This Couple's Wine Country Wedding Had the Most Energetic, Colorful Décor

From as early as 2007, it seemed as if Whitney Bouquet and Shane Conway were destined to be together. "We met because we went to the same high school," says Whitney, who was a freshman to Shane's sophomore; the pair slowly got to know each other in a class they shared. They became a couple in Shane's senior year and dated for two more before parting ways for college—but life brought them together again as adults, and this time, their relationship stuck.

When it came time to plan their wedding, the pair agreed upfront to prioritize their guests' comfort, maximizing the element of fun for the day. "Of course the ceremony was all about Whitney and me," Shane says. The dazzling and historic Santa Ines Mission in Solvang, California, served as the service site; the moments following the Catholic mass were particularly memorable for the groom. "Walking up the aisle with my new wife in front of all those who support us was so powerful and uplifting," he says. "It gave me even greater confidence in us."

For their reception, the pair opted to celebrate at another historic site: Mattei's Tavern—a former stagecoach stop—in Los Olivos. "We chose this area because we knew the weather would be great no matter what," says Whitney, "and we chose Mattei's Tavern because we got such a cozy, fun vibe from the venue when we visited." Bungalows surrounding the property kept out-of-town loved ones close.

While Whitney took the reins with planning, the couple also invested in a wedding planner, who melded the essence of California wine country with classic southern charm. The result? An event filled with warm, sunny tones against the clean white backdrop of the reception venue. "I can't recommend Vanessa Vierra of Vanessa Noël Events enough," says Whitney. "Our wedding would not have been anything close to what it was without her!"

As their team of vendors helped keep stress to a minimum, Whitney and Shane found themselves enjoying each other and their guests on the big day. "I tried to remember that the day is not about the wedding, it's about the marriage," Whitney says, while Shane offers this advice to other couples: "The less you try to be in control of the day, the more you will enjoy it."

Whitney and Shane's wedding stationery was timeless; creamy paper served as the foundation for classic fonts and a touch of gold.

When shopping for a wedding dress, Whitney left no bridal atelier unturned. "I tried on too many dresses to count!" she says. "All I knew was what general style I was going for: lacey and fitted." Crafted from diya lace, her backless trumpet gown by Willowby fit the bill.

Members of Whitney's bridal party were invited to choose a Hayley Paige Occasions dress in the silhouette and style of their preference. The only requirement? The colorway, called "Candlelight."

Shane kept his look classic with a tuxedo. He subtly brightened up his ensemble with patterned socks.

Founded in 1804, the historic Old Mission Santa Inés served as the ceremony site for Whitney and Shane's wedding.

Whitney's father walked her down the church's elongated aisle.

The couple's nuptial mass was officiated by the same priest who married the bride's parents 25 years earlier, and included the bride's favorite moment of the day. "My favorite part was when we finally got to give each other a big hug and kiss," says Whitney. "I was so nervous the whole ceremony and this was when I finally felt like I could take a deep breath and feel all my nerves melt away."

In keeping with the floral theme of the day, the couple's seating chart—comprised of calligraphed, bloom-filled buckets—recalled a French flower market. "My maiden name is Bouquet, so my wedding planner had the most clever idea to play off of that," explains the bride. "There was a tapestry sign that read 'Shane caught the Bouquet, now catch your seat!' written in beautiful calligraphy surrounded by clusters of flowers."

Guests found their table assignments written on the galvanized buckets that held hand-tied floral arrangements.

Tables draped in linens and shaded with umbrellas provided space for guests to mingle during the cocktail hour at Mattei's Tavern.

Shades of orange sherbet, cream, and dove brought energy to the outdoor space. Plenty of indoor furniture was set up, creating cozy lounge areas for the duo's loved ones.

Dinner tables were situated on the pristine lawn below Mattei's iconic water tower; a combination of rounds, ovals, and long rectangles set the graceful scene. Cross-backed wooden chairs added a slightly rustic vibe, while bright floral centerpieces lightened the mood.

Place settings of white patterned plates draped with sienna-colored napkins were enhanced with terra-cotta rounds holding fresh figs. Amber goblets set off chocolate table runners, while flowers that ranged from ivory to the brightest melon provided bright pops of color.

While guests enjoyed the seated dinner service, Whitney and Shane retreated to a nearby field for golden hour photos.

The pair also posed for photographs with their two favorite canines.

Although the day was filled with special moments and memories, one particular scene stands out for the groom. "My favorite moment was the best man speech," says Shane. "I took it as my best friend passing the baton on to my new best friend."

"Warm Love" by Van Morrison played during the couple's first dance. "This was probably one of the hardest decisions to make because I am an incredibly indecisive person," Whitney admits, "but I think the name of the song speaks to why we ultimately chose it."

In lieu of a wedding cake, the groom requested brownies and frozen treats from McConnell's Fine Ice Cream for dessert. "McConnell's ice cream truck came and served the dessert near the reception area," says Whitney. She and Shane chose four flavors in advance: Turkish coffee, churro, vanilla, and sea salt cookies-and-cream. It was a sweet finish to a truly beautiful day.

Photography, Jen Rodriguez Photography
Location, Old Mission Santa Inés (ceremony), Mattei's Tavern (reception)
Event planning, Vanessa Noël Events
Catering, Testa Catering, McConnell's Fine Ice Creams
Flowers, Nina Kincaid for Coco Rose Design
Videography, Iron & Fern Film Co
Stationery, Minted (invitation suite), Prim & Pixie (day-of)
Calligraphy, Fête & Quill
Music, Gavin Roy Presents
Rentals, Otis + Pearl (goblets and flatware), The Tent Merchant
Bride's gown, Willowby
Bride's shoes, Nina
Bride's hair and makeup, The Queen's Bees
Bridesmaid dresses, Hayley Paige Occasions
Groom's tuxedo, A Heart's Desires Bridal
Lighting, Bella Vista Designs Inc.