This stunning Gay wedding set at a sprawling vineyard in Monterey is reminiscent of Tuscany and the dream destination weddings that have not been able to happen in 2020 because of COVID. An intimate dinner in the vineyard surrounded by the fall grapevines and decked out with twinkle lights is the best alternative to an Italian destination wedding. 

As a planner, one of the first things I always ask potential clients is what is important about your wedding day to you, and most of the time, it all boils down to two things; 1. Getting to be married to the love of your life and 2. Sharing that with the most important people in the world. The global pandemic and continuing divide in our nation has really made those two aspects challenging, but in many ways all of these challenging events have helped couples reevaluate and refocus on what is really important about planning a wedding. 

Inspired by a couple who wanted to focus on the experience, for them and their guests, bringing their most loved people together to enjoy a beautiful exchange of their vows, incredible estate grown wine and an elevated dining experience right in the vines. 

The venue, Eden Rift, is the oldest vineyard on the California central coast and its 500 acre property is a hidden gem wedding venue in the Silicon Valley area. The couple from San Francisco thought this was the perfect location as it was close enough for guests but also still feels like a world away from the City, but also magically feels like a world away, almost like you are in Tuscany for a destination wedding. 

The inspiration for the design came from the changing of the seasons at the winery. Knowing the vines would be changing colors the design focused around embracing the explosion of deep, warm tones, that would soon be reflected in the vines. To keep it feeling intimate and warm we wanted to do a table setting surrounded by twinkling lights right in the vines. 

The photographer, Amber of De Joy Photography and videographer, Iz Cinema, were the perfect team to document this microwedding. Amber is the queen of details capturing all the details and special moments and Carlos’ style is artistic and unique. 

Finding the right attire was very important to the couple, being a same-sex couple they wanted to ensure that both of their styles were represented in their day. One Bride, personal trainer, looked incredible in a feminine cropped suit and glamorous body suit so it would compliment the elegance and intricacy of the Enzoani Blue Gown from Epiphany boutique that her partner was wearing. Glamology Beauty Lounge and J Faith Beauty worked to enhance their natural beauty with a subtle but glam look.  

Fleurs Du Soleil created a stunning ceremony site in-front of the large wooden doors that is an iconic image of the historic winery.  The ceremony had elevated florals to offer something unique from the traditional ground lined aisle since the small guest count meant there would not be a long aisle to line. Pre ceremony guests could relax and sip Eden Rift Chardonnay in the shaded wine garden at the house on the property on the vintage lounge furniture provided by One True Love Vintage. 

The intimate lighting in the vines was provided by Belmont Entertainment creating a beautiful canopy of twinkle lights in the middle of the pinot vines with a table scape and rentals provided by Abbey Party Rentals and linens from La Tavola. For wedding day stationary, Heart Paper Soul wanted to highlight the unique venue and also embrace the fun italian meal by mixing her earthy element with feminine accents. The evening was topped off with a beautiful cake by Tart + Tin that subtly incorporated the fall colors and the ruffles echoed the rolling golden vineyard hills. 

Here is a complete List of vendors (More Images in Gallery Below)

Photography:  De Joy Photography @Dejoyphotography

Planner: Pocketful Of Plans @pocketful.of.plans

Venue: Eden Rift @edenrift.venue

Cinema: Iz Cinema @izcinema

Florals: Fleurs du Soleil @fleursdusoleilmonterey

Vintage Rentals: One True Love @otlvintage

Rentals: Abbey Party Rentals @abbey.party.rents

Lighting: Belmont Entertainment @belmontent

Linens: La Tavola Linens @latavolalinens

Stationary: Heart Paper Soul @heartpapersoul

Officiant: Jon Belmont @belmontent

Bridal Boutique:  Epiphany Boutique @epiphanyboutique_carmel

Hair: Glamology Beauty Lounge @glamologybeautylounge

Make Up: @Jfaithbeauty

Suit: @thegroomsmansuit

Desserts: Tart and Tin @tartandtin

Rings: Kristin Coffin Jewelry @kristincoffinjewelry

Shoes: Bella Belle Shoes @bellabelleshoes

Here are more incredible images from this same sex intimate wedding at Eden Rift: