Kristen + Benjamin by Francesca Maria Photo

Bringing the green inside the reception, paired with glass to keep things simple, elegant, and joyful.

Tell us a little about yourselves, what you do, what you love…

Our relationship was definitely founded upon mutual loves: movies, baseball, dogs, reading, and cats. But it really blossomed when we began to accept and engage in each other’s passions: Kris learning to appreciate Aleksander Barkov’s presence for the Florida Panthers, Ben learning to appreciate a good tribal council on Survivor. Kris learned to love alt comedy; Ben learned to love – and then obsess – over cats. Everything we do, we do with mutual respect for each other’s interests. And while that oftentimes means respecting the other enough to let them have their own space more often than not, it’s two peas in a pod.

How/where/when did you meet – and what were your first impressions?

We met on the July 4th weekend, 2021, in Santa Barbara, CA. Kris was visiting a friend in the area; Ben went wine tasting with a group of pals. They both ended the day at Joe’s Bar, where they spotted each other. Kris insists she immediately recognised Ben’s “perfectly shaped head,” which has never struck him as particularly romantic. But admittedly, Ben first said “wow, she’s hot,” which isn’t apt to make any lady swoon. He approached her with the best line he could muster — “Do you come here often?” — and, despite that starting place, the conversation took off.

What styling and visual elements worked best for you? (could be things, the florals, particular hire products or your marquee, etc., something the stylist created or simply just the scenic beauty of your location or the existing design of your venue).

The location did a lot of the heavy lifting, amid the mountains and greenery of the Carmel area. Kris sought to buttress that by bringing the green inside the reception, pairing it with glass to keep things simple but elegant and joyful.

What did you enjoy most about the planning process, and do you have any tips for couples starting their wedding planning journey?

At first, there’s a real fear early on of making any decisions. You’ve spent so much time ruminating on all of the potential avenues. But once those first decisions are made, the fun begins, and you get to build the design elements. Seeing that all come together is tremendously rewarding. So don’t be afraid to make a decision! Your wedding is not a house of cards that will collapse with a blow in the wrong direction. It’s a cumulative process that will not be made or broken by one element.

Tell us about your vendors. Were there any standout suppliers you would like to make special mention of?

Everyone was incredibly communicative and delivered on all we’d hoped. Much of that is, of course, due to our wedding planner, Jessica Furnee, who approached it all with assuredness, style, and a steady hand. Beyond our photographer, Francesca Maria, whose work we are so happy to share, the two big hits were our florist, Love & Flowers by Angie, who went above and beyond to work within our budget while creating memorable designs; and Paul of Golden Bell Music, who could not have been more attuned to our tastes, desired party vibe, and the party as it developed, making sure to fire things up or slow them down at just the right moments.

Tell us about your main outfits, what was unique, and is there a story?

Ben’s grandmother, who passed away a couple of years ago, bought his tuxedo as a college graduation gift. She assured him that he’d find plenty of opportunities to wear it, though he was sceptical. It turns out she was right — as she tended to be — and he couldn’t help a bit of sentimentality, recognising that it made it all the way to his wedding.

Tell us about your wedding and engagement rings.

Ben chose a simple platinum ring from the LA institution XIV Carat. Kris’ engagement ring, for which she provided Ben with much-needed guidance, is from Blue Nile, and her wedding ring is from Grown Brilliance and inscribed with Ben’s name.

What were one or two elements that were most important to you both that you were happy to spend a little more on? (food, photography, florals, the venue, your outfits?).

Upon learning they were an option, the Sicilian donkeys, Pablo and Paco, were a non-negotiable for Ben. For Kris, the hanging installation of baby’s breath paired with the green velvet chairs was part of her vision from the very beginning

Was there a favourite moment (or two) that you will treasure always?

Our vows were the highlight of the day. While Ben tends to be a natural performer, Kris is not the most assured public speaker. But in that moment, in front of family and friends, the nerves disappeared, and we both felt total peace and genuine warmth in sharing our vows. And then, of course, a second favourite memory is when the late-night snacks finally came out of the kitchen.

What does being married mean to you, and are there any special rituals you have that you would like to share?

Sharing the good and the bad, saying I’m sorry and saying I love you, and putting the other person first.