There are certain regions that instantly evoke a sense of romance and beauty when I come across them in my inbox Sonoma, California wine country, is one such place. Time and time again, I’ve been left captivated by the weddings that take place within its borders. However, Alistair and Brian’s special day was different from the start while still exuding style and elegance, courtesy of White Ivory Photography, it lacked the characteristic grapevines that typically define this picturesque setting.
Instead, the lush garden surroundings took on a vintage charm, imbuing the celebration with an air of sophistication. This elegant affair didn’t sacrifice personality in its pursuit of refinement; however, Alistair and Brian cleverly designed their day to resemble an intimate dinner party, infusing every moment with heartfelt meaning.
From the esteemed canine guest (adorned with a stunning flower collar) to poignant readings (the marriage equality reading being a particularly moving addition), great food and wine took center stage. The result was a wedding that resonated on both an external and internal level – precisely the kind that always leaves us smitten, regardless of its location.
Wedding Day Snapshot
There are certain regions that instantly evoke a sense of romance and beauty when I come across them in my inbox Sonoma, California wine country, is one such place. Time and time again, I’ve been left captivated by the weddings that take place within its borders. However, Alistair and Brian’s special day was different from the start while still exuding style and elegance, courtesy of White Ivory Photography, it lacked the characteristic grapevines that typically define this picturesque setting.
Instead, the lush garden surroundings took on a vintage charm, imbuing the celebration with an air of sophistication. This elegant affair didn’t sacrifice personality in its pursuit of refinement; however, Alistair and Brian cleverly designed their day to resemble an intimate dinner party, infusing every moment with heartfelt meaning.
From the esteemed canine guest (adorned with a stunning flower collar) to poignant readings (the marriage equality reading being a particularly moving addition), great food and wine took center stage. The result was a wedding that resonated on both an external and internal level – precisely the kind that always leaves us smitten, regardless of its location.
The Venue
It was Madrona Manor’s picturesque garden that ultimately sealed the deal for us. We were on a quest to find a venue that could provide a lush, romantic outdoor setting for our ceremony. The venue did not disappoint, offering an idyllic atmosphere that perfectly captured the essence of our special day. In fact, dinner al fresco on the Palm Terrace, overlooking the garden, only added to the intimate ambiance we had envisioned as we celebrated with our nearest and dearest.
The Ceremony
We took a unique approach to personalizing our wedding ceremony by having a close friend take on the role of officiant. This decision turned out to be one of the most rewarding choices we made for our special day. To make it even more meaningful, he assigned us homework-like tasks before the ceremony – writing heartfelt messages to each other that he would then incorporate into his script. The result was a ceremony that truly reflected our love and relationship.
In addition to the officiant’s thoughtful incorporation of our own words, two of my brothers-in-law also participated in the ceremony by delivering beautiful readings. One included a poignant poem called ‘Marriage,’ while the other featured an excerpt from the historic 2015 US Supreme Court ruling on marriage equality. These readings not only added depth and meaning to our ceremony but also allowed us to include more family members in the celebration.
Advice for Other Couples
With meticulous preparation, we established a budget and financial plan from the onset of our wedding planning. This involved creating an array of spreadsheets to track expenses and stay within our means. To ensure our savings grew in tandem with our wedding fund, we opened a dedicated account and made regular deposits. As our big day approached, a comprehensive ‘to-do’ list helped us divide tasks efficiently, fostering a sense of collaboration throughout the planning process.
The Budget
Our budget for the entire event was around $25,000, with a focus on securing the venue and photographer, both considered crucial investments. While we did end up spending more than anticipated on flowers and décor, we were pleasantly surprised to discover cost savings in other areas, including the bride’s dress and rehearsal dinner. Additionally, opting for a Friday wedding over a Saturday or Sunday celebration yielded significant additional savings.
The Honeymoon
We had the pleasure of honeymooning in Kauai, Hawaii, a serene paradise that perfectly suited our desire for a laid-back, intimate getaway. Without having to plan ahead, we enjoyed a plethrana of outdoor activities and discovered numerous breathtaking beaches to soak up the sun. If you’re looking for a relaxing honeymoon experience, I highly recommend Kauai. The island’s natural beauty is truly captivating, with its lush greenery, turquoise waters, and picturesque landscapes.
Speaking of beautiful things, let me just say that Alistair’s Wtoo Marnie gown was nothing short of stunning. The blush lining added an extra layer of romance to her elegant look. It’s no wonder I’m a sucker for intimate weddings – they always seem to exude a sense of warmth and connection. A huge thank you goes out to White Ivory Photography, and, of course, Alistair and Brian for sharing their enchanting garden wedding with us.
If you’re looking for inspiration for your special day or simply want to escape into the world of beautiful weddings, I encourage you to explore more real wedding stories.
