Intimate Outdoor Vineyard Wedding

We may be in the thick of winter but this stunningly beautiful wedding at HammerSky Vineyards has us dreaming of the sun on our faces on a warm summer day. Curtis and Jesse's wedding is one for the books - the love these two share for each other brings these photos to life, and we can't thank A. Blake Photography enough for capturing this incredible wedding and sharing it with us. 

There’s so much beauty in this California vineyard wedding that it seems unfair to have to sum it up in a few short sentences. The day began with a breathtaking ceremony under an old oak tree atop a hill surrounded with unbelievable views and plenty of grapevines. Their exchange of vows is so filled with touching moments between the bride and groom, it has us wishing we were part of the family. After a wonderful day filled with too many smiles to count, it ended with a perfectly intimate dinner followed by dancing and late night snacks in the barn under twinkling string lights. Every last detail of this summer celebration shines on its own but put it all together, and well, you'll just have to see for yourself!   

The attire - from the bride's straight-out-of-a-dream blush wedding dress to the groom's light grey suit to the light blue of the bridesmaids' flowing dresses - is a lesson in pairing soft shades with a stunning natural landscape. 

We know what you're thinking - it can't get any more perfect than that breathtaking ceremony and these two lovebirds looking all kinds of adorable wandering through the beautiful vineyard grounds. As it happens, it does. Brace yourselves for more heartfelt details paired with solid wood farmhouse tables and string lights to keep this party going well into the night. Don't let us keep you - there's plenty more to see!

View the couple's wedding video here courtesy of Redmond Digital Media

Photographer: A. Blake Photography
Venue: HammerSky Vineyards

Bakery: Christine's Cake Creations

Caterer: Haute Skillet

DJ: Kramer Events
Videographer: Redmond Digital Media

Vineyard Venues - Classically Romantic Settings for your Modern Wedding

Wine is symbolic in many cultures of purity, sophistication, and tradition. This makes wine and weddings a classic pairing. While it is almost always present at a wedding, in 2011 wine will gain a more prestigious postition as more weddings are based around themes that involve elements of Tuscan or Italian culture, vintage vineyard venues and wine tastings in lieu of cocktail hours.

A vineyard is the perfect place to begin a new life together. After all, the wine you will drink at the reception began it's life on the vines and aged to perfection as your marriage will. I am picturing sunwashed rows of grape vines and aged wooden wineries that will offer beautiful backdrops for both the ceremony and photos. Afterward, there will be a candlelit wedding reception where cheese, grapes, and italian bread adorn tables as edible centerpeices. Vintage wine barrells that have been revamped into cushioned bar stools offer creative seating while violins play soft music for the happy new couple to sway to during their first dance as husband and wife. The scene is pure romance in a sophisticated, yet casual and earthy way.  The connection to the vineyard and the creative use of old winery materials make this an eco-friendly choice as well.

Give your guests a unique experience by setting up a wine tasting table or having an hour or so dedicated to a wine tasting mixer before the ceremony or reception begin. Serve traditional pastas with white sauces, like fettucine alfredo. With a big salad full of vegetables and lots of deliciously fresh bread this meal could be inexpensive and fabulous! Small details like the adorable resin wine cork placecard holders shown above help tie your whole look together. At the end of the night you can send guests home with their own mini bottle of wine or an organic grape bunch fresh from the vineyard. 

Salute!

~Jenna

Photo Credits: Bride and Groom courtesy of Ken Kienow. Barrel Table and Chairs found at American Country Home Store. Vineyard courtesy of Italian Lakes Wedding.com. Rings on Wine Bottle courtesy of Gray Photography. Vineyard Invitations found on Etsy. Wine Bottle Favors/Invitations from My Personal Artist.