Weddings. Anniversaries. Vow renewals. They all have something in common. How can you make them something so extra special, so memorable, that years from now, it will bring a smile to your faces whenever you see the photos or share the story?
Do Something Different
Every 10 years, we renew our vows in a formal wedding ceremony. It’s a tradition that started by accident. At our 10-year anniversary in Yosemite, the Red Chapel’s pastor let us know he’d remarried us. A unique surprise and a treasured memory. Scroll forward to our 30th anniversary; we were looking to really do something different.
“Different” means something different to everyone when it comes to celebrations. It may be the setting, the people, the feelings…. After much animated discussion, we wanted it to be outdoors, with activities we had never done before. Monterey, a favorite destination, had the options.
Wide Angle Lens
It’s easy to do the tried and true when it comes to such celebrations; but taking a wide angle view opens up new, perhaps unexpected possibilities. How about a horseback ride along the beach? What about a private boat ride into the ocean? Perhaps a beach wedding or on an overlook above the frothing waves? Or in a historic church? Maybe a scenic bike ride culminating in dining at a historic location? All this and more is available around greater Monterey.
And even if Monterey isn’t your preferred destination, I encourage you ask each other, what would we really like to do and where? Shake it up! Check your bucket list. Maybe you’d like to try parasailing? Riding in a glider (with a pilot)? Glamping? Staying in a yurt (in CA)? Nothing stops you from doing that.
Once you’ve selected your location, determining the where, who and what are next. And while searching the internet is a good start, nothing beats a phone call – or if possible, a visit in advance. Because ambiance and the environment are everything to crafting an awesome memory.
We decided we wanted to go horseback riding along the beach in the morning (bucket list item!), have an afternoon ceremony along the beach (when the fogs have usually lifted), and then eat at a restaurant with an ocean view. But we didn’t know what was available.
Step by Step
A-By-the-Sea Wedding proved an invaluable resource. Not only do they have a lovely stone chapel and an outdoor gazebo on their premises for weddings and receptions, but they also do celebrations off-site, including an officiate coming to a preferred location, and they set us up with Sharilynn. They can also make recommendations about local providers and options. (montereyweddings.com)
Tracking down riding along the beach proved elusive, as there are limited beach areas available that permit horses. Monterey Bay Equestrian’s horse trailer met us near Salinas Beach for our trail ride among the dunes and out onto the open beach. Our delightful guide shared that they do this even in the fog, and regaled us with information about the history and flora of the dunes. The muffled squeak of our saddles, the sea birds’ cries, the sharp smell of wild sage and sun-warmed sand… it created a perfect start to the day. (montereybayequestrian.com).
Our ceremony was to be in the little public gazebo along the Asilomar shoreline. We had sent Sharilynn our vows in advance, and she met us at the gazebo to remarry us. Her warmth and genuine joy in officiating as she recited to us the words we had written 30 years ago added so much to the ceremony. Passersby on the walking trail smiled and wished us well.
Then it was back to our historic room at Asilomar Conference Grounds to change and head off for a superb dinner at the Beach House with outstanding views of Monterey Bay. Fun fact: The 1948 gabled Victorian building was known as the Old Bath House. It re-opened as a restaurant in 1975, closing after 30 years. After renovations, it reopened under its present name in 2012. (beachhousepg.com )
Later, we sat on Asilomar State Beach, watching the sun spattering the ocean with scarlet and gold, and laughing at the long flights of pelicans wobbling just above the quieting waves. A wonderful day and a new memory to add to our collection.
Ideas, Thoughts & Resources
If you’re inspired to check out possibilities in the Monterey area, here are resources and suggestions.
