A Romantic Coastal Wedding with Vintage Touches in California

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

After meeting through their jobs at The New York Times, Brooklynites Meaghan and Conrad headed to Northern California for a wedding weekend that was personal, intimate, and totally front-page-worthy.

Start Slideshow

1 of 23

Meaghan and Conrad's West Coast Wedding

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

After meeting through their jobs at The New York Times, Conrad Mulcahy proposed to Meaghan Looram near a large, solitary cypress tree at Lover's Point, a scenic waterfront spot in her hometown of Pacific Grove, California. The majestic tree was already a symbol of their relationship: Conrad had given Meaghan a cypress jewelry charm early in their romance. And it ended up providing a motif for their San Francisco celebration, which they planned themselves.

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 23

Historic Locale

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

On November 10, 2012, the couple wed before 110 of their friends and family in the chapel at Cavallo Point, a century-old former military base that rests in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, a couple of hours away from the site of their engagement. The couple chose the spot for its "windswept beauty," says Meaghan.

3 of 23

Warm Welcomes

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Muslin bags in guests' hotel rooms treated out-of-towners to the couple's California favorites: a special "Megrad" blend of Blue Bottle Coffee named for the pair, a mini bottle of Ridge Vineyards wine, See's Candies, a Heath Ceramics cup, and a note inviting guests to view their newly planted cypress tree.

Advertisement

4 of 23

Designer Duo

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Meaghan wore a dress by Annie Sullivan, a designer who lives above the couple in the dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn; the groom wore a Michael Andrews Bespoke suit.

5 of 23

Old School Accessory

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

The bride wore antique Georgian paste earrings and tucked an antique hairpin from Doyle & Doyle in her loose bun.

6 of 23

Classic Cascade

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Bride Meaghan envisioned a "Downton Abbey-ish" bouquet. The resulting mix of peonies, poppies, astilbes, and anemones wrapped in ferns was so gorgeous that she took it with her on her honeymoon.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 23

Young Attendants

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Meaghan, the youngest of five, and Conrad had plenty of nieces and nephews to fill the pint-size bridal party.

8 of 23

Going to the Chapel

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Although Meaghan and Conrad originally planned to wed outdoors, cool Bay area weather moved them into Cavallo Point’s chapel.

9 of 23

Blissful Tokens

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

The wedding bands, both from Catbird in Brooklyn, and Conrad's locket cuff links were kept in velvet-lined antique boxes.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 23

To Have and Hold

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Custom velvet books from Velvet Raptor held the duo's self-penned vows and were carried down the aisle by the couple’s nephews.

11 of 23

Sentimental Cermony

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

A close friend, Matthew Burgess, a poet and creative writing professor, officiated at the nondenominational, personal ceremony. "He asked us all these questions about how we met, then crafted his words from our responses,” Meaghan says.

12 of 23

Best Ladies

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

The bride, her sister (the matron of honor), and their mother shared a smile after the ceremony.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 23

Family Guys

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Meaghan’s wedding also offered her the rare opportunity to hang out with her brothers, all three of whom live in Asia.

14 of 23

Lasting Love

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

To mark their union, the couple planted a Monterey cypress tree on the resort’s property.

15 of 23

Glowing Guests

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

The bride’s brother-in-law (husband of the matron of honor) and his daughter, the bride's niece, looked on as the reception got underway.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 23

Up in the Air

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Meaghan’s nephew went for a high-flying ride through the air, courtesy of his dad.

17 of 23

Little Lady

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

The flower girl, Meaghan’s niece, wore a J.Crew party dress tied with a sash from Mokuba New York (212-869-8900).

18 of 23

Wedding Rings

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Suspended umbrella-fern wreaths floated over floral centerpieces that echoed Meaghan’s bouquet.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 23

Center of Attenion

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

For her centerpieces—and the overall aesthetic of the ceremony and reception—Meaghan's goal was to mix natural forestry and timeless glamour.

20 of 23

Let's Eat

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

The menu included organic young carrot soup, grass-fed beef short ribs, and wild mushroom risotto.

21 of 23

Gifts that Grow

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Table assignments were calligraphed on small take-home white pine saplings cut to resemble cypresses.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 23

Fern-tastic Finish

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Meaghan says their carrot cake, topped with cream cheese frosting and coconut shavings, was "beyond delicious." In keeping with the verdant decor, it was decorated with maidenhair, mother, and plumosa ferns.

23 of 23

Sources

Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Location, catering, and cake: Cavallo Point 

Event coordination: Alison Events

Flowers: Studio Choo 

Photography: Jesse Leake 

Stationery: Sesame Letterpress 

Calligraphy: Anne Robin Calligraphy 

Music: DJ Blue

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals 

Bride's gown and matron of honor dress: Annie Sullivan

Hair: Darren Smalley

Makeup: Racine Christensen 

Men's accessories: Brioni (tie); Gallo Grotte (tie bar); To Boot (shoes) 

Ring bearers' attire: J.Crew shirt, sweater, and pants; Lands' End ties

Audio and visual: PSAV Presentation Services 

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Up Next

Advertisement
© Copyright . All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com