Tucked into the golden hills of Santa Ynez, this wedding brought a black-tie spirit into nature’s embrace. Beneath centuries-old oaks and surrounded by sunlit vines, Sam and Nolan celebrated in a setting that felt personal, refined, and emotionally charged. From soft floral compositions to surprise musical moments, every element of the day reflected a deep sense of thoughtfulness and a love that’s grown over a decade.
Location: Santa Ynez, California, United States
Style: Organic, Elegant, Textural
Time of planning: 11 month
Number of guests: 140
Setting: Winery
Season: Fall
Sam and Nolan first met as students at Berkeley in 2012. Over the next ten years, they grew together, moving across states, supporting each other’s milestones, and sharing everyday joys, like long walks with their dog, Champ. The proposal came during Sam’s graduate school years in Washington, DC, at their favorite neighborhood park, with Champ by their side. Simple, personal, and full of heart. After graduation, they returned to California and began planning a wedding that felt like an extension of the life they had built.
Location & Concept
Roblar Winery in Santa Ynez offered the couple everything they dreamed of: rolling vineyards, expansive skies, and the perfect ceremony space nestled beneath two towering oaks. The Twin Oak Terrace became the soul of the celebration, setting the tone for a day that embraced nature’s textures and beauty.
To bring this vision to life, they partnered with Debbie Liu at Studio Anonimi, whose approach to floral design merged art with ecology. Together with Amanda Lauren & Co, they created a concept rooted in the land’s palette: sun-washed foliage, autumn textures, and gentle blooms that moved with the breeze. The result felt effortless and immersive, a celebration that never overpowered its setting but flowed in harmony with it.
"The bride gravitated towards more organic design. We played with the juxtaposition of a black tie event with an elevated organic design."
Fashion
Sam’s bridal look struck the perfect balance between sparkle and subtlety. Her Muse gown by Chosen by Kyha featured a fitted silhouette entirely embellished with shimmering details that caught every bit of California sunlight. Paired with Sam Edelman heels, a delicate Gorjana necklace, and pave diamond huggies from Mejuri, the look felt cohesive, modern, and distinctly hers.
Her bouquet by Studio Anonimi tied the whole vision together—a lush, sculptural arrangement in a softly saturated palette of peach, blush, mauve, and ivory, full of fluttery garden roses, ranunculus, and wild textural elements that mirrored the natural surroundings. Bridal makeup and hair by Samara Beauty brought the entire vision together—dewy skin, softly defined eyes, and effortlessly styled waves.
Nolan’s custom tux by Billy Reid was sharp and timeless, finished with sleek Santoni shoes and a boutonnière that subtly mirrored the ceremony palette. His look echoed the black-tie energy of the evening, while still feeling comfortable and true to who he is.
First Look
Before the ceremony, Sam and Nolan shared their vows privately—just the two of them and the vineyard breeze. The moment was filled with laughter, candid joy, and a few happy tears. Away from the noise and timeline, it gave them the space to breathe, reflect, and fully feel the weight of what was about to happen.
Ceremony
Guests followed a winding path through native landscaping to reach the ceremony, where chairs were arranged beneath the dramatic canopy of the Twin Oaks. Instead of a traditional altar, the couple let the landscape speak for itself, with florists crafting natural clusters of florals and foliage that felt like an extension of the earth.
The ceremony itself was deeply emotional. Nolan’s uncle officiated with warmth and wisdom, the vows were heartfelt and personal, and the cheers that followed were filled with true joy.
"After the ceremony, we were just so grateful. It was so surreal to finally share our vows and see everyone we love cheering us on! We appreciated every second of it and it made us so excited to keep celebrating."
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests made their way to the bar nestled between wine barrels and floral arrangements overflowing with ranunculus, grapes, and garden roses. The setup felt straight out of a still life painting—abundant, romantic, and a little unexpected. Ice buckets brimmed with estate wines and sparkling water, while the bar menu reflected the same balance of laid-back and elevated that ran throughout the day.
The space buzzed with energy: clinking glasses, sun-drenched chatter, and laughter bouncing off the vines. People posed with bouquets, admired the floral installations up close, and toasted to a couple who clearly knew how to host a beautiful party.
Private Moment
Just before dinner, Sam and Nolan snuck away once more. The sun hovered just above the vines, casting a honeyed glow across the rows. Wrapped in one another’s arms, they danced and kissed as the sky turned to gold—captured beautifully by the lens of Zach & Dune, who documented the entire day with artistry and emotion.
It wasn’t scheduled. It wasn’t directed. It was a moment that simply unfolded, and that’s what made it so unforgettable.
Decor & Flowers
Dinner was set on the winery lawn under string lights, where a blend of long farm tables and round white-linen tables created dimension and warmth. Studio Anonimi and Amanda Lauren & Co brought a new mood to the reception—one that felt a little softer, a little dreamier.
Drawing from the crisp textures and earthy tones of the Central Coast in autumn, they combined elements like golden rain pods, cone flower heads, and native foliage with an abundance of locally grown florals. The mix of wild, sculptural textures and soft garden romance—garden roses, hydrangeas, tulips, and ranunculus—created a palette that felt grounded and poetic all at once.
Their arrangements became the visual heartbeat of the evening: fluttery butterfly ranunculus, Queen Anne’s lace, scabiosa pods, and layered blooms in blush, peach, and mauve tones spilled across tables with natural ease. The tables were accented with votives, custom menus sealed with wax, and napkins in latte tones that added subtle depth to each setting. The final effect was rich but never overdone—romantic, layered, and completely in sync with the surroundings.
Reception
The dinner service was relaxed and flavorful, with wine pairings from the estate and a heartfelt series of toasts from loved ones. Sam and Nolan stood to thank their guests with a mix of tears and laughter, framed by flowers that seemed to bloom just for them.
As twilight set in, guests transitioned into the barrel room where disco balls sparkled above the dance floor. The first dance, Zach Churchill’s acoustic rendition of “Still the One”, was quiet and intentional.
But the true highlight came moments later, when the couple’s parents surprised everyone by joining the live band for a rendition of “Love Me Do.” Nolan’s dad played the harmonica, Sam’s mom grabbed a tambourine, and in no time, the entire guest list was on their feet. It was unexpected. It was joyful. And it was the perfect reflection of a day built around family, connection, and celebration.
The sweet finale of the evening came in the form of a beautifully crafted cake by The Solvang Bakery. The couple added a personal touch with a miniature figurine of their dog Champ scaling the side—an adorable nod to their proposal story and life together.
"Our wedding would not have been the same without Amanda and all our amazing vendors! If you can assemble a team of people who fit who you are as a couple, you can't go wrong!"
FLORAL DESIGN Studio Anonimi | PHOTOGRAPHER & VIDEOGRAPHER Zach & Dune | PLANNING & DESIGN Amanda Lauren & Co | VENUE & CATERING Roblar Winery | MUAH Samara Beauty | MUSIC Zach Churchill Music | LIGHTING Bella Vista Designs | DESSERT The Solvang Bakery | BRIDE & GROOM Sam & Nolan | RENTALS Elite Rentals | TRANSPORT Jump on the School Bus
