When Alexis and Christopher set out to plan their wedding, they knew they wanted something romantic, intimate, and unique. Their love of wine and nature led them to choose the idyllic setting of California’s wine country, where vineyards, rolling hills, and beautiful sunsets provided the perfect backdrop for their dream destination wedding. Surrounded by close family and friends, their celebration was a blend of elegance and personal touches that made the day unforgettable.
Let’s take a look at how Alexis and Christopher’s intimate wine country destination wedding came to life and what made it truly special.
1. The Venue: A Wine Country Dream
Choosing the right venue was essential for Alexis and Christopher, who wanted a setting that reflected their love of wine and the outdoors. After visiting several locations, they fell in love with a stunning vineyard estate in California's wine country. The venue, nestled among acres of lush vines and olive trees, provided a sense of privacy and romance, making it the perfect choice for their intimate celebration.
The ceremony took place outdoors, with the vineyard as the backdrop and the golden hour light bathing everything in a soft glow. Alexis and Christopher exchanged vows under an arch adorned with flowers in shades of blush, ivory, and greenery, creating a dreamy, organic look that perfectly complemented the surroundings.
2. A Personalized Ceremony
For Alexis and Christopher, the ceremony was the most meaningful part of their day, and they wanted it to feel deeply personal. They chose to write their own vows, sharing intimate promises and anecdotes that reflected their unique journey together.
The couple’s officiant, a close friend, added a special touch by incorporating readings from literature and poetry that resonated with the couple’s love story. The result was a ceremony that felt intimate and heartfelt, leaving not a single dry eye among their guests.
“Writing our own vows allowed us to speak from the heart and share our true feelings in a way that felt authentic,” Alexis explained. “It was one of the most emotional moments of the day.”
3. Wine-Inspired Reception
Following the ceremony, Alexis and Christopher invited their guests to a reception that celebrated their shared love of wine and fine dining. The couple worked closely with their caterer to create a wine-paired menu featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlighted the flavors of the region. Each course was carefully paired with wines from the estate, offering guests a true taste of wine country.
The reception took place on a terrace overlooking the vineyard, where guests enjoyed a family-style dinner under twinkling lights and stars. Long wooden tables were adorned with rustic floral arrangements and candlelight, creating an elegant yet cozy atmosphere. As the evening went on, guests shared stories, toasted the couple, and danced under the open sky.
Pro tip: For couples planning a wine country wedding, consider working with a venue that offers wine-pairing experiences to create a culinary journey for your guests.
4. Decor with Rustic Elegance
Alexis and Christopher wanted their wedding decor to feel rustic yet elegant, blending seamlessly with the natural beauty of their surroundings. Their florist created arrangements featuring lush greenery, white roses, and blush peonies, complemented by earthy tones and organic textures. The couple also incorporated wine barrels, wooden signs, and vintage lanterns to add to the overall aesthetic.
To keep things personal, the couple displayed framed photos of their families and relationship milestones throughout the venue, offering guests a glimpse into their journey as a couple. Each detail was thoughtfully chosen to reflect their personalities and the natural beauty of the vineyard.
“We wanted the decor to be simple yet elegant, allowing the natural surroundings to really shine,” said Christopher. "The vineyard provided such a beautiful backdrop, so we didn’t need to overdo it."
5. Intimate Guest List
With a focus on creating a meaningful experience for their guests, Alexis and Christopher opted for an intimate guest list, inviting only their closest family and friends. By keeping the celebration small, they were able to spend quality time with each of their guests, making the day feel more personal and relaxed.
“We really wanted to create a warm, intimate atmosphere where we could connect with each guest and truly enjoy the day,” Alexis shared. “It felt less like a formal event and more like a gathering of our favorite people.”
6. Capturing the Magic
The couple chose a wedding photographer who specialized in destination weddings and had experience capturing the beauty of natural landscapes. The photographer made the most of the vineyard setting, capturing romantic golden hour shots and candid moments throughout the day.
One of the standout moments? The photographer’s use of the vineyard’s natural light at sunset, which created ethereal, glowing images that perfectly captured the magic of the day.
Pro tip: For couples planning a destination wedding, be sure to choose a photographer who is familiar with the location and can expertly capture the essence of your surroundings.
7. A Sweet Send-Off
To cap off their perfect day, Alexis and Christopher treated their guests to a sparkler send-off under the stars. As they made their exit, surrounded by the glow of sparklers and cheers from their loved ones, the couple reflected on how everything had come together just as they had envisioned.
“Our wedding was everything we hoped for and more,” said Alexis. “We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day or a more incredible group of people to share it with.”
Final Thoughts: A Wine Country Wedding to Remember
For Alexis and Christopher, their wine country wedding was more than just a celebration of their love—it was a reflection of who they are as a couple. From the intimate guest list to the personalized ceremony and wine-inspired reception, every detail was thoughtfully planned to create an unforgettable experience.
If you’re dreaming of a destination wedding in wine country, take inspiration from Alexis and Christopher’s story. Whether you’re drawn to the romantic vineyard setting, the culinary experiences, or the intimate atmosphere, a wine country wedding offers endless possibilities for creating a truly magical celebration.
Alexis & Christopher’s Vendors
Planner: Wedicity
Entertainment: Skyline String Ensembles
Florist & Décor: Garden Party Florist
Photography: Meg Russell Photography
Rehearsal Dinner: Press Napa Valley
Venue & Catering: Beringer Estate
Linens: Windy City Linen
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