Real Wedding | Kimberly + Christopher

Vineyard weddings are some of my favorites…and this lovely Sonoma, California celebration is no exception.  I love the way this couple combined California wine country tradition (hers) with some favorites from the United Kingdom (his) – Pimms Cup anyone? From the emotional “First Look,” to the kick-up-your-heels moves on the dance floor, you can see the pure joy radiate from Kimberly’s face. Looking absolutely stunning in her Monique Lhuillier gown, she was picture perfect and elegant. Congratulations to this beautiful bride and her new husband!

Kimberly + Christopher | September 1, 2011 | Trentadue Winery, Sonoma, California

The ceremony

We had the wedding in my hometown in Sonoma County, California. Growing up I had always imagined having an outdoor wedding at a winery. Some of the highlights of our wedding were: Our First Look: It was so nice to have an “alone” moment on our wedding day!…My mom walking me down the aisle… One of our really good friends singing “When I Fall in Love” during the ceremony (and “At Last” during the reception), it was so beautiful – all of our guests were in tears!

The reception

It was really important to both Chris and me that we incorporate some U.K. cultural traditions into our wedding. The result was a true “blend” of both of our styles. The wedding was casually elegant and a bit rustic. During cocktails, we served both Macaroni and Cheese and Fish and Chips and all of our guests enjoyed California wine and “Pimms,” a popular summer drink in the U.K.  From the beautiful weather to the stunning scenery, we couldn’t have asked for things to go more perfectly. Some of my favorite moments from our reception were: Chris’ speech – in the U.K., it is custom for the Groom to give a speech…Chris’ speech was funny and thoughtful and reminded me exactly why I married him in the first place…Our First Dance: Chris and I took lessons for months, learning the Fox Trot and Swing…while all of our practice definitely did not “make perfect,” we had so much fun putting our moves to use dancing to “Everything” by Michael Buble.

 

How Kimberly found her dream wedding dress

I thought I wanted a Trumpet style dress but after trying on the Monique Lhuillier “Meringue” dress, I knew I had found “the one.”  It really is the most beautiful dress!

The way Kimberly felt in her wedding dress

Elegant, beautiful, romantic

Why she decided to sell her wedding dress

This was my dream wedding dress and helped make my wedding day absolutely perfect. I want to help another bride have her dream wedding as well. Besides, it is too beautiful to stay in the closet!

Kimberly’s wedding dress: Monique Lhuillier, Merengue / Photography: Tia and Claire Studios / Ceremony & Reception Venue: Trentadue Winery / Floral Design: Wine Country Flowers / Cake: Michelle Marie’s