A Grape Escape
Chandler couple Jennifer Renda and Brian Benfatti decided on a destination wedding that would bring together family from their hometowns in a beautiful winery near San Diego, California.
A destination site seemed a natural choice for the bride, a Pittsburgh native, and the groom, who hails from Oregon. The Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula had everything the couple desired, including an intimate vineyard perfect for the wedding and a sophisticated barrel room for the reception.
Eight bridesmaids and groomsmen joined Jennifer and Brian under a wooden grotto in the vineyard as the autumn leaves were just beginning to change color. The latte hue of the bridesmaid gowns and the brides's bright white bridal gown offered a spectacular contrast to the greens of the setting, and the bouquets of ivory roses and curly twig accents. A close friend of the couple served as officiant.
The barrel room was breathtakingly beautiful for Jennifer and Brian's wedding reception. The 30-foot-high walls were stacked with wine barrels, while the high ceiling was anchored by a magnificent crystal chandelier.
The couple chose to place rectangular tables in a U-shape to seat 50 guests in a manner that took advantage of the lovely setting and also facilitated conversation among the guests. Floor-length satin latte lamour table linens were adorned with glass hurricanes filled with wine corks, romantic ivory candles in wrought iron candelabra and white hydrangeas floating in low clear bowls. Each place setting featured a gold charger, silk napkin and elegant menu card. The candlelight lent an air of romance and elegance to the intimate affair.
In recognition of the winery venue, the couple gave their guests wood wine holders that doubled as place card holders during the reception dinner.
During the couple's destination wedding weekend, the entire wedding party was able to get to know each other better, enjoy wine tours and savor fabulous food in Old Town Temecula.
Location:
Wilson Creek Winery
Photographer:
Brian David Photography
Florist:
Magnolia Flower Shoppe
Invitations:
Celebrations in Paper
Cake:
Sweet Layer Bakery
Rehearsal Dinner:
Palumbos Ristorante |
