WEDDING DAY ITINERARY

THE CEREMONY

Afternoon | 3-4 pm
Carmel Mission Basilica - Carmel-By-The-Sea

3080 Rio Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93921

COCKTAIL HOUR

Evening | 5-6 pm
Carmel Valley Ranch - Golf Clubhouse Patio

1 Old Ranch Rd. Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923
11 Minutes from the Ceremony

DINNER & DANCING

Night | 6-10 pm
Carmel Valley Ranch - Valley Lawn

THE CEREMONY

THE CARMEL MISSION BASILICA

October - 18th - 2025

3 - 4 o'clock in the afternoon

3080 Rio Road, Carmel, California 93923

THE MISSION WAS FOUNDED BY FATHER JUNIPERO SERRA IN 1770, MAKING IT THE SECOND OF THE 21 CALIFORNIA MISSIONS. IT IS STILL AN ACTIVE PARISH WITH DAILY MASS AS WELL AS WEDDINGS AND PUBLIC TOURS. IT IS THE MOST AUTHENTICALLY PRESERVED MISSION, INCLUDING FOUR MUSEUM GALLERIES THAT GIVE INSIGHT INTO THE HISTORY OF MONTEREY PENINSULA AND ALL OF THE CALIFORNIA MISSIONS.

It was this mission that Lydia chose for her California Mission fourth grade school project. This is when she fell in love with the mission and has long desired to be married here.

THE RECEPTION

CARMEL VALLEY RANCH

October - 18th - 2025

5 - 10 o'clock in the evening

1 Old Ranch Rd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923

Carmel Valley Ranch is a place to grow young, where people can truly play—throwing caution to the wind, listening to their inner child, seeking pure, absolute fun. The Ranch makes it possible to pursue all kinds of play, from activities that thrill to opportunities to chill. Guests can take in artisan demonstrations, experience a revitalizing spa treatment, explore vineyards and gardens, play the area’s only Pete Dye-designed golf course, and much more.

Luke and Lydia were drawn to The Ranch as it reminds Luke of his love of golf and Lydia's childhood on her family's vineyards.

OUR STORY

HOW WE MET

9 | 22 | 2017

Our story began on September 21, 2017, at the Life Is Beautiful music festival in Las Vegas. Amid the festival's energy and excitement, we met through mutual friends, finding an instant connection amidst the music and vibrant atmosphere. As we explored the festival together, our shared laughter and conversations made the weekend unforgettable. What started as a chance encounter evolved into a deep and lasting bond. Now, we’re thrilled to celebrate this next chapter of our lives with you.

THE FIRST DATE

9 | 30 | 2017

A few weeks after meeting at the Life Is Beautiful festival, we had our first date at Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach. As we walked along the shore and watched the sunset, we enjoyed getting to know each other better. The relaxed atmosphere and stunning views made for a perfect setting to connect. That evening, it became clear that there was something special between us. It was a great start to what has become an incredible journey together.

THE PROPOSAL

5 | 20 | 2023

After six years together, a cross-country move, and navigating all the big changes that come with your twenties, Luke decided it was time to take the next step. He chose a place close to their hearts for the proposal—La Selva Beach, where they've shared countless memories over the years. The beach, with its serene waves and beautiful sunset, provided the perfect backdrop for this special moment. Surrounded by the familiar sights and feelings that have marked their journey together, Luke asked Lydia to marry him. We cannot wait to share the next chapter of our story with all of you.

TRAVEL DETAILS

AIR TRAVEL

Monterey Regional Airport

18 Miles from Carmel

San Jose Mineta International Airport

81 Miles from Carmel

San Fransisco International Airport

110 Miles from Carmel

LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

ACCOMMODATIONS

CARMEL VALLEY RANCH

Stay at the Reception Venue with us. Enjoy Golf, Tennis, a Wellness Center, Swimming, Hiking, Bee Keeping Experience, & Animal Encounters at this location.

Room Block Available Especially for our guests - please contact Thea@CarmelValleyRanch.com

MISSION RANCH

Thirteen minutes from the reception location.

Owned by Clint Eastwood - the former mayor of Carmel.

HYATT CARMEL HIGHLANDS

Fifteen minutes from the reception location.

Waterfront hotel overlooking Big Sur, with beach side hiking trails at Point Lobos.

LE PETIT PALI AT OCEAN AVE

Fifteen minutes fro the reception location.

Craftsman style boutique hotel in downtown Carmel.

CARMEL MISSION INN

Eleven minutes from the reception location.

Boutique hotel with modern rooms, fire-pits, a heated pool and hot tub.

HIDDEN VALLEY INN

Nine minutes from the reception venue.

AIR BNB

Always Luke & Lydia's first choice when they travel.

ATTIRE

PLEASE JOIN US BY WEARING THE COLORS OF OUR DAY

LADIES

Long Evening Dress
Formal Cocktail-Length Dress

GENTLEMEN

Black Tuxedo Suit
Formal Dark Suit & Bow Tie

THINGS TO DO

RESTAURANTS

MISSION RANCH

You’ll see sheep grazing in the meadow and Point Lobos in the background. Come here for gorgeous sunset views, a lively piano bar, a mix of locals and tourists, and filling American cuisine.

LA BICYLETTE

Cozy European bistro offering French-Italian fare on a weekly-changing menu.

PORTABELLA

Local fresh cuisine, charming, elegant, and romantic with al fresco dining.

SITES TO SEE

EXPLORE 17-MILE DRIVE

17-Mile Drive is a scenic road through Pebble Beach and Pacific Grove on the Monterey Peninsula in California, much of which hugs the Pacific coastline and passes famous golf courses, mansions and scenic attractions, including the Lone Cypress, Bird Rock and the 5,300-acre Del Monte Forest of Monterey Cypress trees.

EXPERIENCE THE FAIRYTALE COTTAGES OF CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA

One of California’s most whimsical hidden gems is the small beach city of Carmel-by-the-Sea, known for its collection of quaint fairy tale cottages. Peek into these neighborhoods for a world that’s not quite our own, where storybook illustrations are rendered into reality among breezy seaside surroundings.

HIKE POINT LOBOS NATURE RESERVE

Point Lobos and the Point Lobos State Natural Reserve is a state park in California. Adjoining Point Lobos is one of the richest marine habitats in California. The ocean habitat is protected by two marine protected areas, the Point Lobos State Marine Reserve and Point Lobos State Marine Conservation Area.

ACTIVITIES

KAYAK MONTEREY BAY

Paddle in the Monterey Bay National MarineSanctuary, exciting harbor and Cannery Row shoreline with sea otters, seals, sea-lions, kelp beds and possibly dolphins!

EXPERIENCE THE BAGPIPER AT THE INN AT SPANISH BAY

The bagpiper has played along the Pebble Beach coastline every day, rain or shine, since The Inn and Links at Spanish Bay opened in 1987. The daily bagpiper performance begins on the first tee at The Links at Spanish Bay in front of STICKS, and finishes 45 minutes later at the Spanish Bay fire pits by the second green.

SIP WINE AT FOLKTALE WINERY

Beautiful, award-winning, winery, vineyard with restaurant and event venue, located just 5 minutes from Carmel-by-the-Sea.