We’re obsessed with every aspect of Jess and Mikey’s California vineyard wedding, captured in Brittanee Taylor Photography’s stunning fine art style The setting, decor, customs, and, of course, the pictures, all combined to create a romantic, fun, and super chic affair that left us utterly swooning.
It was Jess’ breathtaking Nicole Miller wedding dress that initially stole our attention – its sleek design and intricate cross-back detail set the tone for their effortlessly stylish and personalized Jewish wedding From the intimate veiling ceremony to their sweet first dance, every moment of their special day was romantic from start to finish Add in the picturesque California backdrop, beautiful decor, and a chic bridal party, and we’re thoroughly inspired by this unforgettable celebration.
Wedding Day Snapshot
The Inspiration
Our vision for the wedding was to create a timeless atmosphere that seamlessly blended classic and rustic elements Given the stunning vineyard setting, where the natural beauty of the landscape took center stage, we opted for a color palette that would complement rather than compete with its charm A mix of soft, muted hues – taupe, mauve, cream, and sage – served as a subtle nod to the surroundings, allowing the scenery to remain the true focal point.
The Ceremony
As I look back on our special day, it’s clear that the ceremony was the highlight for me The moment I walked down the aisle towards my husband was a memory I’ll treasure forever Our goal was to infuse Jewish traditions into the ceremony, and while we hadn’t attended many traditional Jewish weddings ourselves, we were excited to learn and incorporate meaningful elements.
Collaborating with our Rabbi allowed us to craft a personal and intimate ceremony that felt truly unique, even with 180 guests in attendance I appreciated how each ritual carried symbolic significance, making it all the more memorable.
The Budget
To stay within our means, we focused on trimming the fat from our wedding expenses The biggest-ticket items were the venue, catering, and equipment rentals To keep costs down, we got creative and took on more tasks ourselves One example is that we opted out of traditional save-the-dates and instead designed our own invitations, which we had printed locally Additionally, we substituted a personal favorite dessert – cookies and ice cream – for the customary wedding cake.
The Honeymoon
After exchanging vows in September, we opted for a delayed honeymoon, finally embarking on our adventure in February This decision allowed us to unwind after the wedding frenzy, take our time planning the trip, and have something big to look forward to The result was an unforgettable experience in Thailand and Vietnam, two countries that left us breathless Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands in Thailand were a visual feast, with sunsets that took our collective breath away.
In contrast, Hanoi and Halong Bay in Vietnam offered a unique cultural immersion that we’ll always treasure As first-time visitors to this part of Asia, we relished the opportunity to explore such a different place together for the first time We wholeheartedly endorse this incredible destination.
The Photography
As we reflected on our encounter with Brittanee at a social gathering, her name naturally surfaced when it came time to find a photographer for our special day The initial meeting had left us with a positive impression of her, making her an ideal candidate for the role We delved into her portfolio and were thoroughly impressed by the way she utilized natural light in her shots, creating a soft and captivating visual aesthetic that resonated with us.
Her distinct style only further solidified our confidence in her abilities.
The Refreshments
As we indulged in a variety of appetizers, the main event unfolded with a lavish buffet showcasing an array of flavors – succulent chicken, fish, veggie, and meat options to satisfy every palate Opting out of the traditional cake, we instead treated ourselves to warm cookies and ice cream for a sweet treat A keen attention to detail was paid by my father in regards to the wine selection, ensuring an impressive offering of both red and white varieties that did not disappoint.
To complement our culinary delights, a full bar was also available, providing endless possibilities for pairings and concoctions.
Advice for Other Couples
When planning your big day, it’s essential to maintain a bird’s eye view and avoid getting bogged down in the minutiae Of course, not everything will go according to plan – we’ve all been there, with our fair share of hiccups along the way But ultimately, the fact that you’ll be marrying your soulmate is what truly matters That, and the extraordinary opportunity to bring together loved ones from various aspects of your life (and your partner’s) in a celebration of love and commitment.
It’s an unforgettable experienceAs the day unfolds, it’s the little moments – filled with love, laughter, and tears – that become etched in your memory forever These are the things to focus on, not the minor setbacks or unexpected twistsAnd then there’s the stunning dress – a perfect blend of effortless elegance and romantic charm It’s a testament to the beauty of the day, which is all about capturing the essence of who you are as a couple.
I’m thrilled to share more insights into Jewish wedding traditions with you in an upcoming post For now, let me express my heartfelt gratitude to Brittanee Taylor Photography and, of course, Jess and Mikey for entrusting us with their enchanting winery wedding Be inspired by more real weddings that exude chic and charm.
