Invoking the Feel of a Gorgeous Tuscan Garden Party
This elegant wedding may be in the wilds of California but it has the beauty and feel of a stunning Tuscan garden party. Planned by Dandelion Events, with the prettiest palette of blooms by Aqua Floral Design, watch this alfresco affair unfold through the lens of Jeanni Dunagan and Scala Pictures. It's proof you don't need a passport to experience the magic of an Italian celebration.
Soon after moving to Johannesburg, South Africa for her graduate studies, Taylor was introduced to Bonaventure by a mutual friend. The attraction was instant and their romance immediately ensued. After some time had passed, Bonaventure planned a surprise proposal in the States while Taylor was home visiting family. Unaware that Bonaventure had received his Visa, she was beyond surprised to see Bonaventure standing before her, ring in hand. The couple returned to South Africa and the wedding planning began.
With a color palette of olive green, terracotta, navy and gray, Taylor and Bonaventure's wedding had the feel of an elegant Tuscan garden party. The florals were chosen to complement both the theme and the natural flora growing on the venue's property. Upon arriving, guests were met by property escorts and custom signs to direct them to the ceremony area. On the way, they were given parasols to provide shield from the summer sun and a choice of welcome drinks to keep them cool.
Taylor arrived to the ceremony in a vintage convertible car and was escorted by her father to her groom. Taylor and Bonaventure exchanged their personally-written vows below a giant oak tree. As a nod to their African culture, the bride and groom participated in the spiritual tradition of 'jumping the broom,'symbolizing the sweeping away past wrongs or removing evil spirits. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception under Campovida's Learning Arbor followed by an al fresco dinner and dancing beneath the stars.
From the groom... Falling in love with Taylor was amazing. It was like I found a part of my body that was missing. Everything in my life changed from the day I met her and I thank God for that day. I love everything about Taylor. She is all I ever wanted.
From the bride...What I love most about Bona is his fearlessness. If he wants something, he goes after it without worrying about failing. He just does and I love that about him because it inspires me.
I chose Campovida Winery because I love the outdoors. Bona and I both grew up in places that have beautiful nature all around, so I thought a garden wedding would suit both of us. Campovida is also special to me because I used to drive by it every day on my way home, only I never knew it was there! It's like a secret garden tucked away from the world.
With a color palette of olive green, terracotta, navy and gray, Taylor and Bonaventure's wedding had the feel of an elegant Tuscan garden party. The florals were chosen to complement both the theme and the natural flora growing on the venue's property. Upon arriving, guests were met by property escorts and custom signs to direct them to the ceremony area. On the way, they were given parasols to provide shield from the summer sun and a choice of welcome drinks to keep them cool.
Taylor arrived to the ceremony in a vintage convertible car and was escorted by her father to her groom. Taylor and Bonaventure exchanged their personally-written vows below a giant oak tree. As a nod to their African culture, the bride and groom participated in the spiritual tradition of 'jumping the broom,'symbolizing the sweeping away past wrongs or removing evil spirits. After the ceremony, guests enjoyed a cocktail reception under Campovida's Learning Arbor followed by an al fresco dinner and dancing beneath the stars.
From the groom... Falling in love with Taylor was amazing. It was like I found a part of my body that was missing. Everything in my life changed from the day I met her and I thank God for that day. I love everything about Taylor. She is all I ever wanted.
From the bride...What I love most about Bona is his fearlessness. If he wants something, he goes after it without worrying about failing. He just does and I love that about him because it inspires me.
I chose Campovida Winery because I love the outdoors. Bona and I both grew up in places that have beautiful nature all around, so I thought a garden wedding would suit both of us. Campovida is also special to me because I used to drive by it every day on my way home, only I never knew it was there! It's like a secret garden tucked away from the world.