A Romantic Coastal Wedding with Vintage Touches in California

Meaghan and Conrad's West Coast Wedding

meaghan-conrad-bridge-2375-2497-comp-mwd109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-houses-0606-d109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-welcome-0317-mwd109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-couple-1865-d109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-hair-0952-d109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-bouquet-1900-mwd109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-kids-1040-mwd109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-chapel-1315-mwd109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-rings-0191-mwd109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-vows-0068-mwd109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-kiss-1365-mwd109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-sister-mother-2000-mwd109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-friends-2052-d109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-cypress-0635-mwd109593.jpg
Thayer Allyson Gowdy

To mark their union, the couple planted a Monterey cypress tree on the resort's property.

14 of 22

Glowing Guests

meaghan-conrad-brother-niece-1703-mwd109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-nephew-2188-mwd109593.jpg
Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Meaghan's nephew went for a high-flying ride through the air, courtesy of his dad.

16 of 22

Little Lady

meaghan-conrad-flower-girl-2057-mwd109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-fern-wreaths-0461-mwd109593.jpg
Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Suspended umbrella-fern wreaths floated over floral centerpieces that echoed Meaghan's bouquet.

18 of 22

Center of Attenion

meaghan-conrad-arrangement-0477-d109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-menu-0486-d109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-saplings-0336-mwd109593.jpg
Thayer Allyson Gowdy

Table assignments were calligraphed on small take-home white pine saplings cut to resemble cypresses.

21 of 22

Fern-tastic Finish

meaghan-conrad-cake-0538-mwd109593.jpg
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

meaghan-conrad-embrace-1425-mwd109593.jpg
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?
Related Articles