Weddings
Over The Moon Merchandising Associate Emmie McKiernan Wore Alexandra Pijut and Vera Wang During Her Pebble Beach Wedding Weekend
By Shayna Seid
Photography by
Planning by
August 14, 2026
"We always joke that meeting on an app was such a San Francisco thing to do," Over The Moon Merchandising Associate Emmie McKiernan laughs of how she first connected with Charlie Carothers. The two, who were living in Northern California at the time, eventually realized they had so many mutual friends that they would've met at one of their weddings anyway, if not for technology speeding things along.
After three years together, Charlie proposed on July 3 at The Wauwinet on Nantucket, and the pair began planning their autumn California nuptials. Emmie's family has a house in Pebble Beach, and it became the couple's favorite escape from San Francisco. "We wanted our wedding weekend to feel just like one of those perfect weekends away—cozy and coastal, with incredible food and drinks and the timeless, sporty charm that makes Pebble Beach so iconic," Emmie shares.
They booked the date for November 8, 2025. "I've always loved a fall wedding. I think there's something so romantic about them," the bride says. While this time of year is especially her favorite and known for its , she still wasn’t taking any chances. “Yes, I buried a bourbon bottle”—the old Southern wives’ tale in hopes of good weather.
Joni from Kindred Events Co. and Mindy Rice Design brought Emmie and Charlie's vision to life, while photographer Kristina Adams and videographer Hugo Film Co. captured every moment of the weekend.
"I wanted my entire wedding weekend to be a mix of old and new—combining designers I've always admired with jewelry and accessories that were either new or borrowed from my mom," Emmie says of her bridal wardrobe. She started in the Lein Olympia Dress with blush Manolos. " a subtle pop of fun that tied into our linens that evening. The lace on the dress was beyond delicate and stunning," she adds. "It was the perfect romantic look for a fall, Italian-inspired dinner at home."
The bride and Alexandra Pijut, who designed her welcome party dress, were first connected through mutual friend and fellow OTM Bride Rainey Lancaster Hoag. "She is even kinder than she is talented," Emmie says of Alexandra. "I asked if she could create her iconic Remy dress in all white, and she absolutely delivered! I paired it with my mom's peridot drop earrings and my Nantucket Basket clutch, which was a Christmas gift from Charlie a few years prior. It's one of my most prized possessions and a nod to our engagement."
On the morning of the wedding, Emmie got ready with Kelly Jo Beauty in a vintage Oscar de la Renta slip, while her sister and sisters-in-law wore Petite Plume. Then the bride put on her Vera Wang dress and veil, styled with Alexandre Birman heels. "A piece of my mom's lace was sewn into my dress alongside our wedding date, which was hand-embroidered as a thoughtful detail," Emmie explains.
The bride's party also wore Alexandra Pijut looks in custom colors. "My mom wore the Patti in a rich plum, while my sister wore the floor-length Sofia in a beautiful chocolate brown," Emmie shares.
The bride and groom exchanged their own vows on the old fifth hole at Pebble Beach Golf Links, with the Pacific Ocean as a sweeping backdrop. "There were plenty of laughs and tears," Emmie remembers. "It was incredibly personal and one of the most special moments of our lives."
Following the ceremony, a bagpiper led everyone to a pier for cocktail hour, while the newlyweds climbed into Emmie's father's vintage Ford Woody. "Our cocktail hour was one of our favorite parts of the weekend," Emmie says. "We wanted it to feel like all the places we love, coming together: Pebble Beach meets New England meets San Francisco."
Back inside, the reception dinner menu was inspired by one of the couple's favorite spots at Pebble Beach: the Tap Room. "Think Polo Bar meets Hillstone," Emmie suggests. "Our cake was the Tap Room's famous coconut cake, served with my mom's berry compote." She adds, "If you are ever in Pebble Beach, the coconut cake is a must!"
The reception entertainment opened with Loston Harris on the grand piano. "He most recently completed a 22-year residency at The Carlyle in New York City's legendary Bemelmans Bar," Emmie explains. "He set the perfect tone for the evening, followed by Gen 8 from Elan Artists, who were incredible and got the party started."
For dancing, Emmie slipped into another Alexandra Pijut dress. "The green floral embellishments perfectly tied into our reception," the bride says.
Once the reception concluded, the after-party moved to Emmie's parents' home for poker and pizza. "We had dealers set up for blackjack and roulette, and it was such a fun way to keep the celebration going," she says. The change in scenery called for Emmie's final look of the night: a lavender La DoubleJ slip dress with green feathers. "It was the perfect casino party dress and beyond comfortable for the end of the night."
