This Couple Held Their Wedding Reception in Their Own Wine Cave!

Before Danika + Jonathan tied the knot at their estate in California they’d spent eight whole years building and blending their big family. Both of them had kids of their own when they started dating and they’d welcomed two more together as well. So when they started planning their day they knew they wanted it to be as much of a celebration of the life they’d created as it was the beginning of a new chapter.

“We viewed our wedding as a celebration of how far we have come as a couple,” says bride Danika. “I wanted classic and timeless. I didn’t want to look back 20 years from now and regret anything.” Together with Jenn Robirds Events the couple planned a day that included a stunning outdoor ceremony in front of their barn with a bold checkered statement aisle, a lavish dinner in their wine cellar (where Jonathan proposed!), and lots of timelessly elegant black + white design details.

Hosting the wedding at their home was such a creative way to imbue the whole celebration with the grounded family feeling that was so important to Danika + Jonathan. We actually can’t get over all of the gorgeous photos that Niki Marie Photography took. 

“I knew that my invitations had to be a wow factor,” says Danika of this classic b+w invite suite. “It’s the first thing that your guest will see. This sets the tone for your whole wedding. For us our wedding was about the experience for our guests and making them feel like this moment was about them, too.”

“For our invitations, I had black velvet boxes made. On top of the box was our wedding date. Each box was had delivered by Debbie, the owner of Sentimental Journey. She wore white gloves and presented each guest with a box cordially inviting them to the Celone Estate on October 22, 2022. When each guest opened their box, they were each gifted a mini bottle of champagne to celebrate along with us. Our invitations were printed on black acrylic by Shimmer and Stain. Due to the small guest count, this made our invitations feel very personal.”

Danika originally spotted this long sleeve lace Badgley Mischka wedding gown on Pinterest! “After trying it on, I knew it was the one,” says the bride. We love that train and the high neck/open back look!

How stunning is Danika’s diamond band pear shaped engagement ring?! Look through our pear shaped engagement ring shopping guide if you’re loving the cut.

Danika’s elegant low bun was created by Alex Brown Hair, and her neutral glam makeup look was the work of Lyndsay Zavitz.

We adore an all-black bridal party palette!! Subtle sophistication that looks amazing on absolutely everyone. Start shopping for a black bridesmaid dress that fits your vibe at our list of 36 best black bridesmaid dresses in every style.

A monochrome floral palette goes a long way in creating a refined and timeless vibe like the one Danika + Jonathan were after, and The Posh Posey absolutely nailed it with these lush ivory bouquets.

The only exception to the “don’t wear white to a wedding” rule? An absolutely adorable flower girl!! “Our 6-year-old daughter wanted a dress to match her mommy,” says Danika, “so I ordered extra of my fabric, and we recreated a matching dress.”

Jonathan’s groomsmen are crushing the chic + relaxed vibe with this open collar look.

The Ceremony

We cannot get enough of this b+w checkered statement aisle by R n R Tile and the way it elevated Danika + Jonathan’s outdoor ceremony space.

The possibilities are endless when it comes to statement aisles—that’s why they’re one of the wedding trends we’re excited about.

A grand piano beside a barn absolutely captures the elegant and grounded energy of Danika + Jonathan’s day. Pianist Jason Sia supplied romantic instrumental music for the ceremony.

We cannot get over the way the monochrome white roses POP against these gorgeous black velvet and satin bridesmaid looks.

Our Favorite Memory From The Wedding
Our most memorable moment was watching our little kids walking down the aisle and seeing how excited they were. We had a very intimate wedding, which allowed us to spend valuable time with each of our guests.

Our Musical Choices
			
Processional: "You’re Still The One" by Shania Twain (live piano cover)
			
			
Recessional: 
			
			
First Dance: "Tennessee Whiskey" by Chris Stapleton + a family dance with our kids to "Tiny Dancer" by Elton John
			
		

If you’re one the fence about whether or not you’re a veil kind of bride, this iconic billowing veil pic might just make your decision. Find one that fits your vibe on our list of the best wedding veils for every bridal style!

“Our wedding wasn’t just a celebration of us and how far we have come,” say Danika + Jonathan, “but it was also a celebration for our family as a whole and our children. Blending a family isn’t always the easiest thing to do. We wanted to celebrate the hard work that all of our children have put in as well to continue to make our family bond and grow together.”

Our collection of 35 wedding updos and looks for every hair type is a great place to find more hair inspo if you’re into Danika’s timeless bun and face framing wavy pieces.

These kiddos are just too precious in their b+w wedding day looks. Take a peek at our list of 34 cute flower girl dresses that are too adorable for words to find some special ensembles for the youngest members of your crew.

This charming 1948 Pontiac Silver Streak came courtesy of Sentimental Journey Vintage Transportation.

Cocktail Hour

“We opted for a black-tie event,” Danika says. “I wanted my guests to have the best experience. We have all spent so much time locked in our houses and living in sweats the last few years. I wanted each and every one of our guests feeling like a million dollars for the night.”

A Reception In The Wine Cave

Loving this monochrome matte black and acrylic reception searing chart and the way it was paired with these romantic bursts of baby’s breath!

“I tried on other dresses and fell in love with 2 other dresses that were completely different,” Danika says of how she decided to change it up for the reception with this black strapless plunge neck stunner. Explore our list of 45 elegant black wedding dresses sure to wow to follow her lead with a moody and sophisticated black bridal look.

Modern black and gold flatware and old-world cut crystal glassware from Found Rental Co created place settings that were a perfect mix of contemporary and timeless.

Loving the long, curving banquet table setup from Celebrations.

White and champagne table linens from BBJ La Tavola were a subtle, sophisticated backdrop for the tablescape’s gold metallic accents and gorgeous white rose garland.

Elaine Bell Catering provided the delicious feast described on these personalized black acrylic menu cards.

Gather some black taper candles, brass candleholders, and white roses and ranunculus to recreate this stunning centerpiece moment on your own.

This gorgeous three-tier ivory wedding cake from Ettore’s looks like a literal work of art.

Our Advice To Those Planning Now
Take a moment to step away with your significant other and really take in your wedding. You both worked so hard to get here. 

Dancing the Night Away!

Danika changed into her third look of the night—this floral lace bodice dress with a fun + sexy slit—to boogie to the tunes provided by Better Together Entertainment.

Congratulations, Danika + Jonathan! Your classic + timeless wedding was a beautiful tribute to the family you’ve built. GWS wishes you all the very best!!