Los Laureles Lodge | Danny & Carey’s Carmel Valley Wedding

There’s something really special about having the opportunity to photograph a friend’s wedding. Getting to be an insider at anyone’s wedding is a thrill, but when you get to spend all day tuned into the crazy emotions of people you love on the happiest day of their life….well, it’s just awesome.

Danny has been one of my (Brooke’s) husband’s closest friends since college. He was a groomsman in my wedding, and is Uncle Danny to my kids. In short, he’s family. The first time I met Carey, I knew Danny had found his perfect partner. She’s sweet, she’s fun, she’s thoughtful, and she glows when Danny dotes on her–which happens regularly. I’d never seen Danny so at ease before Carey came along. I mean, people don’t get much more easygoing than Danny P, but this was different. He was…content.

I can’t tell you how excited we were for this wedding! Carey has amazing taste, so we knew everything–from the dresses to the favors–would be beautiful. Her friends and family came together to craft a beautiful, personal DIY wedding that was perfectly them. Carey’s mom put together the incredible flower arrangements. One of Danny’s oldest friends plays in Crawdad Republic, the band that jammed during cocktail hour. And both families kept the awesome little saloon at Los Laureles Lodge rocking for two nights straight with a half dozen guitars and the most energetic sing-alongs a happy couple could ever wish for (including a song written just for them to the tune of Piano Man–the first song Danny taught Carey’s mom on the guitar) I mean. C’mon. These are just good people.

We are so very happy that they found each other. And completely flattered that they trusted us to capture their big day. We love you guys!