Published by FREE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY® Wedding2026-2027 cover_WG26.indd 1 2/19/26 1:41 PM
Your love story deserves the perfect setting 831.620.8852 | WEDDINGS@QUAILLODGE.COM| QUAILLODGE.COM/WEDDINGS QuailLodge_FP_WG26_kb.indd 1 2/18/26 3:42 PM
SOMETHING BLUE Begin your journey together at the centerpiece of Monterey Bay. Elegant architecture, exceptional cuisine and unparalleled views set the stage for a day you and your guests will remember forever. 400 Cannery Row, Monterey To plan your appointment, contact weddings@montereyplazahotel.com montereyplazahotel.com MtyPlaza_fp_WG26_gk.indd 1 2/23/26 12:33
Where the Wedding Weekend Gathers Whether your ceremony is in Carmel or beyond, La Playa offers an intimate setting for the celebrations that surround your wedding day. Garden courtyards. Ocean-view terraces. Cocktail hours at Bud’s. Guest rooms just steps from Carmel Beach. Gather beautifully. Extend the celebration. Rehearsal dinners, welcome soirées, and farewell brunches in the heart of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Host Your Wedding Events at La Playa Hotel LaPlayaHotel.com/Weddings | 831.293.6121 ext 521 Untitled-7 1 2/19/26 1:18 PM
For Beautiful Weddings All Year Round In The Monterey Conference Center is the perfect location for that classic yet modern couple. The venue is located just steps away from the waterfront and charming historic Downtown Monterey. Book your wedding day at montereyconferencecenter.com or call (831) 646-3770. One Portola Plaza, Downtown Monterey Monterey Untitled-2 1 2/19/26 10:30 AM
VOTED MONTEREY COUNTY’S BEST CATERER/CATERING SERVICE FOR 2022 Creating Customized Events. Making Memorable Experiences. Whether in one of our unique onsite event spaces, with our partners, or at a venue of your choice, with the custom tailored collaboration of our three iconic restaurants, we ensure that every event is an unforgettable one. ’23 Wheter in one of our unique onsite event spaces, with our partners, or at a venues of your choice, with the custom tailored collaboration of our three iconic restaruants, we enusre that every event is an unforgettable one. Local Flavors Meaningful Connections Lifelong Memories COASTAL ROOTS EVENTS & CATERING MONTRIO | RIO GRILL | TARPY’S events@coastalrootshospitality.com | 831.655.2999 PART OF THE COASTAL ROOTS HOSPITALITY FAMILY VOTED MONTEREY COUNTY’S BEST CATERER/CATERING SERVICE FOR 2022 Creating Customized Events. Making Memorable Experiences. Wheter in one of our unique onsite event spaces, with our partners, or at a venues of you with the custom tailored collaboration of our three iconic restaruants, we enusre that eve an unforgettable one. Local Flavors Meaningful Connections Lifelong Memories VOTED MONTEREY COUNTY’S BEST CATERER/CATERING SERVICE FOR 2022 Creating Customized Events. Making Memorable Experiences. Voted Monterey County’s Best Caterer/Catering Service MONTRIO | RIO GRILL | TARPY’S events@coastalrootshospitality.com | 831.655.2999 PART OF THE COASTAL ROOTS HOSPITALITY FAMILY LOCAL FLAVORS • MEANINGFUL CONNECTIONS • LIFELONG MEMORIES Untitled-6 1 2/19/26 10:44 AM
Select your favorite Olive Oil and Balsamic and create a one of a kind wedding favor. Perfect for your most favorite day. Come in and let us help you make your day the best day ever. Taste over 70 varieties of olive oils and balsamics When olive you loves olive her.... Only the best will do. 751 CANNERY ROW • MONTEREY • 831-242-8900 • montereystastyolivebar.com mty-olive-bar_FP_WG22_gk.indd 1 2/4/22 11:52 AM Untitled-4 1 2/19/26 10:34 AM
(831) 337-8800 | montere tourin vehicles.com 2228 Del Monte Ave. | Montere , C 93940 YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS MTV Advertisement - Carmel Magazine - Full Page - v-a RzDsgn.indd 1 5/4/21 4:54 PM MAKE YOUR SPECIAL DAY MAGICAL GETAWAY CARS, ELOPEMENTS, ENGAGEMENT SHOOTS, CHAUFFEUR SERVICES MTV_FP_WG23_gk.indd 1 2/15/23 1:09 PM Untitled-3 1 2/19/26 10:32 AM
For nearly six decades, The Sardine Factory has hosted life’s most meaningful celebrations in an atmosphere of timeless elegance. From intimate rehearsal dinners to receptions and welcome parties, our distinctive private dining rooms provide an unforge able se ing for gathering family and friends. Our culinary team and dedicated event staff manage every detail, ensuring a seamless and memorable experience for you and your guests. Plan your special event with us at sardinefactory.com/privateevents VOTED “BEST RESTAURANT IN MONTEREY COUNTY” by Monterey County Weekly readers THE SARDINE FACTORY • 701 WAVE STREET, MONTEREY • SARDINEFACTORY.COM • 831.373.3775 Untitled-9 1 2/19/26 1:40 PM
Photo by Heidi Borgia Truly Unforgettable The Hyatt Carmel Highlands is perched on a cliff overlooking the breathtaking Big Sur coastline. This historic property has been making couples’ dreams come true for the last 100 years — and is still an epic wedding destination today. But don’t stop at the wedding: Host your rehearsal dinner in our award-winning restaurant, Pacific’s Edge. Hyatt Carmel Highlands makes any landmark occasion special. Experience our approachable sophistication where guests feel quickly at home, and delight in the recent multimilliondollar renovation of our 48 upscale rooms & suites. 120 HIGHLANDS DR CARMEL HIGHLANDS (831) 622 5461 TH4693 Hyatt Wedding MCWeekly (8.125x10.25).indd 2 27-02-2025 19:12 Untitled-5 1 2/19/26 10:37 AM
DRIVEN FOR THE MOMENTS THAT MATTER. From start to finish, everything was perfect on our wedding day. The staff was kind, attentive, and knew exactly how to make our special day effortless. You could feel their experience and care in every detail, it made all the difference. Thank you for helping create memories we’ll cherish forever. -Sarah M. GET A QUOTE TODAY! Call 831-646-5466 Untitled-12 1 2/19/26 2:46 PM
CONTENTS You found your person. Now what? A lot, actually. The big day is approaching. But don’t be too intimidated by that popular phrase for weddings. The day can be as big and small as you like (or what your budget allows). If you’ve picked up this guide, you’ve already achieved two of the most difficult parts of any wedding: choosing who you want to marry, and where you want said wedding to take place (Monterey County, of course). Monterey County is filled with iconic locations that seem made especially for weddings. Still, dig deeper and you’ll find there are plenty of overlooked spots that will make the day even more memorable. Wedding planners know this place like the back of their hand, so read more inside on some tips they have to make sure the day does go off with a hitch—at the altar. What is hip in wedding fashion, and what paperwork do you need to file, especially if your love has crossed borders? Read on. It’s time to sweat the details. Just not so much when it comes to the cake. It’ll be gone in an instant, anyway. -Erik Chalhoub INSIDE 14 Experts Weigh In 22 Against the Grain 28 Beyond Borders 32 Piece of Cake 38 Fashionable Grooms 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 Sloan Campi, Celia Jiménez, Pam Marino, Agata Popęda, Katie Rodriguez, Luz Rimban, Aric Sleeper Photographers Michael Dadula, Evynn LeValley, Ryan Chard Smith Graphic Designers Annie Cobb, Lani Headley, Kevin Jewell Advertising Keith Bruecker, Diane Glim, George Kassal Business Development Director Keely Richter Cover Photo Michael Dadula The Best of Monterey Bay® is published by Milestone Communications, Inc., a California corporation. The entire contents are copyright 2026. No portion may be reproduced. 831394-5656. www.montereycountynow.com. EVYNN LEVALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY 12 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 Photo: Soiree by Simone The Perfect Place for your Perfect Day Church of the Wayfarer Lincoln Street & Seventh Avenue Downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea (831) 624-3550 Church OfTheWayfarer.com churchwayfarer_1-6v_WG23_KPR.indd 1 2/16/23 11:42 AM 12.indd 1 2/19/26 16:03
Our dedicated team will ensure every detail is taken care of, from rehearsal dinners to post-wedding brunches. For more information, contact our Wedding Sales Manager, Kristen Farmer, at (831) 642-4226 or farmer-kristen@visitasilomar.com. We can’t wait to help! A Touch of California Charm Weddings on the Central Coast Asilomar Hotel & Conference Grounds offers the perfect backdrop, nestled along the stunning Pacific coastline in Pacific Grove, California. With scenic views, historic architecture, and lush landscapes, Asilomar provides an unforgettable setting for your special day. Whether you envision an intimate ceremony by the beach or a grand celebration, our venues offer flexibility to suit your vision. Asilomar_FP_WG25_dg.indd 1 2/18/26 3:57 PM
14 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 There’s a dreamy quality to wedding photographs. The bride, groom and their entourage pose against a backdrop of gardens abloom, stunning vistas or centuries-old mission churches. Wedding guests are smartly dressed in the chosen motif, amid an abundance of food and drinks, with music and dancing to match the celebratory mood. A wedding may look pictureperfect, but many invisible factors go into its production. Time spent, money invested, and months of planning and effort by the couple with their coordinator or team of professionals help pull it all off. To be sure, a big wedding may not be what every couple wants. Some might prefer a do-it-yourself kind of affair or a simple exchange of “I dos” at the county government building, minus the fanfare. According to professional wedding planners, what is important is that the couple decides what they want long before they tie the knot. For some couples, a wedding is more about celebrating their love and less about the pomp, says Brian Borgia, owner of two companies—Weddings in Monterey and Elope in Monterey— which specialize in weddings of no more than 50 people. For others, a wedding presents a once-in-a-lifetime chance for friends and family to gather and connect in All Together Whether planning an immersive experience or a low-key gathering, couples must plan well before the big day itself. By Luz Rimban EVYNN LEVALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY EVYNN LEVALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY ASK THE EXPERTS ask-the-experts_26.indd 1 2/18/26 4:30 PM
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one venue, says Kate Ford, owner and lead planner and designer of Kate Ford Events. Ford focuses on organizing destination weddings as immersive, full weekend experiences, hence a higher price point. Anita Starr, owner and event specialist of the boutique events company A Starr Events, says planning their nuptials is the couple’s chance to start working together as a team and to “figure out how to have a stressless wedding.” We asked the three wedding planners to share their thoughts on some common wedding concerns. How early should a couple start planning for their wedding? Ford: I have some clients that I work with for 24 months. The majority of clients we work with for about a year to 18 months. One of the most incredible weddings that I ever planned, we planned in 90 days. I just loved the project from start to finish and I loved the couple, their family, their guests, everything. Borgia: For us, I appreciate six months. I’m getting inquiries now for October of 2027, so people are planning that far. But we booked somebody RYAN CHARD SMITH 16 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 LAYERS CAKES 9 Soledad Drive, Monterey | 831-521-9701 | www.layerscake.com SENSATIONAL 16.indd 1 2/19/26 15:17
Love on the Links LET US BRING YOUR DREAM WEDDING TO LIFE 1 McCLURE WAY, SEASIDE • 831-899-5954 BayonetBlackHorse.com Serene and picturesque venue with breathtaking views of the Monterey Bay and lush rolling greens. Breathtaking outdoor ceremony locations: perfect for a coastal or golf course-inspired wedding. Elegant reception venues: our ballroom features vaulted ceilings, exposed wood beams, and ample space for dining and dancing. Tailored wedding packages: choose from customizable packages that cater to your personal style and budget, ensuring every detail is just as you imagined. Expert planning assistance: our experienced team works closely with you every step of the way to help bring your wedding vision to life. Untitled-5 1 2/18/26 4:19 PM
who got married Jan. 31 and they contacted me Jan. 9. About three weeks, but it’s a small event, few people. Starr: The couple should call a wedding planner or start a year out, but they don’t always have that luxury. I’ve planned a wedding quickly, kind of picked up the pieces of what the bride was doing and planned and coordinated a wedding, and I’ve had five weeks’ notice. It’s a lot of work and it’s lastminute crunch time, but we’ve made it happen. What should a wedding budget look like? Borgia: They really do need to look at: What am I spending my money on? Because they might hire us but they have to think about other expenses, like their hotel stay, transportation, rehearsal dinner, reception. We do recommend restaurants here locally for receptions, and so we give them an idea of how much they’ll be spending for that. They have to take a look at that overall budget, and then just decide what they’re comfortable with, because you don’t want to start off a marriage with $30,000 in credit card debt. Starr: The first thing I would ask is: How much money do you have set aside? Are you putting it on credit cards? Are you gifted money from family members? Do you have people contributing to the wedding? I want to assess whether or not it’s a realistic budget. How big is your wedding party and how many people are you inviting? Because if you’ve got a $20,000 budget and you’re inviting 150 people, that’s not a realistic budget. Ford: You have to think about EVYNN LEVALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL DADULA ASK THE EXPERTS 18 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 471 WAVE STREET MONTEREY (831) 655-0264 P M canneryrowantiquemall.com Visit us for “Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed and Something Blue” “ANTIQUE MALL OF THE YEAR” Professional Antique Mall Magazine ’25Voted Monterey County’s Best Antique Shop OVER 140 DEALERS 21,000 SQUARE FEET The Largest Antiques and Collectibles Mall on the Central Coast 18.indd 1 2/19/26 3:00 PM
From the first ’yes’ to the final toast, every love story deserves a setting as unforgettable as the moments themselves... Celebrate every wedding moment at Folktale Winery & Vineyards. Proposals, engagement parties, showers, bachelorette parties, welcome dinners, and post wedding brunches. Because one big day deserves a whole season of celebrating. events@folktalegroup.com | 831-293-7506 Carmel’s most beautiful Wedding Venue Untitled-25 1 2/19/26 1:14 PM Untitled-8 1 2/19/26 1:20 PM
Monterey County as a destination. Prices are expensive, and there are some places where you can have a beautiful wedding for about $50,000, but there’s so much more that goes into it. You need to be able to define details such as: How many people do you have? What sort of things are important to you as a couple, such as, is the food and beverage really important or is a band/dancing really important? There are some cases where $100,000 is a great budget, and there are some cases where I will tell people that your $500,000 budget isn’t enough for what you are describing. At the end of the day it really depends on what the couple really wants. Can you cite a wedding that’s memorable for you? Ford: I had a beautiful wedding this summer at a very difficult, large property out in Carmel Valley. It’s big and sprawling, and the weather was hot and windy, and it was challenging in every way. The wedding itself was only about 80 guests. But over the course of three days, I had over 200 professional vendors coming in and out to put that wedding together and take it down. It was physical labor to put this wedding together, and most of them were never seen by the guests. Borgia: There was this couple from England that came all the way here to get married, and they brought family and friends. They only had 10 people at their wedding, so it was really small, but they were just really nice, genuine people. And they were there because they wanted to celebrate their love in a special way. Starr: My two sons’ weddings, because I was not only the wedding planner and the florist, I was also the mom of the groom. There was so much more emotion and love that goes into your child’s wedding than anybody else’s wedding because (in my business) it’s so easy to fall in love with a couple and to miss them after the wedding is over. As much as I love a particular couple, I know that our time together is going to come to an end, even though I still follow them on social media. ASK THE EXPERTS MICHAEL DADULA 20 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 EVYNN LEVALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL DADULA ask-the-experts_26.indd 4 2/18/26 4:31 PM
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22 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 VENUES The ceremony had just finished, but the bride and groom were not greeted by the joyous peal of bells. Instead, the growl of motorcycles—the powerful beasts used for racing—filled the air, as it had through much of the service. In the aftermath, children climbed and dangled from trees, occasionally shouting as a machine roared past. When it came to deciding on a wedding venue, only one location came to mind. The Corkscrew at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca is the most famous corner in motorsports, the track is my favorite and my then bride-to-be—though unfamiliar with racing—was willing to go along. Ours is not the first wedding at the iconic course. Ceremonies have been held in the pavilion and in the stands. Raceway staff are even willing to allow services on the track, schedule permitting. For us, it proved to be an ideal spot. Although I wish it had been cars diving through the Corkscrew rather than motorcycles, they provided a distraction for the grandchildren, and the trees a place to play while we posed for photos afterward. (Note that it is easily possible to schedule a A Fun Activity More and more couples are defining experiences— from arcades to racetracks—as wedding venues. By Dave Faries The author and new wife crossing the finish line at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca as motorcycles roar by on the track. Not only are couples finding different venues for weddings, the trend is toward smaller and more casual events. Grandchildren crowd around the couple before sprinting off to climb trees or watch the action on track. Many couples now seek experiences and activities as wedding highlights. GIANINA HARRIS GIANINA HARRIS unusual-venues.indd 1 2/18/26 4:35 PM
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quieter time.) Over the past few years, those in the wedding industry have noticed a trend toward smaller, more casual ceremonies held at unusual locations— galleries, schools, abandoned quarries, even video arcades. High Scores Arcade in downtown Monterey features classic arcade video games from the 1980s. It has hosted a few wedding parties, but no unions of couples so far in its three years. But the older location in Alameda has been the scene of several marriages. “Twenty years ago this wouldn’t have been considered,” says Shawn Livernoche, who co-owns High Scores Arcade with his wife Meg. He attributes the phenomenon to a younger generation, and those in the wedding industry agree. Martha Stewart, for example, sees growing interest in venues that have personal appeal for the couple. There is also the matter of cost, with less expensive locations leaving more wallet space for food and drinks for young couples. Coverage of trends in Vogue adds an additional impulse. The popularity of locations that have become known as wedding destinations can nudge couples off the beaten aisle. There are a number of resorts and facilities in Monterey County that offer elegance and an elite level of service—Bernardus Lodge and The Quail in Carmel Valley, Monterey Plaza Hotel and the Intercontinental in Monterey, Asilomar Hotel in Pacific Grove, Hyatt Carmel Highlands on the road to Big Sur. Other locations beckon, as well. Beach weddings are common, as are gatherings at parks, Lovers Point in Pacific Grove being quite popular. Even golf courses—Pebble Beach Golf Links is obvious, but Seaside’s Bayonet and Black Horse has sweeping views. Such locations are on many bucket lists. “The newer generation is not doing the traditional church wedding With Lovers Point in Pacific Grove long considered one of the most popular venues, celebrations that take place among the trees in Big Sur, on the beaches or at establishments that open their doors to events are considered by wedding consultants to be the norm for Monterey County. But now couples are also turning to unexpected locations, such as arcades. EVYNN LEVALLEY PHOTOGRAPHY MICHAEL DADULA 24 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 LionverPsaPciofiinc tGrove Consistently Voted Best Place to Get Married in Monterey County The romantic City of Pacific Grove offers breathtaking coastal locations for wedding ceremonies at Lovers Point Park, Berwick Park and at the historic Point Pinos Lighthouse. Contact the Pacific Grove Recreation Dept. for reservations and permits. City of Pacific Grove Recreation (831) 648 - 3134 • 302 16th St., Pacific Grove www.cityofpacificgrove.org PGRec_1-3h_WG23_dg.indd 1 2/14/23 3:26 PM 24.indd 1 2/19/26 3:02 PM
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as much,” observes April Montgomery, owner of Links Club in Carmel. “They want an experience.” Links Club is a restaurantbar-golf establishment with several bays. With real equipment and digital courses, guests can play St. Andrews, Muirfield Village, even Pebble Beach. And, Montgomery says with a laugh, due to its layout, “Links Club has an aisle.” Like High Scores Arcade, the Carmel space routinely hosts parties associated with weddings, and Montgomery welcomes them all. “Sometimes we don’t know it’s a wedding,” Livernoche adds. “We just see a rental on the schedule. We don’t charge extra for weddings.” Monterey County became a wedding destination largely because of its resorts and natural beauty. So many outdoor areas have become notable spots to share vows that Brian Borgia of Weddings in Monterey and Elope in Monterey says, “I think everything is pretty ‘basic’ as far as lots of people using the locations we use.” He frames the word basic in quotes because it includes settings such as Point Lobos, Del Monte Beach in Monterey and Wedding Rock in Carmel. Yet there are still facilities that are lesser known, such as Monterey County Sheriff’s Posse outside of Salinas. Still, the trend is toward smaller venues with fewer guests, perhaps even without bridal parties and groomsmen. And that is leading more couples to favorite restaurants, gardens and other places with character, promising an experience for all involved. “You’re only doing it once, hopefully,” Montgomery says. “You want it to be cool and unique. There’s more to do than just talk.” And so more marriages start with the thwack of a golf ball hitting a simulator screen or the colorful buzzing and beeping of an arcade game. “People tend to be polite,” Livernoche notes. “They’re not playing Berzerk during the proceedings.” You can plan a wedding at WeatherTech Raceway during a break in the action. But cars or motorcycles tearing around, that gave our ceremony extra layers of dimension, making for a memorable day—or, rather, a memorable experience. VENUES MICHAEL DADULA 26 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 “It’s not about their cable car... It’s about where their cable car takes you!” Since 1947, the World-Famous Shadowbrook has delighted generations of diners who come to celebrate special occasions or just to enjoy a fine meal in the atmosphere of Old-World charm and grace. Take the iconic red “Cable Car” and come discover the popular Rock Room Bar, a favorite with locals. WORLD FAMOUS - LOCAL FAVORITE 1750 WHARF ROAD ❤CAPITOLA ❤(831) 475-1511 shadowbrook-capitola.com @shadowbrook_restaurant @shadowbrook @shadowbrook_restaurant Shadowbrook_FP_VG25_KB.indd 1 6/16/25 9:52 AM “It’s not about their cable car... It’s about where their cable car takes you!” 26.indd 1 2/19/26 3:03 PM
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28 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 After being introduced by a mutual friend, Javier Fernández and Michael Christensen decided to go big for their first date in early 2023. Instead of meeting for coffee, they would shop and cook together, with a main course (Fernández) and dessert (Christensen) representing the places where they’d been born and raised. For Fernández, that meant lots of flavors from his native Spain—tapas, empanadas, tortillas de patatas. For Christensen, the Utah-inspired options were limited. “I just mixed a Jello-O salad together and put it in the fridge,” he recalls. To Fernández, when dessert was served, the Jell-O was reminiscent of a scene from a movie showing inmates scooping out slop. But the two learned they had a connection, and it was the beginning of many hours in the kitchen together. They traveled together; they connected over a shared love of languages (Christensen is fluent in Spanish and French, and both are professional language teachers). Fernández moved from Santa Cruz to live with Christensen in Monterey. Although neither had ever imagined someday having a husband, it was clear that this relationship was the one. Then in January 2025, President Donald Trump was sworn in with a promised immigration crackdown, making even routine visa renewals suddenly a cause of concern. More pressing for Fernández was the news that his teaching contract would not be renewed, meaning his H-1B visa sponsorship through his employer would be going away in June 2025. “We said, ‘We know we’re going to get married—let’s do this,’” Christensen says. “It changed the timeline.” In February, they got married on paper, at the County of Monterey building in Salinas. They hired an attorney, Chris Cain Law, to help Christensen submit a Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services on his new husband’s behalf. Then they waited. Attorney Chris Cain notes that nothing has changed about the Petition I-130, but in the past year, he’s heard from more prospective clients, including many who have been married for years but never filed to adjust their immigration status. “Then about a year ago with the new administration, they said, ‘We’ve got to fix this now,’” he says. “There is an increased sense of urgency for people.” Love Knows No Borders Marriage is about love, but also the law, including immigration status. By Sara Rubin IMMIGRATION Michael Christensen (left) and Javier Fernández knew they were headed on a path to marriage anyway, then moved up their timeline before Fernández’s visa expired. immigration.indd 1 2/18/26 5:12 PM
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Cain and his team start with a series of questions to file a Form I-130 that, if approved, grants a recipient a permanent resident card (aka a green card). They go back into a client’s history, anticipating USCIS’ questions about the petitioner and the relative (including a spouse). Did you originally come to the country lawfully, perhaps on a work visa or student visa (the latter is how Fernández first arrived from Spain)? Is your current status lawful? (Yes is the best answer, meaning an unexpired visa.) Do you have a criminal record? Have you had previous contact with Customs and Border Patrol? Has the petitioner—the lawful resident—been convicted of a serious crime, such as human trafficking? There’s also the need to persuade USCIS officials the marriage is legitimate. “We submit a body of evidence,” Cain says. “For example, dozens of pictures, showing people in different outfits, with different hair cuts. They might have kids together, or a landlord can write a letter that they live together. We put together everything we can that paints the most complete picture of a relationship.” Javier Fernández and Michael Christensen at the Monterey County Clerk’s office, where they completed their marriage paperwork in February 2025. They are planning a big wedding celebration for 2027. IMMIGRATION 30 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 Rental includes kitchen, ballroom, and studio, as well as full support from our friendly, helpful staff who are dedicated to making your special day a success! Learn more: bit.ly/SeasideRentals Dining Capacity: Soper Community Center - 85 Laguna Grande Hall - 225 Spectacularly Affordable Venues ✦ ✦ ✦ Soper Community Center & Laguna Grande Hall ✦ Receptions ✦ ✦ Quinceañeras ✦ ✦ Babyshowers ✦ ✦ Special Events ✦ 986 Hilby Ave, Seaside 831-899-6800 www.ci.seaside.ca.us city-seaside_1-3s_WG26_kb.indd 1 2/19/26 3:28 PM • Available for Consultation and Coordination • Non Denominational Wedding Officiant • Deputy Marriage Commissioner • Able to issue Confidential Wedding Licenses and notarize requests for certified copies • Personalized Ceremonies, Lovely and Romantic • 30 years experience as a Big Sur specialist Alicia Hahn (831) 917-8406 SURlyhospitality.com aliciahahnbigsur@gmail.com Wedding Officiant Licenses Elopements SurlyHospitality_1-3s_WG2026_kpr.indd 1 2/19/26 11:41 AM
IMMIGRATION Before the second Trump administration, Cain says many solid petitions seemed to get rubber-stamped without in-person interviews. That has changed, and even couples with clean records like Christensen and Fernández were asked to show up in person in San Jose for an interview. “We quizzed each other on the train,” Christensen says. “But some things, like know your husband’s parents’ birthdays—I don’t know if my parents, who have been married for 30-plus years, know that information— having to prove why you love someone just because you were born in another country is ridiculous.” People get married for love, of course, but Cain is quick to observe that people also get married for all sorts of bureaucratic reasons: taxes, health insurance, immigration status. When Fernández and Christensen first started talking seriously about their marriage timeline, Fernández was reluctant. “I didn’t want immigration as the pretext to get married,” he says. But they decided it was a critical step for their lives. A few days before their courthouse ceremony, Christensen scattered rose petals around their house, had Fernández’s favorite song playing and was ready with a romantic proposal when Fernández got home. They are working on planning a big wedding—actually two, one in the U.S. and one in Spain—for 2027. “We really want to have that moment,” Fernández says. But in the meantime, life on paper has already changed. Eight months after filing their petition, a green card arrived in time for the newlyweds to travel to Spain at Christmas to celebrate with Fernández’s family. When they returned home, Fernández waited in line at the airport and instead of facing an interrogation, waved his green card: “They just said, ‘Welcome.’ “It’s not a straight line and the process is not easy,” he adds, “but it’s definitely worth it.” WWW.MONTEREYCOUNTYNOW.COM 31 831-622-9704 | MISSION 3SE OF 5TH | CARMEL BY THE SEA, CA 93921 WWW.DETIERRA.COM Sip & Celebrate! PARTIES & EVENTS Memorable Moments Let us handle all the details while you unwind and savor every sip of our award winning wines. We’ve got you covered. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your special event... Cheers to making memories and savoring the moments! Let us host your event • BACHELOR • BACHELORETTE • BRIDAL SHOWER • FAMILY REUNION • CORPORATE EVENT • AND MORE! 831-622-9704 | MISSION 3SE OF 5TH | CARMEL BY THE SEA, CA 93921 WWW.DETIERRA.COM Sip & Celebrate! PARTIES & EVENTS Memorable Moments Let us handle all the details while you unwind and savor every sip of our award winning wines. We’ve got you covered. 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32 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 DESSERT Paul Liu has seen it all in the wedding cake business since he first started decorating cakes at age 16 in his parents’ bakery. Now 54 and the owner of Freedom Bakery in Watsonville and Monterey with his wife Anna Liu, he’s seen the styles that come and go. When he started as a teenager it was buttercream swags and a limited number of design options for couples to choose from. “Now it’s much more interesting than it used to be,” Liu says. No longer limited to a few designs, couples are bringing their own ideas and personalities to the process. Sometimes they’re inspired by photos on social media, other times they want their cake to represent their individual interests and personalities. Liu says the recent trend in Monterey County leans toward vintage designs with the very same buttercream swags he first piped. Vintage wedding cake designs also include buttercream or royal icing scrolls, overpiping, stringwork and drop strings that hang from cake edges. In the past year, Hilary Nuovo of Layers Sensational Cakes in Monterey says smooth buttercream designs have been popular so they can be dressed with fresh flowers, as well as what she calls “old-style” frosted buttercream cakes. Luz Cedillo of Main Street Bakery, aka “The Cake Lady,” in Salinas, says the designs she’s seeing couples asking Taking the Cake Wedding cake designs can be anything couples dream of, from vintage to uniquely personal. By Pam Marino ALICIA BROGDEN PHOTOGRAPHY cakes.indd 1 2/18/26 5:14 PM
Forever Starts at The Clement Monterey i Call our catering coordinator for additional information (831) 642 2001 750 Cannery row Monterey www.ictheclementmonterey.com Monterey's luxury ocean front hotel located next to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. InterContinental The Clement Monterey was designed as a serene coastal retreat for personal rejuvenations and spectacular private celebrations. • Wedding ceremonies are staged on an expanisve landscaped courtyard facing the sapphire-blue waters of the bay with magnificent panoramic coastal views accomodating up to 220 guests. • Two fire pits provide an ambient glow, particulary romantic at sunset. Vows can be said while sea birds trace graceful curves on the horizon and otters and sea lions can be seen in the water. • 208 guestrooms & suites, The Spa, Fitness Room, Pool & Whirlpool along with ocean front dining and award winning cuisine at the C restaurant and bar. Clement_FP_WG26_gk.indd 1 2/19/26 1:33 PM Untitled-10 1 2/19/26 1:45 PM
for are more organic, and less elaborate than in the past. “They’re asking for less fondant and more into the whip cream, buttercream and even naked cakes,” she says. Beyond vintage and organic styles, some couples are taking it a step further, asking for decorations that reflect their individual personalities. “They don’t want the cookie cutter cakes, they are looking for the wow factor and something they won’t be able to find at a grocery store or regular bakery,” Cedillo says. Wedding cake decorators start with a conversation with the couple to understand what design they are looking for, their budget and flavors. Liu says he works to understand what a couple really wants—sometimes they bring ideas from cakes they’ve found on Pinterest, but he finds it’s not what they actually want. He queries them on what they are trying to accomDESSERT THE UNCOMMON WEDDINGS PHOTOGRAPHY JELAU PHOTOGRAPHY 34 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 Everyone Loves Butter! Lemon Curd & Blueberry Pancakes Carne Asada Fried Rice Bacon Breakfast Burrito 831-394-2887 Everyone Loves Butter! Open Everyday 6am-2:30pm It’s time Seaside is no longer the evil step sister of Monterey but the Cinderella - Benny & Susan Lemon Curd & Blueberry Pancakes 1760 Fremont Blvd. B-1 Seaside EbQ Pork Belly Adobe Fried Rice Open Everyday 6 am-2 pm View Menu Join Waitlist ButterHouse_1-2h_FG25_KB.indd 1 3/11/25 4:42 PM 34.indd 1 2/19/26 3:05 PM
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plish with the design. Do they want the clean look of fondant? Something more ornamental using buttercream? “Or do you want something with an artistic element to it, that has a softer feel to it?” he asks them. (Wedding cakes, he believes, should have a softer feel.) Cedillo says she interviews couples to make sure her approach and their expectations are a good match. She also looks out for “red flags” like couples wanting to save on a delivery fee and pick up a cake themselves which she knows is a disaster waiting to happen. In working with clients, she’s open to requests for more unique designs. “I love when brides actually come with an idea and they are set on their idea, then I can work with what they want, not what I can provide them. It gives me a challenge and I love challenges,” she says. Liu says his team of expert decorators work toward “hitting the right note” as opposed to focusing on intricate details. He tells couples the guests will see the cake from 20 to 30 feet away—a lot of detail work can start to look blended and “messy” from that distance. Sometimes the decorator can help refine a couple’s idea, like the time Liu worked with a couple that wanted a lighthouse cake. He thought they wanted a replica of a specific lighthouse, but by asking questions he learned they liked the idea of a lighthouse. As the conversation unfolded they talked about their commitment to each other, which inspired Liu to think of a lighthouse as a beacon. He found a topper with a strobe light to set atop the cake. Liu says they incorporate many pets into cake designs. Some of the more personalized designs are the “his and her” cakes, where one side is decorated with the bride in mind and the other side reflects the groom. “Marvel Comics comes up a lot,” he says. Disney is also popular—their portfolio includes a Beauty and the Beastthemed cake. Another cake included toppers with Princess Leia as the bride and James T. Kirk as the groom, sitting atop a three-tiered cake designed to look like outer space. In the end, Cedillo says she tells couples that while design is important, they need to keep the entire cake in mind. “Be in love with your wedding cake—and remember that it is to be eaten,” she says. “Don’t get too hung up on the looks. Because it passes by so quickly. The taste is what matters.” DESSERT T & D PHOTOGRAPHY 36 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 Imagine your coastal wedding in Monterey at the enchanting Casa Munras Garden Hotel & Spa. Delight guests with delicious farm-to-table cuisine and exceptional service. Our private dining room is ideal for rehearsal dinners and brunches for up to 15 guests. For larger celebrations, the iconic Andalucia Ballroom accommodates up to 140. On-site parking is available. Plan your dream wedding today! Call (831) 373-1602. 700 Munras Ave., Monterey | hotelcasamunras.com Traditional Hospitality in the heart of Monterey—Since 1824 36.indd 1 2/19/26 15:17
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38 THE BEST OF MONTEREY BAY ® WEDDING GUIDE 2026-2027 FASHION Earlier in 2026, Brides.com published a list of 11 television shows about wedding dresses. From choices like Say Yes to the Dress to Disney’s Fairytale Weddings, it’s clear that brides have a range of choice when it comes to selecting their clothing. But their equal halves are not to be overlooked, as the groom’s choice for wedding attire can express just as much taste. “It’s a matter of personality,” says Albert Garcia, manager of Patrick James in the Barnyard in Carmel. Patrick James is a men’s clothing franchise that also publishes fashion guides on its website. Garcia says he often sees grooms and groomsmen come in to select something other than a tuxedo for their big day. “Weddings have downsized a little more,” Garcia says. “People can buy their suits and have something to wear other than just for the wedding.” While he acknowledges that the tuxedo is a classic look for grooms and groomsmen, smaller and more intimate weddings at outdoor venues are something that Garcia hears a lot about. Venues like this aren’t always conducive to something as formal as a tux, but they allow for more vibrancy and creativity in men’s occasion clothing. Garcia says that grooms often will exclude neckwear such as ties and go with something more casual, but will still dress up their look with a pair of hard shoes. Fashion can be elevated with a suit, which gives grooms other options like interesting or matching pocket squares as an added flair. Purchasing a suit is more expensive up-front than renting a tuxedo, starting around $700-$1,000 (or more). But Garcia maintains that the suit is still the less expensive option because of longevity and customization. While patterned suits for weddings are not in vogue currently, the mark of a good suit—especially for a wedding—comes from wearing something that is classic yet still unique. Suits aren’t the only option for men on the big day. Beach and forest wedGet Groomed Casual and themed wedding fashion for grooms and groomsmen make the occasion unique. By Sloan Campi MICHAEL DADULA grooms.indd 1 2/19/26 10:39 AM
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