In a heartwarming celebration of love, musicians Molly Tuttle and Ketch Secor exchanged vows on 22 August in a picturesque wedding set in Santa Cruz, California. The couple, both prominent figures in the contemporary music scene, opted for a whimsical forest-themed ceremony that harmonised beautifully with the natural landscape surrounding them.
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The wedding took place at a private park, where the lush environment and towering redwoods encapsulated Tuttle’s childhood memories of Northern California. Secor described the scene as “straight out of Alice in Wonderland,” complete with a serene river and a delicate morning mist. “It feels right to celebrate our marriage here, where Molly has deep roots,” he shared with PEOPLE.
Tuttle, 33, and Secor, 48, were joined by 122 close friends and family members, including Secor’s two children from a previous relationship. The couple reflected on their bond during the ceremony, which took place on the very wooden bridge where Secor proposed last Thanksgiving after a five-year courtship. In a personal touch, the ceremony featured poetry readings and handwritten vows, further emphasising their commitment to one another.
Nature played a prominent role in their celebration, with earthy colour schemes, rustic centrepieces, and local produce featured prominently throughout the ceremony. Invitations were designed to resemble state park postcards, evoking a sense of adventure and connection to the great outdoors, which Tuttle explained was reflective of their music. “We wanted the entire experience to connect with the beauty of our surroundings,” she stated.
In keeping with their artistic backgrounds, music was a staple of the festivities. The couple had planned a jam session during the cocktail hour, allowing guests to engage with a variety of instruments scattered among the trees. Secor light-heartedly noted that having “a fiddle within arm’s reach” was a must for him on this special day.
The first dance, set to Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon,” was performed by AJ Lee, accompanied by Tuttle’s brother and father, creating a deeply personal moment. Later in the evening, Tuttle and Secor participated in a lively square dance led by Tuttle’s mother, with musical interludes from The Hot Club of San Francisco.
Food was another highlight of the day. Guests were treated to a family-style dinner featuring an array of fresh Californian produce, meticulously curated by John Silva of Culinary Eye Events. The menu included grilled summer vegetables, fragrant gnocchi, and succulent grilled meats, concluding with delicious desserts like blackberry cobbler and grilled peaches.
Family connections were central to the wedding, with Secor’s children playing important roles. His son served as best man while his daughter was a bridesmaid. Tuttle’s father escorted her down the aisle, playing a song he had composed for the occasion. A poignant moment was created by leaving an empty chair for Tuttle’s late grandmother, a gesture signifying her enduring presence.
Tuttle and Secor first crossed paths at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville in 2019, and their professional relationship blossomed into a loving partnership during the pandemic. Secor expressed his deep affection for Tuttle, describing her as “undeniably my person” and celebrating the joy she brings to his life. Tuttle reciprocated these sentiments, stating, “Ketch makes me feel so loved and cared for. I’ve always dreamed of having a lifelong companion, and now I know I have that.”
Planning the wedding presented unique challenges as the couple balanced their busy music careers. However, Secor shared that the process ultimately drew them closer together. “Though much of the planning was conducted from tour buses across various states, it helped us learn and grow as a couple,” he explained.
Following a pre-wedding dinner hosted by Secor’s parents at The View Restaurant & Bar in Santa Cruz, the newlyweds look forward to a brief “mini-moon” in Carmel-by-the-Sea and Big Sur. While they hope to carve out more time for themselves amidst their busy schedules, their primary focus remains on settling into life in Nashville with Secor’s children.
Tuttle expressed excitement for their future as a blended family, stating, “I think married life is going to bring us even closer.” As they prepare to embark on this new chapter together, both musicians are eager to continue their creative collaboration, hoping to bring their shared dreams to life—whether on stage or at home.