I arrived at Candice and Andy’s Monterey wedding knowing that is was going to be a great day: We had a fantastic time during their engagement session in Colorado, they were getting married a few feet away from Monterey Bay, their wedding was going to have a super cool self-portrait station. And it did indeed turn out to be an awesome day, made all the more beautiful and interesting by the myriad hand-made decorations that gave the seaside wedding its oceanic theme.

Candice’s sister Kelly totally outdid herself with the ocean-themed decor. From the hanging lights that resembled jellyfish to the chargers with pictures of sea creatures to the coral and starfish displayed on the tables, the place looked amazing. She even made little jars of Monterey Bay sea salt — which she harvested and dried herself — as parting gifts for every guest.

Candice and Andy got married on Sept. 1, and it was a great choice, because Fall is the best time for a Monterey wedding. We had fantastic weather: Sunny, not too hot, not too cold. After a sweet first look, we spent some time taking advantage of all the great spots for portraits in the Intercontinental The Clement Monterey. Talented second shooter James Tensuan came up with a very cool silhouette shot in the Grand Staircase, which you can see in the gallery below.

The rest of the day unfolded perfectly: a touching ceremony, family photos, stopping traffic on Cannery Row, a fun reception and a post-sunset portrait with Monterey Bay and the lights of Seaside as a backdrop. A fantastic time with an awesome couple.