From the very beginning of Heather + Cheyne’s engagement, they had pictured an intimate European destination for their wedding. After debating the pros and cons of having their guests fly internationally and looking at different locations, the best of both worlds appeared! The stunning Sunstone Winery + Villa in the gorgeous Santa Ynez hills of California was the perfect Italian escape. With stunning design from Sterling Social and gorgeous florals from JL Designs the day was set. A bohemian vibe mixed with fresh herbs throughout the villa created the perfect Italian wedding. Here’s more about their day from Heather:
“Our wedding day was truly an extension of us and what we find most important in our everyday life. To us, family, friends, adventure, great food, music, dance parties and creating memories with our loved ones is what it’s all about! Our intent was to create an evening that encompassed just that and in a setting that felt as though we were enjoying dinner and a dance party with our closest friends. We wanted the day and entire weekend to feel intimate and most importantly authentic to the two of us, our personality and our relationship.”
Heather + Cheyne, congratulations on a gorgeous celebration + big thanks to Matthew Morgan Photography for sharing these beautiful images of their day with us!
Heather + Cheyne wanted to steer away from the “traditional” wedding invitation. Enlisting Copper Willow Paper Studio, a timeless design was created. Intended as a sentimental handwritten note, each letterpressed invitation was tied with thin ivory twine and sprigs of lavender.
I’m totally smitten with both Heather’s robe + wedding dress! And even more amazing – Heather designed her wedding dress! Her ethereal vision came to life with the assistance of couture seamstress, Nazzy Nazari. Lovely fabrics like French netting, delicate Chantilly and Alencon laces, and flowing silk chiffon made for a beautiful one-of-a-kind dress! And let’s talk about her bouquet of blooming pieris that JL Designs created….so, so pretty!
Loving the bridesmaids Joanna August gowns and the bouquets of lavender!
Processional: Family/Groomsmen Processional: Here Comes the Sun – The Beatles; Bridesmaid Processional: Marry Me – Train; Bride's Processional: Canon in D – Pachelbel
Recessional: This is the First Day of My Life – Bright Eyes
First Dance: Ho Hey – The Lumineers
Family and friends found their table assignments aptly named after fresh herbs also displayed in the tabletop décor; rosemary, lavender, sage, thyme, olive branch and bay leaf.
Guests enjoyed elaborate stations of fresh cheese, charcuterie and homemade wood fire pizzas, while sipping on “His” and “Hers” signature cocktails, “Piccante Amore” and “La Dolce Vita”. Yum and yum!
Her dress, right??!! So head over heels in love with it!!
This is difficult to answer because I have so many moments that were memorable and meaningful. So the best I can do is break it down to two:
1. Walking down the aisle to my soon to be husband, Cheyne! The emotion and excitement when I first locked eyes with him was more powerful than anything I had felt before. This emotion grew as I watched my Dad hug Cheyne right before he offered him my hand. It was such a genuine and emotional moment for the three of us and one we will never forget.
2. Second would be the first dance with my husband. Being wrapped up in his arms surrounded by our closest family and friends singing and clapping alongside. My heart was so HAPPY! Then Cheyne turned me around and it was then I realized that four of our friends, including the Best Man were playing our song live. Everyone in the audience was just as surprised, seeing as Cheyne kept this detail to himself. That moment was perfect and so personal and special. It brings a smile to my face every time I think of that moment.
And check out their lovely wedding trailer from T&C Photographie below!
Don't become overwhelmed with the small details or try and create a day for anyone other than the two of you. I know this has been said a million times before but remember what the day is all about, who it is for and make it just that. Enjoy all the moments leading up to the day, the day itself and all the days after. Before you know it the wedding day is over but the memories of pure happiness with everyone who means the most to you is something you have forever. Be present in the moment and above anything else have FUN and celebrate the fact that you have found the person you want to share your life with.
photography: Matthew Morgan Photography // planning + design: Sterling Social // videography: T&C Photographie // venue: Sunstone Winery + Villa Santa Ynez, California // florals: JL Designs // vintage rentals: Found Vintage Rentals // rentals: Town & Country // linens: La Tavola Linen // lighting: Bella Vista Designs // paper goods: Copper Willow Paper Studio // cake: Crushcakes // ceremony music: Ybarra Music // dj: DJ Aubrey Henderson // hair: Contour Fossa // make-up: Artistry by Danika // bride’s gown: Custom Designed by Bride, created by Nazzy Nazari // bride’s veil: Vera Wang // bride’s shoes: Valentino // bride’s robe: Custom Made by Nazzy Nazari // bridesmaids’ dresses: Ceremony by Joanna August // groom’s attire: Custom Designed by Groom // groom’s shoes: Meermin // catering: Bello Forno Wood Fired Cuisine
What an absolutely stunning wedding! Wow wow wow!
Looks awesome Jen – I’m stoked for the feature!
Love love love this venue and you captured it beautifully Matthew Morgan!!
This could not be more beautiful! Thanks for such a wonderful feature Jen – we’re beyond excited!
Love this wedding! Very natural and relaxed capture! Great photography!
Wow!
Wow, so beautiful wedding! Great pics!
This is truly one of the most beautiful weddings I have ever seen!
This is one of the most beautiful wedding features I’ve ever seen on a blog – the dress, the dancing, the musicians, the hair, what a gorgeous photo spread!
I love the simple, unadorned floral arrangements in this wedding. Combined with the elegant and minimalist outfits on the wedding party, it all had a very chic and modern look.
Beautiful!!
Absolutely stunning!
The setting and styling does look so very Italian, beautiful
happiness
What a wonderful sense of place!
I absolutely LOVE sunstone!! So beautiful I want to cry. Haha.
I just found my dreamwedding
Perfection!
Wow!! Everything looked perfect and true to the theme. This is one of the most beautiful weddings I’ve ever seen! And Kudos to Matthew Morgan Photography. For bridal dress inspirations, check out: http://elliotclaire.com
Oh my goodness! So so beautiful! So elegant and romantic!
What a gorgeous wedding!
Would have love to be able to read the wedding invitation and get inspired by it…
So pretty!
Beautiful wedding indeed! I wonder if mailing the invitations with dried lavender was a issue… Anyone knows?
I love the rosemary ;)
Love, love your wedding. Thank you for sharing ! i’m planning my wedding for next year, and was wondering where did your husband get his tux? i really like the color of his tux
I am getting married in August at a vineyard in Seneca Lake, NY. I have taken so much inspiration from this gorgeous wedding. Thank you for sharing!!
i love these bridesmaid dresses,and they are so beautiful and charming,and thanks for you share.
I found your website while searching on Google, what a beautiful wedding! I love the colours, it all looks gorgeous.
I’m sitting at my computer on a cold and very wet June (!) day in the UK. The rain is streaming down the window and I have a warming, steaming mug of tea on my desk in front of me.
This post has lightened, warmed and brightened me – you can feel the glowing warmth and smiles through the pictures – gorgeous – thank you!
That is just stunning Photography. Well done
Beautiful warm light. It takes me away from these cold winter days, definitely.