Real Wedding: Chelsey and Josh

Are you ready, because today's wedding is almost too gorgeous and sweet to handle! The bride's style is fabulous, the love bird theme is way adorable, and this venue is stunning! Stephen Knuth photographed this beautiful vintage vineyard wedding, and I'm quite sure you will love every moment of it!

From Chelsey, the bride-
Our Dreamy Ceremony: We were brainstorming for union ceremony ideas that would be different from the blending of sands or the candle lighting ceremony which just didn’t seem to hit the spot. It was a couple of unsure days later when just in front of me; in my own room on my own easel, I noticed a blank canvas. I knew that a ceremonial painting would be just perfect and it really was. Josh’s father creatively free-handed a painting that depicted an arbor, garden winery, our silhouettes, and two perched birds atop the arbor which tied into our lovebird motif. Now that the canvas was no longer blank, at the ceremony we each took a (wedding) color, a paintbrush, and together drew one heart at the center of the painting conjoining the silhouettes. Also, the ceremony was officiated by Josh’s dad, the painter of our blank canvas, which left the moment irreplaceable. 

Love Bird Theme: I was working at Sea World San Diego at the time with the Education and Conservation Department, and I suppose that being around animals everyday and having the opportunity to hang out with the penguins (my absolute favorite animal) really inspired me! I was also originally inspired by the Taylor Swift’s ‘Love Story’ music video. I wanted a magical, whimsically romantic wedding. Well, my love for penguins and incorporating them didn’t make complete sense for the San Diego wedding I wanted. Krystel, at Couture Events, helped me to break down my vision and allow for me to see what it was I really wanted! The theme came together from the beautiful floral ‘nest’ centerpieces, the branch and grapevine arbor, the painting ceremonial union, the cake topper, and the birds, eggs, cages, feathers, and nests details. 

Flowers completed the day! Our florist was incredible and incredible on a budget too! Tricia at The Floral Department did an above and beyond job! With our ‘love bird’ theme we wanted a natural sense of beauty but just as ‘wedding’ beautiful! For the guest tables, we had 3 different centerpieces: Lanterns, Tree Roots, and Nests perched atop an antique looking plated stand. I wanted tons of texture, berry accents, and even succulents. It all creatively blended together better than I dreamed. 

Cake Topper: AH! Just about one of my favorite things that was a part of the wedding. Meet Marty and Giles. Yes. They have names. Credit for the amazing miniature beauties goes to Ann Wood Handmade. However, I did spice up Marty a bit with an appropriate veil. I will keep, and cherish, Marty and Giles for just about the rest of eternity! I really struggled spending over $100 on a cake topper, but I am so relieved that I took the leap because it is a piece of the wedding that I would have really regretted! 

Looking back on my wedding day: I felt like a princess. It was the most perfect day. I have read so many articles in which brides talk about how hectic the day was and that the memory of their day is spotted so they are thankful for the pictures. Some brides even spoke of being too busy to eat their cake or dinner. I knew I didn’t want that to be me. I soaked up every moment and honestly, my memory of July 3, 2010 is even better than the still shot photos because I was able to truly experience the magical day. I couldn’t have been more in love, nor have I ever felt so loved. It was a wonderful, blissful day. My wedding was even better than I had dreamed and I have family, friends, and Couture Events to ceaselessly thank.

Thanks so much Chelsey for sharing your day and Stephen for the amazing photos!

Photographer | Stephen Knuth

Event Planner | Couture Events

Venue | Rancho Bernardo Winery

Flowers | The Floral Department

Cake | Edelweiss Bakery

Cupcakes | Cupcakes Squared

Transportation | Rolls Livery