Caroline and Mike’s wedding at Triunfo Creek Vineyards

Caroline had always joked that she didn’t want to get engaged until she was 25, so on her twenty-fifth birthday—after dating for ten years—Mike proposed on their camping trip in Yosemite. The couple celebrated their nuptials at Triunfo Creek Vineyards—a bright and happy event planned by Wish Wonder Dream. Lush and colorful floral by Enchanted Garden Floral Design in coral, pink, red and purple are pure happiness in the simple ceremony on the grounds and courtyard reception under cafe lights. Photographer Jenny Smith & Co. was behind the lens capturing the high school sweethearts as they joyfully embarked on their next adventure in love.

What made the wedding special and unique?

My grandmother is a retired federal judge, so it’s always been a dream of mine for her to officiate our wedding. Between my grandmother officiating the ceremony and special readings that both of our best friends recited, the ceremony was so personal. We also used our music selections throughout the day to help tell our own story. Music for the ceremony, first dance and reception intros all reflected songs that are special to us and represent different points in our relationship. I also think that our drop dead gorgeous wedding venue made the day hugely special. The grounds are truly magical.

Tell us about the gown and where/how you found it!

It was actually equal parts fate and fire drill! I’d previously purchased another dress early on in the planning process and ended up regretting the purchase as the wedding came together and evolved stylistically. At the last minute, I ended up reselling the other dress and starting over. I went to a bridal salon to shop the available samples since timing was so tight and was feeling discouraged because nothing was calling my name. As we were about to leave, the stylist mentioned that they were having a RIVINI trunk sale and that the designer was on site. All of the Rivini dresses were exactly the classic, simple, timeless style I was looking for and once I tried on my dress, that was it! The Rivini team was amazing in helping me to rush and get the dress in time. Fate!

What were some touches added to make the wedding personal?

One of our favorite parts of the wedding was the thank you gift for guests. Mike’s mom is a very talented artist and potter and made custom mugs for everyone to take home with them. She has made a special piece of pottery for each of her kids’ weddings and I love knowing that our guests have a homemade gift that will remind them of our day whenever they use it. We also wrote our own vows, which was an incredible moment. Mike’s vows floored me, they were SO good. We both unknowingly mentioned adopting a dog within our vows, and did so within days of getting home from our honeymoon!

What was the most memorable part of the day?

This is truly impossible! The day was perfect from start to finish. But for both of us, the first few moments immediately following the ceremony where it sank in that we were finally married was one of the most joyful feelings of all time.

Tell us how you met and became engaged.

We met senior year of high school and weathered the storm of going to separate colleges. After graduation we settled in Los Angeles and have been together for ten years. I used to joke that I didn’t want to get engaged until we were 25, so Mike took this to heart and proposed on my 25th birthday on a camping trip in Yosemite. It was a total surprise and I accidentally & unknowingly almost foiled his plan at numerous points, but he pulled it off in the end. A perfect engagement to precurse a perfect wedding.

Photography: Jenny Smith & Co. // Planner: Wish Wonder Dream // Florals: Enchanted Garden Floral Design // Paper Goods: Minted // Venue: Triunfo Creek Vineyards // Dress: Rivini by Rita Vinieris // Paper Goods: Minted // Makeup & Hair: Be.NYLA // Cake: Sheila Mae // Band: Downbeat LA // Rentals & Lighting: A Rental Connection // Catering: LA Roots // Bar: Liquid Catering