INTRO Is your big day coming up soon? Well, hopefully it isn’t too soon. You’ve got some planning to do to make sure not only the day goes smoothly, but also those before and after it. By this point, you probably have a broad idea of where your wedding will be, and how you want it to look. As you dive into the details, you’ll soon discover the numerous big and little things that add up to the “I do” moment. If you’re reading this, you’ve already decided that Monterey County is where you want to get married. It’s a destination that is known around the world for its beautiful landscapes and diverse offerings, with plenty of venues—intimate or extravagant—here to fit the bill for any wedding (budgetconscious or not). Will your ceremony be on-trend or go against the grain? Who, exactly, will you entrust to be by your side throughout the entire process? How will both families get to know each other? This guide covers some planning suggestions and the many local services that are on hand in Monterey County. You got this—remember, you’ve already found the love of your life. That’s the hardest part. -Erik Chalhoub CONTENTS 12 Getting Trendy 18 Choose Your Destination 24 Rehearsal Dinner 28 All the Bride’s (and Groom’s) People 34 Plan Ahead Founder & CEO Bradley Zeve Publisher Erik Cushman Project Editor Erik Chalhoub Editor Sara Rubin Features Editor Dave Faries Art Director/Production Manager Karen Loutzenheiser Contributing Writers and Copy Editors Marielle Argueza, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Agata Pope˛da, Katie Rodriguez, David Schmalz Photographers Evynn LeValley, Ryan Chard Smith, Michael Dadula Graphic Designers Alexis Estrada, Lani Headley, Kevin Jewell Advertising Keith Bruecker, Diane Glim, George Kassal Business Development Director Keely Richter Cover Photo Evynn LeValley The Best of Monterey Bay® is published by Milestone Communications, Inc., a California corporation. The entire contents are copyright 2025. No portion may be reproduced. 831394-5656. www.montereycountynow.com. RYAN CHARD SMITH 10 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2025-2026 Fleurs du Soleil Garden & Lifestyle Boutique 598 Fremont Street, Monterey 831.656.0455 • fleursdusoleil.com info@fleursdusoleil.com ’21 ’22 ’23 ’24 Monterey County’s BEST FLORIST EXTRAORDINARY FLORAL DESIGN for Weddings, Events & Special Occasions FleureduSoleil_1-2h_WG25_GK.indd 1 2/27/25 12:15 PM
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