Clarisse and Colin met in college in Boston on orientation day. They were friends for three years before they started dating (their friends called them the real life “Monica Geller and Chandler Bing”!) Nine years later and a cross country move later, they found themselves getting married on a warm and sunny autumn day in Healdsburg. The day started at a gorgeous Airbnb in Healdsburg where Clarisse and her bridesmaids all got ready. I showed up just in time to capture her giving them all delicate bracelets engraved with the location of where they first met. And of course, there were happy tears all around. Once everyone’s eyes were dried, they got dressed and ready for the celebration. Clarisse showed off her gown in the garden and paired it with her hand painted leather jacket with her future husband’s last name and her custom made “Moondawg” logo. As everyone continued to get ready, I headed over to Soda Rock Winery to meet Colin and set him up to see Clarisse for the first time. There was a gorgeous oak tree behind the barn which provided enough privacy for the two of them (though their moms were able to peek in on the action from afar.) After the first look, we spent some time shooting some group portraits before they were hidden away while the rest of the guests arrived for the ceremony. The barn was decorated simply with deep red florals by Beijaflor Botanicals and a gorgeous crystal chandelier that cast rainbows on the rustic barn floor. A friend of their officiated the wedding ceremony and they also included some Filipino traditions as a nod to Clarisse’s heritage. While cocktail hour kicked off, we ducked away together for some portraits in the vineyards before rejoining the party. As the sunset behind the fields, guests were invited into the tasting room for a delicious dinner. Clarisse’s grandfather surprised her with an impromptu Filipino money dance and homemade cakes and s’mores wrapped up the evening as everyone danced into the night.
Wedding Venue: Soda Rock Winery // Airbnb Rental: Starlight Grove // Wedding Coordinator: Events by CMG // Florist: Beijaflor Botanicals // Caterer: Park Avenue Catering // DJ: DJ Rufio // Photobooth: Penny the Photo Lounge
