We love a winery wedding.
Courtney & Matt’s Malibu bash was one of our most beautiful wine-themed celebrations yet.
How could we have expected anything less? It’s always a fabulous wedding if it’s been captured by one of our favorite photography/videography teams, Studio 1208.
We love how Matt & Courtney transformed Saddlerock Ranch with the help of Amber Events.
This wedding is absolutely gorgeous. It features a soft fall color palette, bridesmaids dressed in lush green dresses, enchanting lighting, and tablescapes that are simply divine.
Matt & Courtney were at the center of the celebration, with a beautiful day celebrating them, their families, and their separate and shared interests.
The Story of Our Proposal
Matt worked on his pilot’s license for over a year, and we celebrated him passing the test.
He loves to fly and took us to Santa Barbara. We flew over Isla Vista and watched the whales leap out of the ocean.
He asked me to take control of the plane. I was frightened because I didn’t realize it was on automatic pilot, and then he took out a small box.
I was asked to marry him, and of course, said “yes.”
Matt and I met at UC Davis. We are the stereotypical fraternity boy who meets a sorority gal and falls in love.
Favourite Details
The photos of weddings in my family and the personal shots I used as table markers were some of my favorite details. This was my way to honor the memory of my husband’s late father and acknowledge those who are no longer here.
Amber, our wedding planner, made cocktail napkins that included trivia questions about Matt & me. Amber added many special touches to our wedding.
Music was crucial in making our wedding all about us. Music has always played a big part in my family, and the music we chose represented different times of our lives. Since I was a child, my dad made me listen to the Beatles, Rolling Stones, and other music. Music is a symbol of our close relationship.
My mom had a team of makeup artists do the makeup for my bridal party and the important women in my family. It was wonderful to spend time with all of the women who have helped Matt and me be successful couples and inspired me throughout my life.
The Attire
I wore a Maggie Sottero gown with beaded embellishments and capped sleeves.
The bridesmaids’ dresses were hunter-green cocktail gowns from Weddington Way.
My husband was dressed in a Men’s Wearhouse tux. The groomsmen were wearing traditional tuxedos.
The Ceremony
My background led to a number of catholic elements in our ceremony. Before the ceremony, we went to Catholic counseling with our American Catholic Priest.
We read a passage from Romans 12:1-2, 9-18, as well as an excerpt from Louis de Bernieres’ Captain Corelli’s Mandolin.
We gave roses to our mothers to represent the joining of the family and to thank them for making this possible.
The Photographer
Studio 1208 was chosen because it offered a personal experience. They attended our rehearsal dinner and blended right in with family and friends. Instead of being strangers, they became our guests.
Maria and Nick are a husband and wife team who do an incredible job with their photos and videos. Their service is unlike any other wedding video/photography I’ve seen.
The Venue
My husband is from Northern California and loves the outdoors. He jokes about how Southern California lacks the natural beauty that Northern California has.
I wanted to find somewhere that would capture Matt’s love for nature and my love of Southern California.
Saddlerock Ranch could not have been more perfect for our style. Plus, it is a vineyard that produces amazing wine.
Decor & Details
I described the rustic elegance style using berry, hunter-green, sepia, and eucalyptus as our color palette.
We decorated with flowers, lanterns, wine barrels, and hanging lights.
Refreshments
The drink we chose was ‘My Future Hubby.’ It was St. Germain with lemon juice and Champagne.
We had three layers of wedding cake, including cookies and cream with lavender lemon and champagne cake topped with strawberry icing.
