What could be prettier than a summer wedding in California’s wine country? Not much, in my book. Guests travelled the country, and the world, to join Lindsay and Joe on their special day, and were treated to a chic and elegant, yet laid back, celebration. Just looking at the radiant faces of both the bride and groom, it’s obvious they share a love that was meant to be!
Lindsay + Joe | June 18, 2011 | Viansa Winery, Sonoma, California
The ceremony
We had an outdoor ceremony in the Italian style courtyard of Viansa, in Sonoma. We live in San Francisco, but my family is from the east coast and Joe’s family is from Southern California. Friends and family traveled to Sonoma from all over the country and the world. The ceremony was nondenominational and very personal with my uncle officiating. Joe surprised me by dropping down on one knee at the beginning of the ceremony – something he hadn’t done when he proposed. It was both funny and sweet. At the end we did a “victory lap” around the fountain in the middle of the courtyard, a unique way to end the ceremony.
The reception
The reception started immediately after the ceremony; the guests followed us into the wine cellar lined with candles and took a set of stairs up to the terrace overlooking the vineyards and countryside. It was a perfect evening – clear skies and mild temperatures. Dinner and dancing were held inside a tent off the terrace – one side of which we kept open to the lawn. Our style was classic, elegant and simple but not overly fancy – I wanted it to reflect our location in wine country. One of the most memorable moments of the evening came when our photographer pulled us outside to take some pictures of the amazing sunset (apparently a rare occurrence at the winery). It only kept getting better and better and at one point I noticed people pouring out of the tent to take their own pictures. It was purely magical. Our wedding was the most amazing, fun filled and emotional day.
How Lindsay felt in her wedding dress
I felt like I was floating on cloud nine – it was the perfect dress for a winery wedding. I not only felt on top of the world and beautiful, but the dress was so me AND I was comfortable!
Why Lindsay decided to sell her wedding dress
I have so many wonderful pictures of the day, which are more important to me than keeping the dress stored away in a box for years. I want someone else to enjoy it and feel as special as I did on my wedding day.
