On the grounds of the historic Elliston Vineyards in Sunol, CA, Tessa and Ian said “I do.” The pair met their freshman year of college, and started dating after a brief friendship. Ian proposed to Tessa during a trip to Seattle, and they set a fall wedding date.

The couple was prepared for any weather for their outdoor ceremony, but their October wedding day was bright and sunny. They chose fall tones of burgundy, peach, and gold for their wedding colors.  The bridesmaids wore long, burgundy gowns. Tessa’s gorgeous, lacy dress had a champagne-colored sash tied around the waist. Tessa and her bridesmaids spent the morning at her aunt’s house getting ready and spending precious time together.

The ceremony began at 5:00 just outside of Elliston’s historic mansion. The bridal party made a grand entrance down the stone stairway. Tessa carried a big bouquet spilling over with greenery as she walked down the aisle with her father. At the end of the aisle, she and Ian joined hands just as the sun was setting behind them. Tessa and Ian read vows that they wrote for each other; a sweet tribute to how far they have come and what lies ahead. Their marriage was officially announced, and they sealed their vows with a kiss. Friends and family gathered to congratulate them, and all of the wedding guests posed for a picture under a big tree.

Tessa and Ian’s first photos as newlyweds are lovely and romantic. Ian held the train of Tessa’s dress as they walked through the vineyards. They stopped in front of the 127 year old mansion for pictures; a timeless backdrop for the first day of the rest of their lives together.

After photos, the newlyweds and their guests moved to the Terrace room for the reception. The tables were set with gold and burgundy, continuing their fall wedding theme. Floral arrangements of different heights were in the middle of the tables. The wedding party danced their way into the reception, and then Tessa and Ian were introduced for the first time as a married couple. After that, friends and loved ones showered them with kind words and sweet wishes for their future during the toasts.  Tessa and Ian cut into their tiered wedding cake that was topped with burgundy flowers and a heart cake-topper.

The newlyweds had fun surprises in store during the reception. Guests picked up s’mores kits and toasted marshmallows at the fire pit outside. There were even more fun treats: the guests filled up red and white popcorn cups with different types of popcorn and candy at the popcorn bar. Everyone took to the dance floor. Fun traditions from Ian and Tessa’s college days were re-lived, and Ian’s fraternity brother’s circled around Tessa and serenaded her.

As the night wound down, the guests lit a path of sparklers for Tessa and Ian, who left for their future adventures in a golf cart.

 

Ceremony Music//An Elegant Touch of Strings//DJ- Amos Productions//Cake- Cake Delight//Florist- Delford West//Bridal Salon- Gesinee’s Bridal//Dress Designer- Kenneth Winston//Bridesmaid Dress Designer- Bill Levkoff//Hair and Makeup- Cherise Rowan//