wine country wedding

Historic Mission San Francisco Solano + Valley Restaurant Wedding » Sonoma, California /  by Vivian Chen

Maggie and Dan's springtime wedding weekend in the picturesque wine country town of Sonoma was a heartwarming celebration of love and companionship, shared intimately with a small group of their friends and family. The festivities kicked off with a memorable welcome dinner at the elegant Hamel Family Winery, where guests were treated to breathtaking vineyard views and exquisite cuisine provided by local Sonoma favorite, Girl and the Fig. Laughter and joy echoed through the air as friends and family gathered under the setting sun, as Maggie and Dan enjoyed toasts from family.

The highlight of the weekend was the heartfelt ceremony held at the historic Mission San Francisco Solano. Maggie and Dan held their first look in courtyard before a few portraits around the property. When it was time for the ceremony, guest gathered in the tiny chapel as their good friend officiated the proceedings. The sun bathed the ancient walls in a warm, golden glow as Maggie and Dan exchanged their vows, surrounded by the historic charm of the mission. After they sealed their promises with a kiss, the guests embarked on a leisurely walk around the Sonoma Plaza, sharing stories and laughter, creating an atmosphere of togetherness and unity.

As the evening descended, the celebration continued at the charming Valley Bar + Bottle, where a cocktail hour and reception dinner awaited. Maggie and Dan signed their vows in the private dining room upstairs before a few more sunset portraits around the Plaza. The rustic yet refined ambiance of Valley perfectly complemented their style, and the air was filled with the aroma of delectable dishes that catered to every palate. With heartfelt toasts and lively conversations, the evening unfolded into a tapestry of love and connection.

But the festivities were far from over. The party continued at the Taub Family Outpost bar next door, where the after party took on a lively spirit. Dancing, merriment, and the clinking of glasses resonated throughout the night as guests celebrated the union of Maggie and Dan. The bar's cozy atmosphere allowed everyone to let loose and revel in the joy of the moment.

Wedding Planners: Eat Cake, Dance Often // Welcome Venue: Hamel Family Winery // Welcome Dinner: Girl and the Fig // Ceremony Venue: Mission San Francisco Solano // Hair + Make-Up: Marisa Perel // Reception Venue: Valley Bar + Bottle // Rentals: Bright Event Rentals // After Party: Taub Family Outpost

JOBINA + BRADLEY: You Won’t Believe This Chateau de Ninis Wedding Didn’t Take Place In France » Junebug Weddings /  by Vivian Chen

Love seeing Jobina and Bradley’s fabulous celebration published on Junebug Weddings! You can learn more about this stunning wine country wedding here.

Wedding Venue: Chateau de Ninis // Wedding Day Direction: Alejandra from A Monique Affair // Design: Chanda Daniels Design & Planning // Florals: Esscents of Flowers // Hair & Makeup: Keli Jenee // Catering: The Pleasure Principle // Cake: Cupcakin' Bake Shop // Rentals: Standard Event Rentals // Ceremony Cellist: Byron Hogan // DJ: JustIntertainment // Videographer: Slow Fall Cinema


JOBINA + BRADLEY: Without Knowing it, Opening the Door to Romance » NEW YORK TIMES /  by Vivian Chen

Excited to have Jobina and Bradley’s Sonoma wedding at Chateau di Ninis featured on the New York Times Sunday mini-vow section this week! Learn more about their love story here.

Wedding Venue: Chateau de Ninis // Wedding Day Direction: Alejandra from A Monique Affair // Design: Chanda Daniels Design & Planning // Florals: Esscents of Flowers // Hair & Makeup: Keli Jenee // Catering: The Pleasure Principle // Cake: Cupcakin' Bake Shop // Rentals: Standard Event Rentals // Ceremony Cellist: Byron Hogan // DJ: JustIntertainment // Videographer: Slow Fall Cinema

Intimate Wine Country Backyard + Charter Oak Restaurant Wedding » St. Helena, California /  by Vivian Chen

Anna and Patrick met while in school at the Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena and their relationship quickly blossomed over a passion for making and sharing delicious meals. While their original plans for a San Francisco City Hall wedding had to be rescheduled, their desire to throw an intimate celebration remained the same. They found a gorgeous private home in Angwin where their families and a few close friends were invited to witness their vows overlooking Napa Valley. Patrick’s sister officiated and afterwards the guests were treated to a delicious charcuterie lunch spread lovingly assembled by the couple. While Anna and Patrick shared a small toast, Anna’s aunt presented them with an engraved heirloom silver wedding goblet that had been passed down for generations. For dinner, we met up again at the Charter Oak in downtown Napa for an exquisite meal before popping over to the CIA campus for some sunset photos to wrap up the evening.

Intimate Springtime Hans Fahden Vineyards COVID Wedding » Calistoga, California /  by Vivian Chen

Like many couples this past year, Jenny and Kenny’s early spring wedding plans were altered a few times. The date and venue may have changed but the intimate wine country celebration they imagined still went off without a hitch. The couple celebrated with a close group of their friends and family at the beautiful Hans Fahden Vineyards tucked away above Napa and Sonoma Valley in the heart of the Mayacama Mountains. After a first look on the covered bridge, we spent some time taking portraits around the property before their ceremony. After the “I Do’s”, guests enjoyed wine and appetizers while Jenny and Kenny checked in virtually with guests that weren’t able to be there in person. Before dinner, the property owner, Lyle, took the couple and us for a private tour of the property, ending on top of a mountain at sunset with gorgeous wine country views surrounding us. The evening celebration continued with a delicious meal, hilarious and heartwarming toasts before the first dance and newlywed game wrapped up the evenings festivities. Big thanks to MK Events for helping make the day gorgeous and keep everyone on track.

Springtime Cottages of Napa Valley COVID Wedding » Napa, California /  by Vivian Chen

Shanna and Kevin had to reschedule their wedding three times due to the pandemic but third times the charm as they were finally able to get married on their 10 year anniversary. While they had always planned for a smaller celebration, a ceremony at San Francisco City Hall and a dinner at a winery in Los Gatos had to be shelved fairly quickly at the start of 2020. But after spending a little vacation at the Cottages of Napa Valley, a favorite of Kevin’s parents, they realize that this quaint resort featuring eight cottages in wine country would make the perfect place for their tiny family only wedding plans. The hotel’s owner graciously allowed Shanna and Kevin to book out the whole place for the weekend which made it perfect (and easy) to host festivities. The afternoon started with Shanna and Kevin getting ready together. Fiona from Urban Beauty Loft helped Shanna with her hair and make-up while Kristin from KO Floral Designs provided some lush blooms to brighten the day. As it was too early in the season for winery photos, we headed over to nearby Alston Park for some spring time portraits and we even stopped on the side of the road for some photos with the bright yellow mustard flowers. We headed back to the Cottages for their wedding ceremony in the courtyard garden, officiated by a close friend of theirs. Afterwards, everyone relaxed and enjoyed a deliciously catered meal while mingling in the garden. Such a simple and sweet way to celebrate!

Tiny Calistoga Ranch COVID Minimony » Calistoga, California /  by Vivian Chen

2020 is the year where we take nothing for granted. On warm autumn Friday, Mads and Brad were married with a tiny ceremony at Calistoga Ranch. Just me, Brad's good friend Jason who officiated, and the couple. (And of course, friends and family tuned in via video chat.) They shared a poem with each other and exchanged vows and rings on the balcony of their little forest lodge. It was sweet, lovely and the perfect way to honor their original wedding date. Afterwards they celebrated with champagne and wedding cake before we went out to wander the grounds a bit and visit the lawn where they had planned to have their wedding next year. And yet, only 48 hours later the Glass Fire burned through the valley and destroying most of the property. I have never been more grateful to have had that afternoon with them. And so grateful they enjoyed a bit of their original wedding plans despite the devastation that followed. My heartbreaks (again and again.) Celebrate with your people now and hold them tight. We never know what tomorrow may bring.

Venue: Calistoga Ranch // Wedding Planner: Bella Notte DC // Floral Design: Charlotte & Daughters // Cake: Flour and Bloom // Mads’ Shoes: Bryr Studio // Brad’s Slides: Gucci

Soda Rock Winery Wedding » Healdsburg, California /  by Vivian Chen

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

Wine Country Childhood Home Wedding » Calistoga, California /  by Vivian Chen

Stephanie and Ryan grew up in Sonoma County and kept it local for their wine country celebration. With the help of their friends and family, they transformed Ryan's 50 year old childhood home into a beautiful wedding wonderland. The ceremony, officiated by one of their good friends, took place besides the big red wooden barn. Afterwards, the couple drove down the street to a nearby vineyard for sunset portraits in Ryan's father's vintage Toyota Land Cruiser before heading back for a dinner reception in the backyard under cafe lights. All the personal touches truly made this wedding a close family affair.

Wedding Venue: Ryan's Childhood Home // Catering: Elaine Bell Catering // Floral Design: Maria Philbin // Rentals: Encore Event Rentals // DJ: Techtonic Events // Make-Up: Unveiling Design by Heather // Hairstylist: Katie of Unveiling Design by Heather // Invitation: Basic Invite // Stephanie's Dress: Starlet Bridal // Ryan's Suit: Men's Warehouse // Rings: ER Sawyer Jewelers

Intimate Destination Bardessono Hotel + Spa Wedding » Yountville, California /  by Vivian Chen

Alix and Caleb flew down from Seattle for their intimate Napa Valley destination wedding at the stunning Bardessono Hotel & Spa in downtown Yountville. While wine country weddings usually conjure up images of vineyards and rustic barns, Bardessono's modern architecture made for a unique backdrop for the day's festivities. Surrounded by their 30 closest friends and family, they said their vows in the hotel's courtyard with Alix's father officiating. Afterwards, everyone was invited for cocktails and dinner outside of Lucy Restaurant before we wrapped up the evening with dessert and sparklers.