Jake and Karly got married on Labor Day weekend last year on Saturday, September 4th. It was a rainy day, in fact, it rained most of the day. But luckily we had the Ritz Charles wedding venue for a day like this because there were still SO many great photo spots regardless of the rain! Besides, rain on your wedding day is good luck!
The day began at the Hyatt Hotel right next to the Ritz Charles in Carmel. The girls were getting ready in the hotel until they gained access to the Ritz Charles Chapel to go put dresses on and for the guys to also get dressed.
Before the ceremony, Jake & Karly shared an emotional first look outside of the Chapel. It was super sweet, Jake couldn’t stop telling Karly how beautiful she looked and Karly was in tears from all the emotions. One of the many reasons I just love these first looks!
They exchanged some special gifts for each other. Jake gave Karly a diamond necklace and Karly gave Jake some Ray Ban sun glasses engraved with their wedding date. She even got herself a white pair to match him!
Since we were able to do a first look, we got all photos done prior to the ceremony, which I really felt relieved a lot of pressure on everyone. We were able to get over to the reception pretty quickly after their ceremony in the gorgeous little white chapel. Conveniently right next to the Ritz Charles Garden Pavilion!
I can’t say enough how much I love the Garden Pavilion Ritz Charles offers. It’s basically a giant greenhouse, which means it’s stunning anytime of the year. Not to mention it’s the ideal venue in regards to light for a wedding photographer. SO MUCH natural light!
Karly & Jake incorporated many DIY aspects into their day including decor, invites & florals. I loved this personal touch.
The reception was gorgeous and just a time for all of Karly & Jake’s closest friends and family to gather and celebrate such a beautiful couple, oh how beautiful these two are both inside and out!
They served a delicious plated dinner, cut the cake, shared some special dances with each other and their parents and then danced the night away!
Karly & Jake requested a few photos taken at dusk in front of the new Ritz Charles Sign and in front of their venue.
Night time photos aren’t something I do super often but I think it’s something I might need to start incorporating for every wedding because these shots were my absolute faves! Be sure to scroll to the very bottom to see these!
I could go on and on about how great this day turned out, but let me allow the photos to speak for themselves. Here are some of my favorites from the Gholston Wedding Day!
Associated Vendors
DJ: Dj Connection
Bridesmaid Dresses: David’s Bridal
Dress Store: Something Blue Bridal
Reception Venue: Ritz Charles
Photographer: Sarah Elizabeth Photos