Carina and Joe attended William Jessup University in Rocklin, California.  When these two met for the first time, Joe was interested in getting to know Carina better as soon as he saw her… but she needed a little more convincing.  It wasn’t long before their friendship blossomed into a deep love and commitment to one another. He asked, she said yes, and the two started planning for the day when they would become one.  Well, I am happy to announce that that day finally came and I was honored to be chosen as their photographer!  What an incredible, beautiful, God-honoring wedding it was…

Warm air with a gentle breeze, full grape clusters hanging on the vines, and lightly cloud-covered skies.  It was the perfect day for Carina and Joe’s Northern California Wine Country Wedding.

Avio Vineyards & Winery is one of my favorites in the Sutter Creek area.  Stunning valley views surround the carefully manicured vines and estate and makes for a lovely wedding venue!  (Get in touch with Stefano… he knows what’s up!)  In addition to the incredible landscape and amazing wines, they even have a guest cottage for the bride and groom on their wedding night!

Aldo satin heels with sparkly backs gave Carina a few more inches with style.  Pink and white floral arrangements by Rebecca Howden added a splash of color to the ceremony and table centerpieces. The soft petals of garden roses, hydrangeas and ranunculus that she used in the boutonnieres and bridal bouquets were lovely accents to their beautiful day.

The dynamic make-up-and-hair duo at Hello Glam highlighted Carina’s flawless features and kept her hair natural and elegant for her special day.  (Leilani and Renee, you girls do beautiful work!)

Market lights stretched across a tree-shaded canopy over the ceremony site.  Blush petals covered the aisle.  But the most important part of the day was the message held in the ceremony itself.

Joe’s parents attend First Covenant Church in Sacramento, so it made sense that their pastor, Jesse Smith, would officiate the wedding.  The picture of Christ and His bride (the church) is demonstrated most clearly in the covenant of marriage and that was definitely emphasized throughout the service.  Absolutely beautiful!

Carina’s smiling laugh had to be my favorite moment of the day!  What a joy-filled celebration it was!

And what a stunning bridal party!  Hues of grey and blue made up the groomsmen and bridesmaids’ attire.

(Aren’t they just the sweetest?!)

Matt Deutchman, DJ and owner of the award winning Galaxy Mobile DJs, provided the tunes for the reception as well as played the MC, ensuring the evening flowed as smoothly as possible and that everyone had a great time. Tamara Jones of Tamara J Events coordinated everything (nicely done, Tamara!) all the way down to getting Beth Sogaard on board for catering.  Delicious!

And just when you thought Carina and Joe’s Wedding couldn’t get any sweeter, the simple, 3-tiered creation by Jennifer Briggs takes the cake!  (How adorable are those bird toppers, by the way!?)

Seriously, can you get any more gorgeous than this!?  A beautiful couple, blissfully in love, in a vineyard.  It’s a sommelier/photographer’s dream!  (Carina and Joe… I know I said it a million times, but you two are photographically brilliant!  Models… just sayin.’)

It was a truly memorable wedding and I am so thankful I got to be a part of it.

Carina and Joe, I cannot thank you enough for allowing me to be such an integral part of your wedding day.  (Hope you enjoyed these preview highlights!)  Hayley and I had such a wonderful time and everything turned out beautifully.  It’s always a joy to photograph couples who love the Lord and celebrate marriage as He intended it to be.  *smile*  Have a relaxing, amazing time in Puerto Rico!  Can’t wait to get all of your images to you when you return!  Praying God’s blessing on your new life together.

In Him,

–LB