martha stewart & style me pretty -

Inspired by Stephanie & Calvin’s families and heritage, we pulled from Stephanie’s Peruvian background and Calvin’s Thai culture to frame our design for their Holman Ranch wedding in Carmel Valley. Having also spent time living in Cophenhagen, they wanted their wedding to be influenced by the minimalistic, clean lines that characterize Danish design. We set out to create an event experience that would celebrate the joining of their beautiful cultures and backgrounds. They chose to celebrate their wedding at Holman Ranch in Carmel Valley, California, which became the backdrop to their Thai-Peruvian heritage inspired wedding.

We carried this theme of a blend of cultures throughout their entire day, beginning with the hanging zen garden installation – an idea that was actually birthed by our florist, Lambert Floral Studio, when brainstorming alternative ideas over the phone together the week of Stephanie & Calvin’s wedding once we realized our original plan would have to be scrapped due to rainy weather. The mossy, hellebore-adorned “kokedama” balls were designed to float around our bride and groom as they exchanged their vows. He also decorated the entrances to the barn with foliage, creating a warm welcome for guests. Following the ceremony, guests sipped on cocktails designed to reflect their Peruvian-Thai and Danish inspiration, with fun names such as the “Hygge Old Fashioned” and “Muay Thai Punch”.

Guests were invited to find their seating assignments at our tabletop zen garden escort display, and were greeted with champagne as they entered the Rose Patio for dinner. Inspired by Stephanie & Calvin’s love of sailing and the ocean, a pale blue linen was selected for their table, which was also reflected in the cake designed by Jasmine Rae that depicted blooms tossed in the ocean waves. Our floral palette was bursting with color – electric purples, zany greens, moody hellebores, and luscious garden roses which danced on the table, set in handmade ceramic vessels. We kept the rest of our tablescape minimal, with sleek gold flatware and matte grey plates, to let our florals be the star of the show. Danish wishbone chairs were selected as an organic finishing touch to our tablescape. As a nod to Calvin’s Thai heritage, a lotus flower motif was incorporated into their all of their paper goods, from their invitation suites to their menus. Guests were treated to a multi-course meal selected by the bride & groom to reflect their cultures, featuring dishes seasoned with Peruvian and Thai spices. Before the sun set (and during a moment when the sun came out!), our photographer Amanda Crean whisked Stephanie & Calvin away to capture romantic portraits as husband and wife.  

Photography: Amanda Crean Photography // Design & Styling: Natalie Choi Events // Florals: Lambert Floral Studio // Venue: Holman Ranch // Videography: Patrick Ang // Catering: Paradise Catering // Bartending: Pour Girl // Rentals: The Chiavari Guys & Standard Party Rentals // Linens: La Tavola Linen // Paper goods: Gatherie Creative // Signage: Ettie Kim Studio // HMUA: Makeup by Quis // Cake: Jasmine Rae Cakes // DJ: SIM Events // String quartet: Bellarosa String Quartet // Photobooth: Chroma Photobooth