Location: Santa Rosa, California, USA
Setting: Winery
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 9 months
The number of guests: 130
Wedding theme/style: Understated elegance with an emphasis on natural and picturesque setting.
Ty and Alex’s love story began in Colorado. Their very first meeting was fortuitous that sparked a bond neither could ignore. With her warm smile and beautiful spirit, Alex captured a retired NFL football player’s heart from the moment they met. Their journey has been one of passion and the beauty of unexpected connections.
The couple decided to hold their wedding outdoors in the summer with its long days, gentle breezes, and vibrant colors, embracing the warmth and beauty of the natural surroundings. The summer setting provides a picturesque backdrop for their special day, allowing guests to bask in the sunshine and enjoy the fresh air as they come together to celebrate love.
Alex and Ty chose Annadel Estate Winery in Santa Rosa to celebrate their love and commitment without even seeing the venue beforehand! It blends history, nature, and elegance in a turn-of-the-century setting, making it the perfect vineyard venue. Nestled among rolling green vineyards, fields of hydrangeas, roses, and majestic oaks, every view is stunning while the estate’s natural elegance effortlessly lends itself to creating unforgettable moments.
The chosen color scheme of white and green for the couple’s wedding evokes a sense of freshness and purity, enhancing the overall aesthetic with a touch of elegance.
As the much-anticipated big day arrived, the weather graced the occasion with its perfection, setting the stage for a truly memorable celebration. With clear skies above and a gentle breeze in the air, every detail of the wedding had been meticulously prepared and awaited the arrival of the bride and groom.
The bride’s morning unfolded with the gathering of her nearest and dearest, setting the tone for the day. Opening bottles of champagne, they showered the bride with love and well-wishes, sharing their excitement for the day ahead and expressing their anticipation for the magical moments yet to come. They had a wonderful time together while pampering. With each brush stroke and a twist of a curling iron, the excitement in the room grew, building towards the moment when the bride would step into her gown.
The bride’s look was perfectly capturing her unique style. Her dreamy dress from Enzoani balanced the look with gorgeous detailing, featuring a stunning train adorned with floral lace. The dress’s clean lines were accentuated by delicate spaghetti straps decorated with rhinestones. An alluring open back added charm to the ensemble.
Her hair was styled into a low bun with a side parting with understated grace. The sleek hairstyle allowed the focus to remain on the intricate details of her dress while adding a touch of sophistication to her overall look. She opted for a subtle neutral-colored palette for makeup, accentuating her features with fluffy lashes for a soft yet glamorous look. The soft tones of her makeup complemented her dress beautifully, creating a harmonious bridal aesthetic that was both understated and captivating.
The groom chose a classic three-piece black suit, perfectly mirroring the elegance of his bride’s ensemble. With its fine silhouette and impeccable tailoring, the suit exuded a sense of taste. But it was the subtle details that genuinely set Ty’s look apart.
The lining of the suit, adorned with bold roses, made his look more stylish. The initials of his name on his shirt’s sleeve were a personalized touch that added a sense of individuality to his ensemble. He completed his attire with a golden watch, elegantly displayed on a metal belt.
As the parents laid eyes on their daughter, adorned in a radiant white dress, their hearts swelled with emotion at the sight of her beauty on her wedding day. Alex shared a tender moment with her parents, feeling their love and pride enveloping her like a warm embrace.
Meanwhile, the groom waited impatiently for his bride, his heart pounding with anticipation. When he felt her approach, a smile spread across his face, full of love and admiration for the woman who would soon become his wife. Each step she took was filled with excitement.
Finally, they see each other, and a wave of joy and happiness washed over them. With smiles that stretched from ear to ear and eyes that sparkled with joy, they basked in the moment’s pleasure, savoring the sheer delight of being together at last.
Photographer Amanda Wei‘s team expertly captured every emotion of the special day, preserving the precious moments for eternity. She skillfully framed the couple among the enchanting arches of the winery, capturing their love. Against the natural riches, the photographer showcased Alex and Ty’s excitement, immortalizing their happiness amidst the lush greenery and picturesque surroundings.
The festivities came to the ceremony smoothly. Ty and his groomsmen, Alex and her bridesmaids, made their way toward the sacred space where they would be united as husband and wife soon.
Ty stood patiently at the altar, as he awaited his bride. Finally, bathed in the sun’s warm rays, she appeared, accompanied by her father. It was a moment of magic as they walked down the aisle together, the bride radiant in her beauty and the groom overcome with emotion at the sight of her. As they stood before each other, surrounded by their loved ones, it was time for the vows to be said. They declared their love and commitment to each other, promising to stand by each other’s side through all the joys and challenges that life would bring.
After the heartwarming ceremony, all the guests went to the reception area. The next part of the evening unfolded under the shelters of trees, adorned with twinkling string lights that cast a warm glow over the gathering. The setting was lovely, with earthy, natural, and organic elements seamlessly incorporated into the decor.
One of the unique and creative ideas at the wedding was the open buffet format, which featured an array of delightful offerings for guests to enjoy at their leisure. Among the highlights was a selection of freshly baked baguettes, pitas and various charcuterie and cheese plates. Guests were invited to create customized appetizers, allowing them to experiment with different flavor combinations and toppings to suit their tastes and enjoy local-made wines.
As the evening progressed and the festivities peaked, it was time for the newlyweds to share their first dance as husband and wife. With all eyes on them, they took to the dance floor, while the soft melody was playing in the background. Alex and Ty swayed to the music, their smiles radiated on with joy and happiness, illuminated by the soft glow of the lights above and the setting sun.
After their enchanting first dance, the couple graciously shared a heartfelt dance with their parents. As the music played, memories of childhood and shared moments flooded their minds. They swayed gracefully, sharing tender glances and whispering words of love and gratitude. It was a beautiful tribute to care and support that had shaped their lives, a reminder of the importance of family in their journey.
Every guest cherished the celebration, reveling in the joyous occasion. They gave heartfelt speeches, sharing memories and offering wishes for the newlyweds. Laughter and tears filled the air as loved ones came together to celebrate the union of two souls. It was a moment of love, laughter, and cherished memories that would be treasured for years to come.
Their deep love and affection for their families was a treat to witness, and it was quite a party! The dancing was enjoyable!
After the sun dipped below the horizon, the venue became a magical wonderland thanks. The blend of soft, neutral tones and warm candlelight that was Alex’s special vision created an ambiance of timeless class, perfectly complementing the pure beauty of their chosen venue. Firefly-like lighs illuminated the space, casting a warm glow that danced amidst a cozy nest of tree branches and creating a lasting memory for all who were present.
PHOTOGRAPHER Amanda Wei | PLANNER Reed & James Events | VENUE Annadel Estate Winery | STATIONARY Sarah Davis | FLORIST Revel Floral | CATERING The girl & the fig CATERS | RENTALS Encore Events Rentals | DRESS Enzoani | A/V The Lux Productions | DJ Boutique Entertainment
