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.
