Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Real Weddings A Romantic Coastal Wedding with Vintage Touches in California By Sarah Schreiber Sarah Schreiber Sarah Schreiber has been writing, editing, and producing lifestyle and weddings content for over seven years. In that time, she has interviewed and worked with hundreds of leading experts to become an authority on all things homekeeping, flower arranging, home design, and wedding planning. Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 3, 2019 Trending Videos Close this video player Meaghan and Conrad's West Coast Wedding Thayer Allyson Gowdy After meeting through their jobs at The New York Times, Conrad Mulcahy proposed to Meaghan Looram near a large, solitary cypress tree at Lover's Point, a scenic waterfront spot in her hometown of Pacific Grove, California. The majestic tree was already a symbol of their relationship: Conrad had given Meaghan a cypress jewelry charm early in their romance. And it ended up providing a motif for their San Francisco celebration, which they planned themselves. 01 of 22 Historic Locale Thayer Allyson Gowdy On November 10, 2012, the couple wed before 110 of their friends and family in the chapel at Cavallo Point, a century-old former military base that rests in the shadow of the Golden Gate Bridge, a couple of hours away from the site of their engagement. The couple chose the spot for its "windswept beauty," says Meaghan. 02 of 22 Warm Welcomes Thayer Allyson Gowdy Muslin bags in guests' hotel rooms treated out-of-towners to the couple's California favorites: a special "Megrad" blend of Blue Bottle Coffee named for the pair, a mini bottle of Ridge Vineyards wine, See's Candies, a Heath Ceramics cup, and a note inviting guests to view their newly planted cypress tree. 03 of 22 Designer Duo Thayer Allyson Gowdy Meaghan wore a dress by Annie Sullivan, a designer who lives above the couple in the dumbo neighborhood of Brooklyn; the groom wore a Michael Andrews Bespoke suit. 04 of 22 Old School Accessory Thayer Allyson Gowdy The bride wore antique Georgian paste earrings and tucked an antique hairpin from Doyle & Doyle in her loose bun. 05 of 22 Classic Cascade Thayer Allyson Gowdy Bride Meaghan envisioned a "Downton Abbey-ish" bouquet. The resulting mix of peonies, poppies, astilbes, and anemones wrapped in ferns was so gorgeous that she took it with her on her honeymoon. 06 of 22 Young Attendants Thayer Allyson Gowdy Meaghan, the youngest of five, and Conrad had plenty of nieces and nephews to fill the pint-size bridal party. 07 of 22 Going to the Chapel Thayer Allyson Gowdy Although Meaghan and Conrad originally planned to wed outdoors, cool Bay area weather moved them into Cavallo Point's chapel. 08 of 22 Blissful Tokens Thayer Allyson Gowdy The wedding bands, both from Catbird in Brooklyn, and Conrad's locket cuff links were kept in velvet-lined antique boxes. 09 of 22 To Have and Hold Thayer Allyson Gowdy Custom velvet books from Velvet Raptor held the duo's self-penned vows and were carried down the aisle by the couple's nephews. 10 of 22 Sentimental Cermony Thayer Allyson Gowdy A close friend, Matthew Burgess, a poet and creative writing professor, officiated at the nondenominational, personal ceremony. "He asked us all these questions about how we met, then crafted his words from our responses," Meaghan says. 11 of 22 Best Ladies Thayer Allyson Gowdy The bride, her sister (the matron of honor), and their mother shared a smile after the ceremony. 12 of 22 Family Guys Thayer Allyson Gowdy Meaghan's wedding also offered her the rare opportunity to hang out with her brothers, all three of whom live in Asia. 13 of 22 Lasting Love Thayer Allyson Gowdy To mark their union, the couple planted a Monterey cypress tree on the resort's property. 14 of 22 Glowing Guests Thayer Allyson Gowdy The bride's brother-in-law (husband of the matron of honor) and his daughter, the bride's niece, looked on as the reception got underway. 15 of 22 Up in the Air Thayer Allyson Gowdy Meaghan's nephew went for a high-flying ride through the air, courtesy of his dad. 16 of 22 Little Lady Thayer Allyson Gowdy The flower girl, Meaghan's niece, wore a J.Crew party dress tied with a sash from Mokuba New York (212-869-8900). 17 of 22 Wedding Rings Thayer Allyson Gowdy Suspended umbrella-fern wreaths floated over floral centerpieces that echoed Meaghan's bouquet. 18 of 22 Center of Attenion Thayer Allyson Gowdy For her centerpieces—and the overall aesthetic of the ceremony and reception—Meaghan's goal was to mix natural forestry and timeless glamour. 19 of 22 Let's Eat Thayer Allyson Gowdy The menu included organic young carrot soup, grass-fed beef short ribs, and wild mushroom risotto. 20 of 22 Gifts that Grow Thayer Allyson Gowdy Table assignments were calligraphed on small take-home white pine saplings cut to resemble cypresses. 21 of 22 Fern-tastic Finish Thayer Allyson Gowdy Meaghan says their carrot cake, topped with cream cheese frosting and coconut shavings, was "beyond delicious." In keeping with the verdant decor, it was decorated with maidenhair, mother, and plumosa ferns. 22 of 22 Sources Thayer Allyson Gowdy Location, catering, and cake: Cavallo Point Event coordination: Alison Events Flowers: Studio Choo Photography: Jesse Leake Stationery: Sesame Letterpress Calligraphy: Anne Robin Calligraphy Music: DJ Blue Rentals: Classic Party Rentals Bride's gown and matron of honor dress: Annie Sullivan Hair: Darren Smalley Makeup: Racine Christensen Men's accessories: Brioni (tie); Gallo Grotte (tie bar); To Boot (shoes) Ring bearers' attire: J.Crew shirt, sweater, and pants; Lands' End ties Audio and visual: PSAV Presentation Services Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit