Sunny Day: Kristen & Brad in Carmel Valley, CA

When Kristen Sueoka and Brad Hoover met in a San Francisco bar, they made an instant connection: They had both just returned from Spain, and she was wearing a red T-shirt she’d purchased there. It turned out that Brad had bought the same one. "We talked for hours, and after that night we began dating," Kristen says. The couple, who both grew up in the Bay Area, chose the lush, rolling hills of historic Holman Ranch to hold their wedding.

Sunny Day: Kristen & Brad in Carmel Valley, CA
The ranch, a classic Spanish-style hacienda, offered them a beautiful backdrop of mountains and wildflowers. "We had relatives coming in from far away, and we wanted to show them one of the most beautiful parts of California," Kristen says. "It was also important to us that both the food and decor be eco-friendly."
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Sunny Day: Kristen & Brad in Carmel Valley, CA

When Kristen Sueoka and Brad Hoover met in a San Francisco bar, they made an instant connection: They had both just returned from Spain, and she was wearing a red T-shirt she’d purchased there. It turned out that Brad had bought the same one. "We talked for hours, and after that night we began dating," Kristen says. The couple, who both grew up in the Bay Area, chose the lush, rolling hills of historic Holman Ranch to hold their wedding.

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Sunny Day: Kristen & Brad in Carmel Valley, CA
To complement the hues of the environment, the couple chose wedding colors of green, ivory, violet and brown, and their menu was based on fresh vegetables and meats available at the local farmers market. For the tables, the couple’s mothers planted fresh herbs in terra-cotta pots, which doubled as favors.
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Sunny Day: Kristen & Brad in Carmel Valley, CA
The bride wore an Elizabeth Fillmore dress and held a wildflower bouquet. Bridesmaids wore chic color-coordinated dresses in different styles.
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Sunny Day: Kristen & Brad in Carmel Valley, CA
Brad’s boutonniere included his favorite chiles.
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Sunny Day: Kristen & Brad in Carmel Valley, CA
Brad and Kristen exchange vows against a view of the Santa Lucia mountains. "It was exhilarating walking down the aisle hand-in-hand after the ceremony—it was our first walk together as husband and wife," says the bride.
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Sunny Day: Kristen & Brad in Carmel Valley, CA
Brad and Kristen toasted each other with beer instead of champagne. Brad brewed five custom ales just for the wedding. "I was touched by my father’s toast. He spoke about us very personally, and his special words really moved both of us."
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Sunny Day: Kristen & Brad in Carmel Valley, CA
Guests dined on mixed greens, crab cakes, halibut, and tri-tip grilled steak under the stars.
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Sunny Day: Kristen & Brad in Carmel Valley, CA
Kristen and Brad chose an Otis Redding classic, 'That’s How Strong Our Love Is'—and everyone danced until the wee hours.
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