A Romantic, Rustic Wedding at a Winery in California

It wasn’t until 13 years after Lauren and Conor met as sixth-graders, when both had finished college and returned to the Bay area, that their friendship turned romantic. Conor proposed on a vacation in 2010, and the two waited a while to get married, choosing a date when their favorite wedding band was available. After deciding on Annadel Estate Winery in the Sonoma Valley, they planned an outdoor celebration filled with delicious food, lush tabletops, and plenty of dancing. 

Lauren, who paired her Rivini gown with her mother’s vintage pearls, and her groom, in Canali, were all smiles with their attendants pre-ceremony.

Bridesmaids toted roses from the winery’s garden.

Lauren “unveiled” after the ceremony, showing off two perfectly placed freesia blossoms.

Lauren’s sister (here with her family) served as a bridesmaid, while her 3-year-old niece took on flower-girl duties.

The bride’s 3-year-old niece pulled a flower-and-fruit-filled wagon down the aisle. When she finally reached the altar, everyone cheered.

Canopies shaded the 130 guests, while a picturesque oak had the couple covered.

While a bluegrass band played, waiters passed hors d’oeuvres, including crab cakes with herb aioli.

Lauren and her dad made “L” and “C” initials using stakes from an old fence.

Wire letters were nailed to repurposed wooden gate doors. “We assigned tables, but let people sit in any seat they wanted,” says Lauren.

Guests dined alfresco at rustic farm tables under sun-shielding umbrellas. The dinner scene included a mix of seating, alternating long, wooden farm tables with linen-covered spaces for four, and canopies shielded guests from the California sun.

Overflowing urns of English roses and trailing blackberry and clematis vines helped set the scene, and persimmons anchored napkins and menus to chargers.

A single persimmon sat atop each menu. The meal was served family-style, with passed platters of roasted pork loin, fresh shell-bean gratins, plates of roasted peppers of all types, and “bowls of herbaceous salsa verde to slather all over everything,” says Lauren. “It was everything I love—people sitting around big tables with wine and food laughing and talking.”

Guests were able to grab a cold one while a bluegrass duo provided a live soundtrack.

A 1977 Harley-Davidson provided a prime spot for pics (and kisses).

Celebrants were encouraged to jot down notes for the newlyweds on a framed poster that announced their good news.

To thank their guests, Lauren hand-stitched hearts onto mini burlap sacks and filled them with pistachios.

Photography: Sylvie Gil Photography

Location: Annadel Estate Winery

Event Planning and Design: Rebecca Reátegui Weddings & Special Events

Catering and Desserts: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering

Flowers: Max Gill Design

Music: The Elan Trio (ceremony); The Saddle Cats Duo (cocktail hour); Pride & Joy (reception)

Stationery: Janel Claire Design

Rentals: Classic Party Rentals

Ceremony Sound: Aaron Long Music (707-303-6462)

Veil: Toni Federici

Hair and Makeup: It’s a Date at the Powder Room

Bridesmaid Dresses: Bill Levkoff

Groomsmen Suits: Kenneth Cole

Photo Booth: San Francisco Photo Booth

Wagon and Wood: Farmyard Darlings