Anna & Andrew
Lively Wine Country Wedding at Vintners Inn
Santa Rosa California
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Planning a Destination Wedding
I adore these two. They are exactly why I’m a destination wedding photographer. From the very beginning, we connected over our mutual love of travel and food. Through fun Skype dates and a bunch of emails, we had a blast planning their Vintners Inn Sonoma wedding. We were so excited to finally meet face to face, then not even a two-hour traffic delay on the 580 could dampen our spirits. But that’s what it’s like when you work with the coolest people ever.
A few days before the wedding, we ventured out to Muir Woods and the wedding venue for their exploration session. Redwoods are impressive, but Vintners Inn is stupid gorgeous. It’s the kinda place where you would have to make an effort to take a bad photograph. Throw in a flirty couple like Anna and Andrew, and it’s pretty much nirvana.
Wedding Festivities
The wedding festivities began in earnest with a Welcome Wine Party at Dutcher Crossing Winery in Dry Creek Valley. Vineyard-filled rollings hills and a never-ending supply of wine made it the perfect icebreaker for everyone to meet. I had the good fortune to have my friend Marc Flores as my second photographer at the wedding. While he was with the guys, I got to hang out with the girls until we finally met up for Anna & Andrew’s super emotional first look. Then we goofed off with the most fabulous wedding party till showtime.
Sadly, I forgot to pack a waterproof mascara. I wish I had because Anna & Andrew’s ceremony was the most incredible ceremony I’ve ever documented. Their mathematical inspired vows and gut-wrenching speeches created a deluge of emotions that poured out of every single person in attendance.
This Huge Success
One of the reasons this wedding was a huge success is because Lauren Miller planned every detail to perfection. Garlands made from maps, cork name card holders, a full vodka bar and orchids glowing from a gorgeous sunset created a stunning backdrop for the first outdoor reception held at Vintner’s Inn. A perfectly choreographed plated John Ash & Co dinner was followed by more heartfelt speeches. Pockets stuffed with tissues really could have come in handy at this point.
This couple knows how to party. It’s in their DNA. At some point, the glow sticks were found and fantastic debauchery ensued. Earlier in the evening, Grandma was mad at me so I promised to get her drunk to earn her forgiveness. Although she spoke in Russian, I’m pretty sure she forgave me because there was face patting and glow stick wiggling. She certainly had more fun on the dance floor than anyone else. I was sad when the night came to an end, even though my face hurt from the nonstop smiling. Marc and I celebrated in style with my first In & Out burger. Nothing beats than an awesome Sonoma County wedding and a greasy burger.
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