BASH Wedding in Carmel | Michelle & Ben - Autumn Howell Photography

For Michelle and Ben, falling in love was fast and easy; they both knew this was the person they wanted to spend the rest of their lives with. So much so, about a year after they started dating, Michelle and Ben pledged their lives and love to one another in front of their family and friends at their BASH wedding in Carmel!

From the first time I met Michelle and Ben, it was obvious they had an incredibly special relationship. But as I spent time with them for their engagement session and watched their interactions on their wedding day, it was clear that these two are absolutely perfect for one another.

Michelle, with her bridesmaids, spent the afternoon getting ready at BASH, laughing and enjoying mimosas before heading out for their portraits. I loved getting to use the blue velvet couch in the bridal suite at BASH to photograph all of Michelle’s lovely details.

When it came to all the planning and execution of the day, Michelle’s mom Kathleen took the charge, and she ensured everything was an absolute dream for Michelle and Ben. The ceremony and reception details were so dreamy, and it was obvious that she had truly dedicated so much time, love, and attention to planning their big day.

Before we headed out to Central Park in Carmel for their portraits, Ben and Michelle shared a first look right outside of BASH. Ben turned around to see his stunning bride waiting for him, and they shared in a few special moments before we headed to the park.

We were able to find the perfect location at Central Park, with enough shade and a few leaves starting to turn as fall begins to creep in. Ben and Michelle are so sweet together, they didn’t require much prompting or posing to create some beautiful portraits; they had an amazing wedding party supporting them throughout the day, as well, made up of family and friends.

After portraits, we were able to head back to BASH, so Ben, Michelle, and their wedding party could relax before the ceremony. With a few tears shared, Ben watched as beautiful Michelle walked down the aisle with her dad at her side. They exchanged personal vows they wrote to one another, and I was so impressed they were both able to make it through without crying! They shared their first kiss as husband and wife, and Ben even dipped Michelle as they walked down the aisle hand in hand.

After the ceremony while the incredible staff at BASH flipped the room for the reception, we captured all of their family portraits before sending them off for signing the marriage certificate and celebratory drinks. The reception decor was so dreamy, and it was absolutely perfect for their fall wedding!

For toasts, Ben’s father, who was his best man, shared a toast, followed by Michelle’s sister and father. Over and over, everyone reiterated the special relationship these two share, and Michelle’s sister shared about just how big Michelle’s heart is and how much of a hopeless romantic she has always has been. Throughout the toasts, it was obvious that everyone who loves them can see how much they truly love one another, and how supportive they will be as they grow in their marriage in the years to come.

After toasts, cake cutting, and first dances, the dance floor officially opened, and we snuck Michelle and Ben out for some sunset portraits. Even after all the weddings I’ve photographed at BASH, I found a new favorite spot for portraits, which allowed us to make some dreamy sunset portraits for the lovebirds!

As we headed back inside, we said our goodbyes to Michelle and Ben, and we made sure to take advantage of the photo booth before we headed out for the evening, wrapping up an incredibly wedding day for Mr. and Mrs. Sharp!

Michelle and Ben, what an incredible day we were able to share with you two! I am so excited for you two to begin this new chapter in your relationship, and I’m even more excited to share these previews with you. Here’s to a lifetime of love, laughter, and adventure together!