An Elegant and Meaningful Sonoma Wedding

This is a story about Haley and Sam’s wedding. I first met Haley in utero. But that is another story.

That history aside, I knew we’d be a good match from our first wedding conversation last year. In Haley and Sam’s own words, they wanted “a natural, timeless look and feel -- not overly edited or dramatic.” In addition, they were humble and kind, hard-working and funny, a total pleasure to communicate with and be around. In other words, it was love at first sight. I couldn’t wait to document their wedding day story.

Haley and Sam’s love unfolded here in Northern California, where Haley is from, and it felt important to have their wedding here. But, given that this ambitious couple moved out of state several years ago for their careers, nearly all of the planning happened at a distance. They asked for my recommendations of artists and vendors here in wine country, and it was a joy to connect them to the people I thought they’d love.

Finding great allies in A Savvy Event, Poppystone, Encore Events, Viansa, and others, Haley and Sam created a wedding day that was so beautiful.

It began with getting ready at the elegant Ledson Hotel.

Sonoma Wedding Photography Viansa — Haley and her mom share a special moment after Haley puts her dress on.

Haley gets help from best friends getting dressed

Sonoma Wedding Photography — Sam gets some help from his dad

Haley and Sam shared a beautiful first look right in Sonoma square, and not long after, Haley, Sam, and I headed to Viansa.

The specific details of the day meant that we had to get clever when it came to wedding day timing. Following Jewish tradition, the ceremony was to take place just as Saturday’s sun set, bringing the technical beginning of Sunday. That meant that sunset photographs of Haley and Sam, which typically take place immediately following ceremony, would be impossible.

Knowing that sunset photographs are frequently the photographs that my clients cherish most, we looked at the timeline and did some creative re-engineering. Although originally no one was scheduled to arrive at Viansa until shortly before the ceremony, we changed things around so that Haley, Sam, and I could get there early, taking advantage of the early evening light around the beautiful property in the hour before guests arrived.

Best decision ever.

Aren’t they stunning? And that glow made my heart skip a beat!

Here’s the craziest part of all - it was mid-December, and California had just been deluged with its biggest series of rainstorms in ages. It rained almost every day leading up to the wedding, and again starting the day after, but for this one day, it was golden and sunny. A welcome December miracle.

Knowing that light would be scarce at their sunset ceremony, I came prepared, technically. What I did not prepare for, which blew everyone away, was the moonrise. As Haley and Sam stood beneath the chuppah, circling seven times, lighting a candle, exchanging rings and vows, a huge moon rose up directly behind them. It was pure magic.

Sam and Haley, lighting a candle. Sam’s brother officiated the ceremony

There was so much joy in the air as everyone headed inside for the beautiful reception.

Once inside, the love from Haley and Sam’s family and friends was palpable. So many hugs, beautiful toasts, and smiles.

And finally, onto dancing, and some sweet nighttime photographs

And here, a perfect end to a perfect day.

Thanks to Haley and Sam for being so lovely and inspirational. I hope to get to follow your story for decades to come.

Special thanks to Haley for these sweet words:

“She kept me sane! Julie both rolled with the punches and took charge, while allowing us to focus on our day. Photography was a huge priority for us, but it never got in the way of our experience or being present in the moment. Love, love, love Julie!”

Wedding artists:

Location: Viansa Sonoma

Planner: Kimberly Rosen, A Savvy Event

Flowers: Poppystone

Catering: Park Avenue Catering

Rentals: Encore Events

Videographer: Direct Light Studios Weddings

Band: The Boombox

Hair: Ritual Salon

Makeup: All Dolled Up

Haley’s Dress: Lela Rose

Julie KellyFebruary 23, 2022