We’re daydreaming about a wine country getaway thanks to this Sonoma Valley wedding captured by Sonya Yruel. With breathtaking views of the vineyards and rolling hills all around, the celebration sparkles with details like sunny yellow blooms from Alicia K Designs, champagne Jenny Yoo dresses and so much more—see it all in the full gallery right here!
From Sonya Yruel… You really can’t go wrong hosting your wedding in California’s wine country, and Kunde Family Estates boasts stunning vineyard landscapes, with a variety of grapes and an olive orchard. The estate’s vast property even has some early wine country history, a beautiful late 1800’s stone ruin which was the location of Natalie and Matt’s ceremony. Natalie and Matt brought a touch of vintage art deco and sunny pops of elegant yellow to their wedding.
One of my favorite details of the day was the framed table numbers at the reception. Each table had a place that told a special story (some sweet, some funny) about Natalie & Matt, and were designed beautifully by Sarah Goodwin Illustration & Design.
The first dances were my favorite moments; Natalie and Matt had been practicing their moves! And when Matt danced with his mom, there wasn’t a dry eye anywhere, including the photographers!
From the beautiful Bride…
Why did you pick your venue? The sheer jaw-dropping beauty of the vineyard, rolling hills and panoramic views of the reception site as well as the uniqueness of the ceremony site, which was held at the Dunfillian Ruins, the ruins of one of California’s first wineries. Several guests later told us our wedding was the most beautiful they had ever attended.
Any great engagement or wedding day stories that you’d like to share? The groom secretly flew from San Francisco to Minneapolis to ask for the bride’s father’s blessing for marriage (he left and returned all in the same day!), and the bride had no clue until he proposed to her over a candlelit dinner on the beach.
Advice for couples planning a wedding?
-Make your wedding a whole weekend affair, this way you’re able to actually spend time with your guests and maybe even do some fun group activities.
-Pick a date a few days out from your wedding day and promise yourself you’ll stop running around stressing out after that day. This way you can “be present,” and enjoy the special time.
-Take dance lessons! It’s not only a really fun way to spend time with your fiancé and get a bit of a break from all the planning, but you also feel so much more confident when you hit that dance floor!
-Writing your own vows allows you to make your ceremony special, interesting, and even a bit funny! For our readings, we had family members read love letters written by our grandparents from the 1940s – people loved it!
Photography: Sonya Yruel | Videography: Thomas Hughes Films | Coordination: Alicia K Designs | Floral Design: Alicia K Designs | Wedding Dress: Elizabeth Dye | Cake : SusieCakes | Bride's Shoes: Emmy London | Wedding Bands: Brilliant Earth | Bridesmaids' Dresses: J.Crew | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Jenny Yoo | Catering: Elaine Bell Catering | Hair Stylist: Christy Dylo, Spoke & Weal Salon | Groom's Attire: Canali | Officiant: Friend | Transportation: Pure Luxury | Wedding Venue: Kunde Family Winery | Bride's "sash" (actually A Crown That She Used As A Belt): Twig & Honey | Bride's Engagement Ring: Lang Antique | Bridesmaid Bathrobes: SunsetToSunrise | Desserts: Dragonfly Cakes | Groom's Pocket Watch: Family Heirloom, Grandfather's | Invitations And Menus: Katrina McHugh Of Launch Sessions | Make-up Artist: Daniela Serra Beauty | Musicians At Ceremony: Aleron Strings | Musicians At Reception: The Nines | Natalie & Matt's Dance Lessons: The Dance Loft | Photography - Assistance: Bojana Korach | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals Napa | Table Number Designer: Sarah Goodwin