Courtney and Jake said “I do” against the rolling vineyard views at Zamora Hills Ranch, where a hand-fasting ceremony and a private vow exchange set the tone for a day built on connection over spectacle. Before the ceremony, the two shared their vows together in private—a choice Courtney calls her favorite part of the day, saying it helped them “ease our minds and connect with one another before the rest of the day.” Jake felt the same about their first look, calling it a quiet moment that calmed his nerves before everything else began. The ceremony itself wove in personal touches throughout, including a moment of silence for family members who couldn’t be there, a passage from 1 Corinthians read by Courtney’s mother, and a Celtic hand-fasting cord made from leftover fabric off Courtney’s own gown alterations.
The reception carried that same handmade, personal spirit into every detail—right down to napkin rings Jake and his dad crafted themselves. Guests were treated to a surprise line dancing lesson (Jake and Courtney teach it themselves with Grapevine Dance), followed by a spirited t-shirt toss in place of a traditional garter toss, complete with custom tees Courtney designed and pressed by hand for nearly 80 guests. Most of the couple’s décor was secondhand, handmade, or sourced from clearance finds, giving the whole celebration a layered, personal feel. As Courtney puts it, their expectations were met simply by “our awesome team of family and friends coming together to help us decorate, celebrate, and be there with us as we got married.”
We’re thrilled to feature their love story in the Summer/Fall 2026 issue of Real Weddings.
Read on to see more of their love story, their wedding vendor dream team, plus more details, tidbits and wedding photos by Elkin Images & Jennyennio Photography LLC.
Photos courtesy of and copyright Elkin Images & Jennyennio Photography LLC
