Ally and Sam’s wedding was a DREAM to be a part of and we’re so thrilled to share it.

Their love story began in middle school in Marietta, Georgia—he asked her out by writing “will you be my girlfriend” on her hand in 6th grade. After a teenage breakup (over ice cream, quoting Seinfeld), years of distance, and a college-long romance, they reunited in New York City, where they’ve now built a life together. Sam proposed after a decade together on the West Side Highway, followed by a surprise dinner at Barbuto with their families.

Their wedding, captured by Kristen Marie Parker, at The Preserve in Carmel Valley blended California’s natural beauty with deeply personal touches. Ally’s grandmother, a floral painter, inspired the paper goods and hand-painted guest gifts, while heirloom jewelry and custom pieces tied generations of family into the celebration. Sam’s parents surprised the couple with ice cream from the shop where they had their middle school breakup, and their groomsman took to the saxophone at the afterparty.

Ally, who works in fashion marketing, styled every look herself. She started in Chloé with a Dior scarf for her bridal luncheon, then wore a vintage-inspired Toteme dress with Dior heels and Givenchy earrings for welcome drinks. A semi-custom Danielle Frankel “Cora” with a hand-painted veil set the tone for Friday’s rehearsal dinner. On the wedding day, her versatile Sept gown transformed from ceremony to dance floor, and she closed the weekend in a sequined PatBo mini. Throughout, she layered in heirloom jewelry and custom pieces designed with her mother and grandmother, weaving sentiment into every look.

The weekend was designed by Simone Lennon with florals by Siren Floral Co., culminating in a reception barn transformed by thousands of suspended white cosmos.