A Magical Lakefront Wedding in the Santa Ynez Mountains

There are some weddings that feel like they belong in a storybook, and this one will be remembered as just that. Nestled deep in the Santa Ynez mountains, the brides exchanged vows on a quiet deck overlooking a sparkling lake. The trees stood witness among their closest friends and family as their heartfelt words were carried by the breeze.

As the ceremony flowed into cocktail hour, guests gathered around the rustic Alamo outdoor kitchen, laughter mingling with the scent of woodsmoke and the golden light of early evening. Guests grazed on a curated selection of appetizers and sipped on the brides’ favorite cocktails. Soon, everyone made their way to a single long table stretched beneath towering pines, strung with twinkling lights. It was a scene that felt both timeless and intimate as they broke fresh, local bread together.

Our team was honored to craft a menu that reflected not only the season but the brides themselves. Dinner was served family style, beginning with fresh, vibrant salads. Plates of pork tenderloin followed, a heartfelt nod to June’s family of pig farmers. And then came the showstopper: perfectly seasoned lamb pops, passed across the table and met with wide eyes and delighted murmurs. These moments, when food becomes part of the memory, are exactly why we love what we do.

As night fell, the celebration moved into the warmth of the barn, where dancing began and a dear friend serenaded the brides with a private performance, an unforgettable gift. By morning, the magic hadn’t faded. June and her bride, Lauren, greeted their guests with fresh cups of coffee from June’s own coffee cart, a gesture that wrapped the weekend in love and hospitality.

For us, it was more than a wedding. It was a gathering of hearts, a reflection of the brides’ story, and a celebration we will never forget. Being trusted to bring their vision to life through food and service was truly a joy.

Venue: Zaca Lake

Photographer: Lena Britt

June’s Coffee Cart: Welcome Coffee

Planning: Homegrown Events

Brides’ Loveseat: Bea Furnishings

Catering & Bar: Slate Catering

Romance Among the Vines: An Intimate Summer Wedding in Santa Ynez, California

There’s something undeniably enchanting about the rolling hills and lush vineyards of Santa Ynez, California. It’s a place where love and nature come together in perfect harmony, making it the ideal setting for an intimate summer wedding. Picture this: a picturesque vineyard villa bathed in golden sunlight, the air filled with the sweet scent of ripening grapes, and the promise of a day filled with love and celebration.

A Warm Welcome:

As guests arrived at the enchanting vineyard villa of Sunstone Winery, they greeted one another with the clinking of coup glasses filled with sparkling wine. The effervescent bubbles mirrored the excitement and joy that hung in the air. It was an invitation to immerse themselves in a day of celebration, love, and laughter.

A Ceremony Among the Grapes:

The ceremony took place amidst the vineyard’s abundant grapevines, their leaves rustling gently in the warm breeze. Surrounded by family and close friends, the grooms exchanged promises of forever, their love seemingly as boundless as the vineyard itself.

Cocktail Hour in the Heart of Wine Country:

Following the heartfelt ceremony, guests strolled through the vineyard, finding their way to an enchanting courtyard. Here, the magic continued as they enjoyed a cocktail hour filled with delectable treats and heartwarming speeches from the couple’s family.

Cheese & Charcuterie, Wine, & Craft Cocktails:

The culinary delights were a feast for both the eyes and the palate. A rustic wooden table adorned with an array of artisanal cheeses and carefully curated charcuterie beckoned guests to indulge. The grazing table boasted the season’s offerings of farmer’s market produce like juicy tiger figs, snap peas, and fragrant herbs. Fresh local bread from OAT Bakery accompanied a bowl of confit California garlic and small tomatoes, the style of cooking making them a deliciously spreadable treat that paired perfectly with creamy Italian burrata cheese.

Of course, what’s a vineyard wedding without wine? A careful selection of the vineyard’s wines were served, ensuring that every glass held a taste of the region’s essence. Guests savored the complexities of each sip, from the refreshing rose to the bold red, all while surrounded by the very vines that birthed these exceptional libations.

To add a contemporary twist, craft cocktails were poured over ice and adorned with edible flowers and dried citrus. The ‘Holy Crop” from our menu took on the name ‘Summer Water’ for the day: Cucumber infused vodka, fresh mint, lime juice, and elderflower liquor blended to a perfect balance for a cooling sip. A classic margarita with a housemade ancho chili salt rim, offered another refreshing contrast to the traditional wine offerings. With love in the air, guests enjoyed their beverages and the views.

Heartfelt Speeches:

As the sun began its descent behind the rolling hills, family members took the stage to deliver heartfelt speeches. Giggles flowed freely as they shared stories of the couple’s journey and the love that had brought everyone together. These speeches, illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun, deepened the sense of intimacy and connection among the guests.

In the heart of Santa Ynez’s wine country, amidst the vines, a love story unfolded that was as timeless as the landscape itself. This intimate summer wedding at a Sunstone Vineyard’s villa embodied the essence of romance, with heartfelt vows, culinary delights, and touching speeches. It was a day where nature, love, and celebration converged to create unforgettable memories that would be cherished for a lifetime.

Vendors:

Catering/Cocktails: Slate Catering

Planning/Design: Wild Heart Events

Venue: Sunstone Winery

Photography: Ali Beck

Florals: Knot Just Flowers