It's Friday, hurray! And to reward you for reaching the end of the week, we've got a treat of a real wedding to share with you guys.
Sara & Cole's beautiful winery wedding, in sun-kissed Paso Robles, California.
This gorgeous pair married with a day Sara describes, as ‘Classic, Feminine, and Romantic‘ and the super talented, David Pascolla Photography was there to capture all the details.
What I love about California weddings is how they can be laid-back and organic, while still totally glamorous and stylish at the same time. And Sara and Cole's wedding struck the balance, perfectly.
Her strapless Watters Wtoo gown and his black Vera Wang tuxedo kept things formal and elegant, while their al fresco setting and Italian-style feast kept the atmosphere relaxed and intimate.
Pretty paper goods, sparkling rose-gold and blush hues, and luxurious finishing touches, gave serious polish to the vineyard setting.
We just love Sara's approach to creating her perfect day, “Make (it) as beautiful as you can, but remember what the day is really about.”
Wedding planning wisdom to live by!
Wedding Day Snapshot
Our Love Story
Cole and I met while studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
I knew he liked me when he was not so subtlety playing footsie with me on the flight home for Christmas break.
After four years of dating, Cole took me for a walk through Golden Gate Park in San Francisco after work one night. I thought we were just taking a stroll before dinner, but when we reached Stowe Lake, Cole dropped down on one knee and proposed in front of our friends and family.
I was so surprised and so so happy!
The Inspiration
I wanted the wedding to be true to my style – feminine and classic but still organic and not overly fussy.
I also wanted to work with the beauty of the venue and vineyards by incorporating a lot of greenery. Our palette was white, gold, sage green, and blush.
The Flowers
I wanted the flowers to feel very organic and loose, very garden style. I didn’t want anything too structured. We focused on large blooms of hydrangea and peonies, with lots of greenery.
Scabiosa pods brought in an organic and natural touch to the boutonnieres.
The Venue
The architecture and setting of Calipaso is perfection.
I had looked at a lot of barn venues and I loved that Calipaso, all on its own, was already so beautiful.
The Ceremony
It was really important to us to be married by someone that knew us well, so we asked my uncle to marry us.
The ceremony was very personal and deeply reflected our personal and religious beliefs.
I was so worried about ugly crying during the ceremony but surprised myself (and my family) when I was cool as a cucumber during all the vows!
The Photography
David is so warm and relaxed, which went well with the ‘bride-chilla' vibe that I was hoping for.
I wanted someone who approached weddings the same way I do… Make them as beautiful as you can, but remember what the day is really about.
The Budget
We splurged on our venue and catering, but those are the two most important elements to a wedding in my opinion!
Advice for Other Couples
Take your time! I was engaged for 13 months and having that long to plan and enjoy my engagement was such a blessing.
The Refreshments
During the cocktail hour guests nibbled on prociutto and melon lollipops, caramelized onion and blue cheese pizettes, and caprese bites.
Coming from a food-focused family, it was important to me to have a sit down meal during our reception. We served an Italian panzanella salad, flat iron steak, chicken picatta, and grilled vegetables.
Our wedding cake had alternating tiers of pink champagne cake and lemon. It was almost too pretty to eat, but so delicious!
We served local craft beer, wines from Calipaso Winery, and the prettiest blush pink Champagne.
The Decor & Details
I’m not a huge DIY girl and wanted the wedding to reflect my personality.
Beautiful flowers and linens from La Tavola Linens kept things elegant and simple.
We brought in some antique furniture and chandeliers to create some nice outdoor gathering spaces for guests. All of our ceremony and reception paper elements were from Minted.
The Music
Processional: Canon in D
Recessional: Here Comes the Sun
First Dance: I Don’t Dance, by Lee Brice
Favourite Moments
After the ceremony, and before our grand entrance, Cole and I shared a private moment in the vineyards together.
I asked the venue to set up two chairs, and some wine and food from the cocktail hour for us. It was so important to me to have a few moments alone together where we could soak in all in.
I’m so glad we took the time to do this and I would highly recommend it to other brides!
The Honeymoon
Cole and I honeymooned at the Intercontinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort in Vietnam. It was the most beautiful place I’ve ever been and I highly recommend it!
We spent two weeks traveling through Vietnam and they were easily the two best weeks of my life!
Such a beautiful wedding. That first dance looks awesome, and I just love Sara's tip about having their own private cocktail hour moment – how romantic!
Thanks so much to David Pascolla Photography, and of course Sara & Cole for sharing their winery wedding with us.
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