This gorgeous outdoor fete is the epitome of a casually elegant California wedding. I’m loving the al fresco dining full of simple, white blooms by Flowers by Denise, the mini glass bottled coco-cola wedding favors with wooden tags made by the groom inscribed with “It’s the real thing,” and those subtle, yet glittery table numbers. Ya, they make my heart happy. As do all the beyond pretty images by Ken Kienow Photography and all the touches of lavender. Click here for more!
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From the Bride…Brian and I fell in love with our venue from the moment we visited it a year ago. We knew we could get everything we wanted in our wedding by choosing this location. Located on a bluff overlooking the vineyards with lush greenery and twinkle lights, a glass of wine and good company is all you need. We wanted a small, intimate and romantic wedding with lots of dim lighting, neutral colors, white rose petals and subtle hints of lavender and amethyst. When I was planning my wedding, I knew I wanted a variety of white flowers in low vases as our centerpieces so our guests could talk easily with one another in a laid back atmosphere. At the reception, a slideshow played which included pictures of Brian and I growing up, our relationship together, and pictures of our friends and family. We then danced to Keith Urban’s “Making Memories of Us,” one of our favorite songs from a concert of his we went to so long ago. As guests mingled throughout the night, they heard thunder and saw lightening in the distance from a storm that had threatened us all day. Luckily we only caught the tail end as it began to sprinkle just as the dancing was coming to an end…
Some personal touches we added to make our day special: My bridal bouquet was adorned with a brooch that belonged to my late grandmother. Our aunts, uncle’s, and parent’s were given special corsages and boutonnieres as they arrived to the wedding. And each person’s place card was hand written by me in the same printed paper that I used to line the envelopes for our wedding invitations. My shoes were plain silver flats I found at Nordstrom that I had added a brooch too. Our wedding favors were vintage coca cola’s with brown wooden tags (painted by the groom) that said, “Michel & Brian – It’s the Real Thing.” My amazing cake is a replica of one I saw and fell in love with on SMP! I HAD to have this cake!
My favorite memory of our wedding was sitting down at the reception for the first time, as dinner is being served and the sun is going down looking at all our guests enjoy each others company at our wedding. The twinkle lights became brighter and brighter as the sun went down and Sinatra began to play, what an amazing feeling being just married celebrating our love with our family and friends.
Wedding Photography: Ken Kienow Photography / Bouquets + Boutonnieres: Flowers by Denise / Wedding Venue: Castoro Cellars / Catering: Epic Weddings / Wedding Cake: The Cakery SLO / DJ: Haro Entertainment / Make-up: Kelli Munger / Invitations: Bella Figura / Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal via Mia Bella / Bridesmaid Dresses: Nordstrom / Groom’s Suit: Tallia / Ties: Burberry / Brooches: Fabulous Brooch