A Black and White Vineyard Wedding with Unforgettable Details

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Melanie and Nate knew they wanted a moody, romantic, and timeless wedding that reflected their style. They envisioned an Italian escape, but flying to Italy was out of the question with Nate’s large, immediate family. Nestled in the heart of Fallbrook, California, Monserate Winery, a brand new venue, captured the essence of Tuscany right in their backyard. The couple took a chance on the venue before it was even finished and never looked back!

Their love story, which began on the ice and blossomed into a lifelong partnership, was celebrated in a manner as timeless and elegant as their union. With a classic black-and-white theme, moody romance in the air, and a venue that felt like a slice of Tuscany, this wedding was nothing short of spectacular.

Location: California, USA
Style: Moody and romantic
Time of planning: 1 Year
Number of guests: 115
Setting: Winery
Season: Spring

Melanie and Nate, both athletes, first crossed paths in the place they both loved most—the hockey rink. Introduced by a mutual friend, their connection was instant. After a whirlwind romance filled with a million cherished memories, Nate got down on one knee in Palm Springs, Melanie’s favorite place. The proposal, planned for Father’s Day, was made even more special by the presence of Melanie’s father, who flew in from Georgia to be part of the celebration. The trio celebrated at a steakhouse that evening, marking the perfect start to their journey toward marriage.

Getting Ready

The day began serene and joyful as Melanie and Nate prepared for their special moment. The bride, surrounded by her closest friends, shared laughs and sips of champagne while getting ready in a sunlit room.

Melanie & Nate's Wedding: Monserate Winery

Melanie’s wedding look epitomized feminine elegance with a modern twist. She wore a custom-made Pallas Couture gown featuring boning and intricate 3D floral detailing that added a touch of whimsy to the otherwise classic design. The dress, the first and only one she tried on, was paired with simple white slingbacks by Betsey Johnson, creating a sophisticated and understated look.

For her hair and makeup, Melanie trusted two of her closest friends. She opted for beachy waves that flowed effortlessly over her shoulders, paired with a full-glam makeup look that made her eyes pop. The dress’s intricate details called for a simple bouquet, so Melanie chose a small white micro bouquet that perfectly complemented her look without overshadowing the gown.

Meanwhile, in a more relaxed setting, Nate shared a drink with his groomsmen, embodying a calm confidence as he prepared to meet his bride. The couple’s easygoing nature set the tone for a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

Nate looked the dashing groom in his custom black tuxedo, paired with a sleek pair of black Dior shoes gifted by his brothers. But the most personal touch came from Melanie’s father, who surprised Nate with a two-tone Day Just Rolex the day before the wedding. The watch perfectly matched the one Melanie’s father had gifted her mother on their wedding day 30 years earlier, making it a significant addition to Nate’s wedding day attire.

Ceremony

The ceremony was a stunning blend of tradition and modernity, set against a backdrop of lush vineyards. Melanie and Nate decided to forgo a wedding party, creating an intimate atmosphere where they stood alone, focused entirely on each other. They had chosen not to see each other before the ceremony, making their “first touch” moment—where they held hands on either side of a grand gate—even more special.

The ceremony unfolded in a picturesque outdoor setting, framed by lush greenery and a serene lake. Guests were seated on a manicured lawn, with chairs arranged neatly under the shade of towering trees and rocky formations.

The floral arrangements, a blend of white roses, delicate blue accents, and greenery, perfectly complemented the natural beauty surrounding them. Live music, provided by a talented violinist, set a romantic tone, filling the air with soft melodies that heightened the emotions of the day.

Melanie walked down the aisle with her father, cherishing a private yet visible moment before joining Nate. The ceremony space was thoughtfully designed, allowing for seamless entrances and exits. Reflecting on the day, Melanie said, “Once you are in the moment, it’s complete tunnel vision; nothing else in the world matters.” The couple even turned to face their guests, taking a moment to soak in the significance of the day.

A unique twist saw the bride and groom sides switched, allowing their families to see their faces during the vows. As they were pronounced husband and wife, their joy was evident, and they walked down the aisle, hand in hand, ready to embrace their future together.

Melanie and Nate took a moment after the ceremony to capture their love in a series of breathtaking photos by Ash Gabes. These images reflect the deep connection between them, set against the serene vineyard backdrop that echoed their joy.

The golden light of the afternoon bathed the couple in a soft, warm glow, with Melanie’s flowing gown looking ethereal against the lush greenery. Nate’s classic black tuxedo perfectly complemented her beauty, and their chemistry was palpable in every frame.

As they walked hand in hand through the vineyard, their smiles never faded. Ash captured these intimate moments with an artist’s eye, turning each shot into a narrative of their love story. Particularly striking were the candid shots—a playful dip with laughter, a quiet embrace with Melanie leaning into Nate—simple yet powerful portrayals of their bond.
ethereal against the lush greenery.

Reception

The reception, held in the courtyard, was a perfect continuation of the couple’s moody, romantic theme. The space was decorated with dark, rich tones that contrasted beautifully with the warm, ambient lighting, creating an intimate and inviting atmosphere. The couple’s personal touches were evident throughout the evening, starting with the matted black-and-white photos of each guest placed at their seats instead of traditional name tags. This thoughtful gesture was a hit, making each guest feel truly special.

The celebration was filled with unique moments that made it truly unforgettable. One of the most memorable was the surprise tattoo session during the cocktail hour. A close friend of the couple brought his tattoo kit, and Melanie and Nate snuck away to get matching tattoos—Melanie chose their wedding date in the format “0 4 0 6 2 4,” while Nate opted for “blue-eyed girl” in script on their right forearms. This spontaneous and personal touch was a reflection of the couple’s fun-loving and adventurous spirits.

For their first dance, the couple chose a classic love song that perfectly encapsulated their relationship. As they swayed under the twinkling lights, surrounded by their loved ones, it was clear that this was a moment they would cherish forever.

One of the highlights of the evening was the film video projected on the brick wall, showcasing moments from Melanie and Nate’s engagement session. The couple stood on a balcony overlooking the reception, watching as their guests enjoyed the film. This cinematic introduction led to their grand entrance and first dance, setting the tone for the rest of the evening.

Party

Another surprise that left a lasting impression was the cigar roller that Melanie had arranged as a gift for Nate. Knowing how much he enjoyed a good cigar with his brothers and father, Melanie had planned this surprise for over a year. When the moment came, she grabbed the mic and presented the cigar roller to Nate in front of their guests. The look of pure joy on his face was priceless, and the cigars were a huge hit for the rest of the evening.

As the night went on, guests were treated to specialty cocktails and late-night In-N-Out cheeseburgers, a nod to the couple’s love for the iconic California chain. These small but significant details made the night feel even more special and personal.

The bride’s second look perfectly captured the celebratory mood. She swapped her gown for a chic and playful mini dress adorned with shimmering beads and delicate feathers. Complementing her dress, Melanie opted for a sleek, high ponytail, giving her an effortlessly polished appearance.

Ash Gabes, the talented photographer, captured every joyful moment with impeccable skill, especially during the night. The film photos taken in the evening were particularly atmospheric, adding a cozy, intimate vibe to the already magical day. These nighttime shots emphasized the warmth and connection between the couple, making the memories of their special day even more unforgettable.

Advice from the couple:

• Many people will tell you, “The day goes by so fast” or “Stay present,” but it’s so true. My husband and I did a great job by not leaving each other’s side on our extremely important wedding day. To all the engaged couples getting married, don’t stress too much! Easier said than done right.

The more relaxed and “go with the flow mentality” we had, the more perfect things went. Sure, there are going to be hiccups, guests may drop out at the last minute, and things happen, but know there is always a solution! The best advice is to remember why you are there in the first place.