Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. This Couple Invited Just Three Guests to Their Cliffside Wedding in Big Sur, California
Martha Stewart Weddings

This Couple Invited Just Three Guests to Their Cliffside Wedding in Big Sur, California

By Blythe Copeland September 25, 2019
Skip gallery slides
Pin
bride and groom smile on cliff by the ocean
Credit: Mon Soleil

A focus on family and faith made this ceremony especially emotional for the bride and groom.

Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
bride and groom smile on cliff by the ocean
Credit: Mon Soleil

Though Grace and Dutch felt "an instant, genuine, and deep connection" from the moment they met in 2016, they focused on becoming friends before starting to date. "Our friendship sparked lots of questions in our hearts and a true desire to protect what God was doing in our lives," they say. "The timing wasn't right, so we took it slow and tried to shift our focus toward healing, faith, and friendship."

Nearly a year later, after lots of reflection, they felt ready for their first date—at an Italian restaurant—and "the rest," they say, "is history." In November 2018, Grace and Dutch spent the day at Disney World with Grace's daughter, Riley. "We closed out the evening with a beautiful fireworks show in front of Cinderella's castle and after most of the crowd had cleared out, Dutch got down on one knee and told me that he knew from the minute we first met that he wanted to spend the rest of his life with me," says Grace. After she said yes, Dutch asked Riley for her permission to join the family and gave her a small ring of her own.

A few months later, on May 2, 2019, Grace and Dutch exchanged vows in front of Riley and their two siblings on a cliff in Big Sur, California. "We love exploring," says the couple. "None of us had explored this part of California before, and it was truly a brand new adventure for all three of us as a family." They limited the guest list to keep the planning low-stress and to focus their attention on the powerful commitment they were making within their faith. "We really wanted to have something intimate, meaningful, and surrounded by God's natural beauty," says the couple.

Watch Grace and Dutch's wedding video by Mon Soleil Weddings.

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Their Gorgeous Gowns

girl helps bride wearing wedding dress
Credit: Mon Soleil

Grace made several wedding dress shopping trips, including one with friends and one with Riley, before settling on her tulle V-neck number with an illusion bodice and lace detailing on the train. "I took my time," she says. "With so few things to actually choose for our wedding, I had more time to explore." When she found her gown—part of the Willowby Collection from Watters—the attraction was instant. "I tried it on and it felt like a feather," she says. "It was so light and easy to walk in, and I just knew." She added a tulle veil and a Twigs and Honey hairpiece borrowed from a friend.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

In Full Bloom

bride holding wedding bouquet of white flowers and greenery
Credit: Mon Soleil

The white-and-green color palette of Grace's naturally-shaped bouquet from florist Anna Le Pley Taylor was replicated in the men's simple boutonnières, and served as the only decorations at the ceremony. "We chose to keep things simple and let the location speak for itself," says the couple. "Bouquets and boutonnières were the main ceremony décor details."

  • A Comprehensive Guide to Wedding Bouquet Shapes

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Into the Blue

groom wearing navy blue suit and tie with polkadots
Credit: Mon Soleil

Dutch opted for a navy blue suit, patterned tie, and a crisp pocket square. He also wore a pin designed to look like three darts on a dartboard that Grace gave him as a wedding gift—a reference to a game of darts they shared before getting engaged. "Dutch made a bet with me that if he hit a bullseye, then I would marry him," says Grace. "His next throw was a bullseye." Despite never having thrown a bullseye before, Dutch went on to throw two more in a row, sealing the deal. "He started laughing in disbelief and I just stood there, shocked," says Grace. "On the day of our wedding I included the pin in his gifts with a note that read, 'I lost the bet, yet I still won.'"

4 of 19

5 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

All in the Details

navy blue and gold wedding accessories
Credit: Mon Soleil

Though they didn't send invitations, the couple's color palette of indigo, white, champagne, and gold came through in custom calligraphy on unique paper from Papier Handmade Finery. The bride and groom each carried a booklet for their vows, and together wrote a letter to their children—Riley, as well as any they might have in the future—so that they would "know we had them in mind on this amazing day," says the couple. Other thoughtful details included Grace's jewelry—a gold cross necklace and a gold bracelet with an R charm; simple green-and-white boutonnières; and Grace's floral heels. "Because we didn't have a guest list, we really just focused on the details that were most important to us," says the couple.

5 of 19

6 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Happy Tears

groom smiles at girl outside
Credit: Mon Soleil

Before seeing Grace on the wedding day, Dutch and Riley shared a first look. "When they saw each other, Dutch had an intimate moment with her where he shared some private words and gave her a gold bracelet with the words 'I promise' on it," says Grace. It was an emotional moment for him—but Riley kept things in perspective: "He cried a lot," says Grace, "and she reminded him that this was supposed to be a happy day. We had a good laugh about that."

  • How to Include Your Children in Your Wedding

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Feels Like Home

bride and groom stand surrounded by greenery outside
Credit: Mon Soleil

After seeing Riley, Dutch waited for Grace to arrive for their first look. "In that moment, I remember looking out at the ocean and just being so grateful to God," he says. "When I turned around and saw Grace for the first time that day in her dress, I was overwhelmed. Who was I to deserve someone like this? It was one of the most humbling yet joyful moments of my life. I felt like I was finally home."

The first look was a breathtaking moment for Grace, too. "When I finally saw him, I was so happy and overjoyed that the moment was finally here that I could not contain my excitement and joy," says Grace. "I was ridiculously giddy. I was face-to-face with my best friend, a handsome, kind, generous, and wise soul who loves me in a way that I have never been loved before."

7 of 19

8 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Three of a Kind

bride and groom hold hands with girl outside
Credit: Mon Soleil

Grace and Dutch allowed plenty of time for portraits with Riley, who happily posed with her mother and soon-to-be stepfather. Her shorter gown mimicked Grace's for a sweet mother-daughter look. "Riley wanted a dress that resembled mine," says Grace, "so we made sure there were tulle and lace elements to match my gown."

  • Follow These Six Tips to Ensure Family Portraits Go Smoothly

8 of 19

9 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Brothers and Sisters

bride and groom with family outside
Credit: Mon Soleil

The only guests at the couple's ceremony and dinner were Grace's sister, Gretchen, and Dutch's brother, Daniel—and although they technically served as the bridal party, too, the bride and groom let them choose their own outfits. "We both love our families so much, and it wasn't an easy decision not to have every single person we love join us," says the couple. "Intimacy was really important to us and we're fortunate that we have families that are supportive and respectful of our needs."

  • How to Tell Your Parents You Want to Elope

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Flower Child

girl and bride pick flowers for wedding ceremony
Credit: Mon Soleil

After posing for portraits, Grace, Dutch, and Riley walked together to the cliffside where the officiant waited. Riley took her flower girl duties seriously: "On our way down to the ceremony site, Riley stopped to pick flowers from some of the nearby bushes. She wanted the flowers to be special," says the couple. "This was a really sweet and touching moment."

10 of 19

11 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Force of Nature

bride and groom walk through green field on cliff side
Credit: Mon Soleil

The walk gave Grace and Dutch plenty of opportunity to take in the stunning views of the mountains, ocean, and local foliage. "The raw scenery of Big Sur was definitely a huge reason why we chose this location," they say. "We both feel a deep connection with God when we are in the elements. We wanted to choose a location that made his beautiful creation the altar on which we would proclaim our lifelong vows."

When they reached the ceremony site, Riley walked slightly ahead to spread flowers while Grace and Dutch followed together close behind. "We chose to walk down as a family," the couple says. Violinist David Dally of Monterey Strings performed an instrumental version of Hillsong Worship's "What a Beautiful Name," one of the couple's favorite songs, during the processional.

  • The Pros and Cons of Walking Down the Aisle Together

11 of 19

12 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

On Top of the World

wedding party standing on cliff by the ocean
Credit: Mon Soleil

The ceremony, officiated by Roy Piña of Shoreline Church, was shaped by the couple's religious beliefs. "We're Christian, and our faith is the cornerstone of our relationship," says the couple. During the ceremony, Grace and Dutch shared communion. "This was our first act as husband and wife in a reflection of our most important priority in our relationship and in our personal life," they say.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

From the Heart

bride and groom exchange vows outside
Credit: Mon Soleil

Grace and Dutch wrote their own vows to read during the ceremony. "They did run a bit long, but that's mostly because we couldn't stop crying," says the couple. "We truly shared our full hearts and exchanged more than just vows. That moment is hard to top, and even harder to describe. But it is by far the most important memory we have."

  • How to Write Wedding Vows

13 of 19

14 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Special Reading

bride and groom kneel by girl outside wedding ceremony
Credit: Mon Soleil

During the ceremony, Riley read a Bible verse—Ecclesiastes 4:9-12—famous for the phrase, "A cord of three strands is not easily broken." Though the couple had a calligrapher write out the text as a keepsake, the ceremony reading came directly from Bible rich with family history: "The Bible that Riley read from was a bible that Dutch carried throughout his training in the Army and two deployments in Iraq," says Grace.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Three's Company

bride and groom dance outside on cliff
Credit: Mon Soleil

After their first kiss as husband and wife, the violinist began playing the couple's first dance song, Ed Sheeran's "Perfect," while the newlyweds shared a spin. But the couple's moment quickly became a family matter: "Riley joined in shortly after," the couple says. "This was such an emotional and beautiful moment. She ran up to us, we picked her up, hugged, and danced to the song the same way we have danced to it in our living room dozens of times."

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Table for Two

candles with floral arrangement table decor
Credit: Mon Soleil

Post-ceremony, Riley and the guests left the cliffside to meet Grace and Dutch at a steakhouse for dinner, while the newlyweds stayed to watch the sunset with Champagne and charcuterie at a table styled by Type A Society. Driftwood and floral accents contrasted with simple china and vintage 1920s candleholders, while two place settings on each side gave the couple their choice of seats.

  • 20 Beautiful Sweetheart Table Ideas Any Couple Would Love

16 of 19

17 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Places, Please

white flowers and greenery floral table arrangements
Credit: Mon Soleil

A bright white peony garland filled out the tablescape and intensified the deep blue shades seen throughout.

17 of 19

18 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Night Falls

bride and groom sit at wooden table outside
Credit: Mon Soleil

Ending their ceremony with a private sunset view remains one of the couple's favorite parts of the day. "Watching the sun set over the ocean as husband and wife was a magical experience," they say. "Neither one of us could believe that it was real. It felt like we were living out a dream. To say that it was one of the most beautiful days of our lives is a huge understatement. There aren't words to express this kind of joy and gratitude."

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

bride and groom pose for portrait shot outside
Credit: Mon Soleil

Photography and videography, Mon Soleil Weddings

Event design, Type A Society  

Flowers, Anna Le Pley Taylor

Officiant, Roy Piña

Violinist, David Dally; Monterey Strings

Bride's gown, Watters

Bride's hairpiece, Twigs and Honey

Hair and makeup, Lilian Beauty Makeup and Hair Design

Paper Products, Papier Handmade Finery

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Blythe Copeland

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • 9 Wedding Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers
    • 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    • How to Tell Your Loved Ones—Especially Your Parents—That You're Engaged to Someone They Haven't Met
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 19
    2 of 19 Their Gorgeous Gowns
    3 of 19 In Full Bloom
    4 of 19 Into the Blue
    5 of 19 All in the Details
    6 of 19 Happy Tears
    7 of 19 Feels Like Home
    8 of 19 Three of a Kind
    9 of 19 Brothers and Sisters
    10 of 19 Flower Child
    11 of 19 Force of Nature
    12 of 19 On Top of the World
    13 of 19 From the Heart
    14 of 19 A Special Reading
    15 of 19 Three's Company
    16 of 19 Table for Two
    17 of 19 Places, Please
    18 of 19 Night Falls
    19 of 19 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    This Couple Invited Just Three Guests to Their Cliffside Wedding in Big Sur, California
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.