A Fall Winery Wedding | Historic Renault Winery Wedding | Sara and Matt | October 2021

Fall Winery Wedding. Sara and Matt had a gorgeous day in October to get married. Everything went as planned, and all the details of the day were perfect. I love photographing weddings at the Renault winery because I find a new feature or location to use for photos every time I am there. Sara and Matt got ready in the newly renovated Château Renault. This hotel is on the same property as the winery and is elegant and charming. They said their vows in the middle of the grapevines then danced the night away in the Chateau Ballroom.

East Point Lighthouse Engagement

I first met Sara and Matt when I photographed their engagement session. They were such a sweet couple, and I could not wait to photograph their love story. The East Point lighthouse was the exact location of their first date, so it was the perfect spot for their engagement session. I love lighthouses, which made me even more excited to photograph their session at the East Point Lighthouse. I enjoyed hearing about their fun love story. You can see their beautiful engagement photos and read about their love story here—Sara and Matt’s Engagement session.

October 16, 2021, Fall Winery Wedding

Sara and Matt wanted their wedding to be on the smaller side to offer a more intimate experience for themselves and their guests. The day was beyond perfect. Thanks to our timeline and the help of her wedding coordinators from Tuttibellevents. Every detail and every moment were more than they could have ever imagined.

Details

When I first arrived and after saying hello, I started photographing Sara’s beautiful dress from David’s Bridal. I then photographed all her pretty details. Her bouquet was gorgeous. The bouquet was filled with burgundy and champagne-colored flowers mixed with beautiful greenery. I adore this type of bouquets. They always photograph so well. Sara had also pinned a picture of her aunt, who had passed away, onto the wrapped part of her flowers so she would be there with them.

Photographing the groom and his groomsmen was next on the timeline. This was such a fun group of guys. They listened very well to my instructions and made Matt feel relaxed and comfortable. They wore darker grey suits from Men’s warehouse, which complimented the bridesmaid’s burgundy dresses from David’s bridal.

First Looks

Sara had several first looks planned. The first one was with her bridesmaids; I love bridesmaids’ first looks. Then there was one with the groomsmen and one with her grandpa and uncles. The most anticipated moment of the day was the first look between Sara and Matt. Neither of them knew what the other would be wearing, which made the moment incredibly special for them.

After the first look, we had plenty of time to take photos with the wedding party before heading out into the grapevines with Sara and Matt. The weather was warm, and the sky partly cloudy, perfect filtered light. We found some tall grass along the golf course on our way back to the venue. I yelled “stop here” to our golf cart driver. We had to use the tall grass for photos. I am so happy we did because those are my favorite images from the day.

Threatening Clouds for the ceremony

As we waited for the ceremony to start, the sky darkened with an approaching storm. Sara and Matt said their vows in the middle of the grapevines, which is a beautiful location but is also outside! The sky got darker and darker as the wedding party walked down the aisle. Once Sara was standing by Matt, and they held hands, we knew it was only a matter of time before it would rain. Knowing that the rain was coming, the officiant sped up her ceremony, and thankfully they got married with only a couple of sprinkles.

Tasty food, Signature drinks, Dancing, and Dinosaurs

Yep, I said dinosaurs! Two of the wedding party members wore giant red Dino costumes for their introduction. Everyone laughed when they walked out to the dance floor. Sara and Matt had a romantic first dance, and the sparklers made it even more magical.

Sara and her grandfather had a special dance that they had choreographed. Their guests loved it, and Sara’s grandpa is in excellent shape. The rest of the evening was filled with much love for Sara and Matt. There was a lot of dancing and laughter. Sara and Matt could not have had a better day.

The staff at the winery is very attentive and is always ready to help make their couple’s day perfect. Felicia and her staff from Tutti belle events helped with all the details, big and small, making Sara and Matt’s day stress-free and beautiful. I enjoyed this couple, being part of their vendor team, and I loved capturing their wedding day.

Advice for wedding couples

Sara’s advice for future wedding couples: Don’t stress the little things. Sometimes in wedding planning, we are so obsessed with little details such as party favors and table décor. But at the moment, on your wedding day, the wedding couple does not notice those things, let alone their guests. Also, please take a moment to stand back and soak it all in during your reception. All these people are here to celebrate you and your love. It is a magical moment.

Congratulations, Sara and Matt. May you have lots of love, laughter, and happiness for the rest of your lives together.

 

Vendors:

Wedding Planner: Felicia Gentile Tutti Belle Events NYC

Video:  Steve D’Maggio  Color Room Films

DJ:  Harry Mclosky  In the Mix Event Group  

Hair and Makeup:  True Salon and Spa

​Florals:  Always Beautiful Floral Design