Rebecca & Joseph: California Vineyard Wedding

The sun was setting as they danced their first dance as husband and wife. With rolling hills and vineyards as their backdrop, they danced under the dusk light adoringly watched by their gracious family and friends.

Rebecca + Joseph and their families graciously welcomed Jeremy (my handsome husband and assistant for the day) and I from the second we showed up to their rehearsal. We were welcomed as a part of the family. That sense of warmth and celebration overflowed throughout every minute and detail throughout their wedding day in July.

Rebecca and Joseph truly soaked up every minute of their wedding day, and their biggest focus was their sacred and sweet ceremony at the church Rebecca grew up in. Rebecca’s flowing veil was even handmade by her best friend’s grandmother. Located near downtown Grass Valley, California, this mining town was settled perfectly in the hills of central California. The weather was absolute perfection in the low 80’s with a nice little breeze.

After their church ceremony, they did a traditional birdseed send-off and drove around the block in a vintage cherry red car. Though weddings and celebrations have changed over the years, I always find it so endearing to see a church send-off just like our parents did years ago. It can be done so tastefully well with full of meaning.

Soon after their family portraits, we headed to Lucchesi Vineyards where they had their reception nestled in the hills overlooking the gorgeous vineyards. There wasn’t a town in site for miles.  (And we even stopped roadside for a few woodsy portraits you’ll see below. Those towering treetops were too good to pass up!)

We had a nice little break in between the ceremony and reception to do some of their portraits before the guests began to arrive at the vineyard for their al fresco reception. They had friends and family bring homemade pies for a buffet of scrumptious pies for dessert…of course topped with ice cream! And the sweet + simple cake they cut was her grandmother’s famous strawberry sponge cake with whip cream frosting. The beer was even home-brewed by dear family friends!

The sun set for a full moon evening with the stars and some twinkling lights as their only source of light. Talk about romantic.

A dear family friend of theirs worked with Mother Teresa…this brought tears to my eyes when I saw it! Becca, you are simply stunning. Her beautiful and flowing veil was handmade by her best friend’s grandmother!

Venue: Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery // Styling + Coordination: Storybook Wedding Design // Wine: Lucchesi Vineyards & Winery // Catering: Antonio Catering // Dress: Always Elegant Bridal // Groom’s Attire: Nordstorm // Groomsmen Attire: Jos. A. Bank // Bridesmaids: J. Crew // Rentals: SRC Party Rentals // Vintage Rentals:  {storehouse} Rentals // Linens: Nevada County Laundry & Linen Supply // Hair: Hair by Jerusha  // Makeup: Olga Pirmatova // Flowers: Maureen Pardue (friend of the bride) // Pies + Photobooth: Friends and Family // DJ: Mountain Events Productions // Invitations: Feel Good Invites