Ponte Winery Wedding – Katie + Ryan Married!
Katie and Ryan had the most beautiful wedding last Saturday at Ponte Winery in the Temecula Valley Wine Country, and I was so honored to be a part of it! It’s clear as day how much Ryan loves and cares for Katie, and it was so beautiful to see they way he looked at her. I had the pleasure of photographing Katie’s cousin Melissa’s wedding last November at Serra Plaza, and I was so happy Katie contacted me after Melissa and Brad’s big day so I could capture hers and Ryan’s. It feels like it was only a couple months ago when we had that first phone call, and Katie was telling me all about her plans for the wedding. Now here we are today, and I’m writing their blog post while they are probably lounging on the beach together!
Spending the day with both Katie and Ryan’s families and friends was so much fun from the moment we first walked into the door. Katie’s family rented a beautiful vacation home in wine country to get ready for the wedding. There were floor to ceiling windows with a crystal clear pool and a stunning view of the vineyards for miles. The house had beautiful gray walls and classy neutral furniture. It was photographer heaven! When we arrived, Katie gave me a big hug and then finished up hair and makeup while I gathered all her pretty bridal accessories and her elegant wedding gown.
How beautiful are their rings?!!
When everyone was all done with hair and makeup, they started off the morning with a toast in their pretty robes that Katie gifted to them.
Katie got the cutest romper from a friend at her bridal shower with her new name embroidered on the back!
It was finally time to get Katie into her dress, and she looked so stunning in it! I absolutely love the simplicity. It will forever be a timeless and elegant wedding gown that she can look back and love.
Once Katie was all ready, she did a spin for everyone and they all cheered! Time to go to the church!!
Katie and her closest friends and family hopped into their transportation to the church. Meanwhile, Ryan and his guys started getting ready at Ponte’s groom suite. Check out those shoes! Nice touch, Ryan.
Can’t forget the awesome matching socks!
Ryan’s best man helped him put the final touches on, so he could look extra sharp for his special lady.
Katie arrived at the church with all of her girls and got settled.
Shortly after, we walked over to the pews together and Katie opened a note that Ryan had written to her. She read it aloud for their wedding video that Auteur Weddings is putting together for them, and I was tearing up! Ryan’s words were so sweet they had all of us sniffling. You can see in Katie’s eyes after her moments of laughter that she is tried to hold back tears too. It’s so cute.
Katie also wrote Ryan a sweet letter, and he read it moments before leaving for the church. The joy in his eyes is so apparent.
Everyone arrived to the wedding ceremony, and it was time to begin!
I love that you can see tears in Katie’s eyes!
It’s official! They are husband and wife!
After the ceremony, we all went back to the beautiful Ponte Winery for photos, while guests enjoyed lawn games and cocktails!
During dinner, we snuck out for a couple sunset photos. They are my favorite!!
And then THIS happened!
Ryan’s parents just had their 35th wedding anniversary, so they celebrated them by playing their song! How sweet is that?!
And then Ryan stole his mom away from his dad for a dance on his wedding day!
Katie and her dad fooled us all when they started out with a slow song. It broke out into a medley of different group dances, including THE WOBBLE (my personal favorite!!).
During the dancing, The Donut Junkie came out and started making fresh donuts onsite for the guests. They are AMAZING! I met the owner Molly last year in November, and she is the sweetest! This year, she sent her staff out to work Katie’s wedding and they were equally kind and fun! They even sent me home with a bag of donuts at the end of the night to share with my hubby. Seriously, nothing is better than warm, fresh donuts with all of those delicious toppings! Such a cool non-traditional dessert option for a wedding.
And the dancing continues!
Katie and Ryan, thank you for having me capture your big day! It’s been so fun working with you and I hope to stay in touch and see you both soon!
Vendor Love:
Ceremony Venue: St. Catherine of Alexandria
Reception Venue: Ponte Winery
Hair: Brigette Hopkins
Makeup: Mercedes Morrman
Day-of Coordination & Florals: Bella Florina Events
DJ: Victor with Visions Entertainment
Wedding Cake: Cakes to Celebrate
Onsite Donuts: Donut Junkie
Wedding Cinematography / Video: Auteur Weddings
Photography: Jenna Joseph Photography