The Couple: Lana and Daniel

The Wedding: 5.25.12 – Lincourt Winery, Santa Ynez, CA – Rustic vineyard wedding

What three adjectives best describe your wedding? Rustic, Simple-Elegance, Joyous

What was your wedding color palette? Warm Neutrals, Champagne, Yellow

What inspired your personal wedding style, and how did you incorporate your style and personalities into your big day? We wanted our guests to leave our vineyard wedding with the sense that our event had captured who my husband and I really are. That is, we wanted our wedding to be beautiful, quietly elegant, fun and most of all, memorable! First, we wanted our guests to feel appreciated, loved, and have a good time! To do that, we knew that the winery setting would do a lot of the work for us. The scenery was perfect because we were surrounded by beautiful vineyards. Second, we were focused on the tone of the wedding and felt that the rustic barn at the winery really set the mood for the wedding, because it brought out the fun, relaxed vibe that my husband and I have. Third, we loved the more rustic feel that burlap and mason jars have, and decided to dress up something so comfortable with elements that fit us (such as cute straws, polka dot napkins, signs). We had fun with the crafts involved and trying to add details that would make our guests know that we were thinking of them in small and large ways (out of town gift bags, toiletry baskets in bathrooms at the wedding, welcome drinks when they first arrived). By adding these elements, we were able to personalize our wedding and make it feel beautiful and natural to fit our personalities.

Looking back, what are the moments, decisions or memories that you love the most about your wedding? I think what helped us throughout our planning was remembering that it was so much about our family and friends coming together for one special day and that it was about us too! We made sure to enjoy the wedding planning process and not get overwhelmed by all the stress. We loved the people we met along the way and had fun getting to pick things out together. We allowed our personalities to include the little bits we added into the wedding. I think the best advice we received was to make sure to enjoy our wedding day together- that is, spend time together at our wedding and not be too overwhelmed with trying to say hello to everyone. We had some time together during the craziness, a chance to slow down and let it sink in, and that is something I will always treasure.

Some of my favorite moments were the first look that we had before the ceremony, saying I do, listening to our friend sing our first dance song, the speeches, so many surprises from our friends (a MOH rap, my Husbands friends played live-song and we were raised in chairs, a choreographed dance performance from our little 6 year-old twin ring bearers) and the cupcake trailer from Enjoy Cupcakes!

What piece of advice would you give to a bride planning her wedding today? Make sure this wedding has elements of you throughout it, which includes how you handle the planning process. Remember that all the details come together so keep your focus on the bigger picture: you are marrying your best friend and the love of your life, surrounded by all those you love. Enjoy the planning, make it fun and not a hassle. Enjoy your day and dont let the little mess-ups get in the way. Take deep breaths and savor every part of it!

The Wedding Team:

Photographer: Michelle Warren Photography
Event Planner: Lindsey Groark with Frooishen Events
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Lincourt Winery
Videographer/Film Maker: Gina & Josh Jones with Lola Video
Officiant: Cantor Mark Childs
Invitation Designer: Daniel Kiyoi with Paper Playne
Catering: Plemmons Catering in Santa Maria
Florist: Wendi Goad with Sweetness & Light
Cake: Amber Vandervliet with Enjoy Cupcakes
Wedding Dress: Allure Bridal from Rose Petals
Bridal Accessories: Bubble Veil and Hair-clip from Rose Petals
Bridesmaids Apparel & Accessories: Selma dress fromJcrew
Groom & Groomsmen Apparel & Accessories: Mens Wearhouse; Ties from TheTieBar.com
Make-up Artist: TEAM Hair & Makeup
Hair Stylist: Tigerlily Hair Salon
DJ: Ronny Dickstein with Ready Rock Entertainment
Rentals: Elite Events
Rings: Geoffrys in Belmont California
Lighting: Bella Vista Designs
Photo Booth: ShutterBooth

Thank you so much Lana and Daniel!

Readers, check out our Wedding Inspiration Gallery for more beautiful vineyard wedding photos!