Melissa and Dane found exactly what they were looking for in one another after being somewhat right in front of each other for years. They ran in the same circle of friends and at some point became Facebook friends despite never having met. It wasn’t until Melissa accidentally publicly posted on her feed that she had recently changed from “In a Relationship” to “Single” that Dane slid into her DMs that the two got to know one another. Once the DMs started, they didn’t slow down! Melissa and Dance texted, called, and FaceTimed for a couple of weeks before they went on their first date. Two months later, they moved in together, and the rest, as they say, is history!
After initially planning to host their wedding and guests at BR Cohn Winery, Melissa and Dane had to adjust their plans due to the pandemic. Luckily, they once again found exactly what they were looking for somewhat right in front of them. Being residents of the Sonoma Wine Vallet, they didn’t have to look further than their own backyard to find the sweeping vineyard views they had envisioned for their big day. Melissa and Dane had a long, light-painted wood aisle way laid down on the grass to transform their backyard into their wedding ceremony site. The aisle was lined with tree stumps and mason jars holding bouquets of white florals leading to a rustic archway made of branches and white flowing fabric. Socially distanced seating was provided for their guests, and live streaming was set up to accommodate guests who could not physically attend their wedding. With the scene set, it was finally time for Melissa and Dane to say their “I do’s!”
Melissa and Dane’s wedding party entered in a traditional processional, with the groomsmen in tailored grey suits escorting the bridesmaids in their chic black gowns down the aisle. Dane waited for his bride at the end of the aisle in a classic black Calvin Klein suit. Melissa’s was escorted down the aisle and wore a form-fitting strapless gown with a sweetheart neckline accented with white sequins in Art Deco inspired design. She added a tulle train to her dress for the ceremony and carried a simple bouquet of eucalyptus branches. The ceremony was sweet and full of emotion. Everyone in attendance and the bride and groom themselves were tears eyed as Melissa and Dane exchanged vows and officially became husband and wife.
After the ceremony, we went to the vineyards by Melissa and Dane’s yard to take photos of the new Mr. and Mrs. together. The vineyards are also where we captured most of the bridal party shots. Melissa and her bridesmaids laughing among the vines are some of my favorite images of the day. We also made sure to get pictures of Melissa and Dane with their families before it was time to head to the reception.
Melissa and Dane’s reception was held in a clear tent in their backyard, complete with a DJ, dance floor, and long bridal party table with a wood-paneled backdrop behind the newlyweds. The reception details really shone through with beautifully lettered stationery and sprays of greenery among the black and gold decor. Melissa and Dane’s guests enjoyed a delicious (and absolutely gorgeous) plated dinner service from PSC Preferred Sonoma Catering before the couple soaked up the love around them as toasts were given, some from loved ones phoning in to share warm wishes. The evening’s festivities were punctuated by lawn games and dancing and, of course, smiles all around.
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