A Modern Slate-Gray, Burgundy, and Ivory Wedding at a Vineyard in California

Susan, a financial analyst and investment-relations manager, and Trevor, an engineer, planned their wedding from Calgary, Canada, with just a few trips to California. On their second trip, they locked in Stephanie Beer of Covenant Coordinating to help them pull together a stunning wedding in a short period of time; they also got photographer Julie Mikos on board to capture their special day.

Upon her return home from the initial trip, Susan began her dress hunt, finding her Badgley Mischka gown at a local store. She accessorized it with a three-strand freshwater pearl bracelet as well as pearl and diamond chandelier earrings, both by Birks. The classic jewelry coordinated with the detailing at the top of the bride's dress.

Early in their relationship, the couple attended the wedding of Trevor's uncle, held at a winery in Livermore Valley, California. They loved the beautiful vineyard setting and intimate nature of the environment so much that they decided on something similar for their own nuptials.

After their engagement, a previously planned vacation in Napa Valley and Sonoma became a venue-hunting excursion. They visited Stryker Sonoma toward the end of the trip and fell in love with it immediately. The contemporary architecture, gorgeous vineyards, and style of the barrel room were all winning points. Susan and Trevor also liked the coziness of the two-way fireplace connecting the back deck and the tasting room -- a great fit for a November wedding.

Using slate gray, burgundy, and ivory as the predominant colors, Anita Isaza of Wine Country Flowers created a bridal bouquet that included white phalaenopsis orchids, creamy mini calla lilies, eggplant calla lilies, monkey tails, vanda orchids, smoke bush, and silver brunia berries.

The ceremony began at 5:30, with Susan being led past the 45 guests by her father, Chris.

For the ceremony music, The BBC Jazz Trio gave traditional wedding songs a jazz flair.

Although the ceremony was intended to take place on the lower lawn, rainy weather caused everyone to move inside to the tasting room. Susan and Trevor were married in front of the glass wall that overlooks the barrel room.

Sugar-maple leaves, burgundy cymbidium orchids, and satin ribbons decorated the chairs along the aisle at the ceremony.

Susan -- with her maid of honor and sister, Michelle, mother, Willi, and niece, Mercer -- posed for a portrait on the front deck overlooking the vineyards. The maid of honor's Selina dress and her daughter's matching sash carried on the slate gray that appeared throughout the wedding.

Trevor and his mother, Tish, posed under the arbors. His boutonniere featured a single calla lily, sugar-maple leaf, and a monkey tail. Her corsage had orchids and berries.

An assortment of cocktail napkins were set out; some were stamped with "LOVE," others featured the couple's initials or their names and wedding date. For drinks, a selection of their favorite wines from the winery were served throughout the evening (and included in the welcome packages for guests). In addition to the five wines from the vineyard, Susan and Trevor also brought in a sparkling rose, black muscat dessert wine, and local port wine. Guests had also been treated to a cocktail upon arrival -- a seasonally fitting pomegranate spritzer.

The escort cards were calligraphed by Renate Worthington, at the recommendation of the couple's stationer, and placed in a tray of white rocks.

A long king's table was set up in the barrel room. Susan and Trevor were drawn to how grand the single, long table looked and liked the idea of having all their guests seated together at one table.

Surrounded by barrels of wine, soft lighting, and dramatic florals, the couple found the setting intimate and elegant. Five-foot centerpieces of maple branches, long-stemmed eggplant calla lilies, and long-stemmed burgundy cymbidium orchids in wrought-iron structures were spaced out down the long table. A runner of sugar-maple leaves down the center of the table and square votives for glowing candlelight filled the spaces between. The newlyweds sat near the center of the table across from their parents.

Guests dined on a feast prepared by Pacific Connection Catering. The evening's menu included a grilled-pear-and-Roquefort-cheese salad, filet mignon, a salmon and lobster duet, and house-made ravioli.

Assorted gelatos, biscotti, and cookies were also served during the seated dinner.

The rain finally let up, so Susan and Trevor headed outside to take photos around the property. The overcast sky provided a soft, lovely light and a gray backdrop that seemed almost purposeful.

Guests chose from two flavors of mini cake -- a Carmella cake (dark chocolate cake layered with caramel and chocolate mousse) and a lemon-raspberry-zinger cake (lemon cake layered with raspberry puree and lemon curd). Susan and Trevor opted to serve individual cakes because of the wedding's contemporary feeling and because neither of them wanted to do a traditional cake cutting. The sweets were the work of Lisa Marie Kincaid at Fleur de Lisa.

Tables, couches, pillows, and throws were brought into the tasting room later in the evening to create a cozy space on both sides of the fireplace (inside and outside) where guests could sit to chat and enjoy a glass of wine.

Photographer Julie Mikos also set up a self-portrait station for the guests. As a result, the couple got a selection of entertaining candids of their guests.

In the lounge area, burgundy cymbidium orchids and sugar-maple leaves were added to the arrangements.

Photography: Julie Mikos, juliemikos.com
Officiant: Dr. Judith Caldwell, brilliantceremonies.com
Hair & Makeup: Jenifer of It's a Date at the Powder Room, itsadate.biz
Transportation: Pure Luxury, pureluxury.com
Lighting: Twilight Design, twilightdesign.biz
Rentals: Blueprint Studios, blueprintstudios.com; Wine Country Party Rentals, winecountryparty.com
Post-Reception Music: California Mobile DJ, calmobiledj.net