Christina and Michael, who met while working together in a restaurant when they were in college, dated for nearly a decade before getting engaged. Michael proposed during a hiking trip to Yosemite National Park, one of the couple’s favorite places to visit. “He pulled his car over at a beautiful vista to look at the view and proposed with the view of Yosemite in the background,” says Christina. “I was completely surprised!”
Eventually, their save-the-date cards featured photos of them hiking in Yosemite, and they continued to incorporate nature and scenery into their wedding, which was held a year and a half later at Cielo Estate Winery. “The willow tree and white gazebo where we said our vows was fairytale-like to us,” says the bride. “The location of the winery is just far enough from the hustle and bustle of city life to feel like you are getting away, but close enough to not be overly burdensome for guests to travel to and find a nice place to stay the weekend and enjoy themselves.”
Eighty guests attended the wedding, which had a color palette of purple, maroon and pink, along with greenery to create a classically romantic atmosphere. “It feels like I was in a dream because it all happened so fast and was such a happy and joyous time,” says Christina, who loved her flower arrangements.
When she first saw Michael on their wedding day, Christina says she felt, “Relieved, safe, loved, and at peace.” Michael, also savored the time the couple shared before the wedding, saying it was his favorite part of the day, “It really helped us calm down and focus on what was important: us!”
“My favorite wedding day memory is laughing with my husband throughout the reception,” says Christina. “And once the ceremony was over, we finally got to relax and enjoy our family and friends.” Christina and Michael loved the ease of having their ceremony and reception at the same venue.
While planning was challenging for the couple since they didn’t live near the venue or their vendors, the day went smoothly. “I expected it to be a stressful day but it was not,” says Christina. “All of our vendors and our wedding coordinator took care of everything. We had a great time!”
—Kristen Castillo
