Being wine aficionados, it would only be natural for Melissa and Taylor to tie the knot at a winery.  About 150 of the couple’s friends and family spent the weekend in the Santa Ynez Valley to attend the wedding at Gainey Vineyard.  Melissa is my sister in law, so my husband (Chriss) and I were able to join in on the wine-filled weekend (yes, my job is so cool!)  Chriss and I spent the weekend with his parents and brother at a cottage near the quaint Danish village of Solvang.  Solvang is a great place for a romantic weekend getaway, especially if wine and delicious Danish pastries are your thing.  The Wine Valley Inn is a super cute hotel in Solvang.  I could go on and on about this wedding- what an incredibly beautiful bride Melissa was, how much Taylor adores her, and how funny it was to see Granny gettin’ down with her bad self on the dance floor, but I think the photos tell a much better story than I ever could.

Aww, what lovers!

Melissa’s mom & bridesmaids watching as Melissa slips on her gown & transforms into a bride.

I’m so happy I captured this moment as Melissa descended the staircase after getting dressed. 

The Wine Valley Inn served as a charming spot for pre-ceremony photos.

Another cute spot at Wine Valley Inn.

I was lucky enough to have my photog. friend Brian Jost work with me at this wedding. He captured this shot of Taylor rockin’ out on his guitar. 

The ceremony!

Doesn’t get much better than this- blue skies & the beautiful Gainey Vineyard. 

While Melissa was freshening up for the grand entrance into the reception, I spied on Taylor & caught him gazing lovingly at his new wedding ring.

First dance.  Aren’t these two so madly in love?! 

I just love Melissa’s smile in this pic taken during the first dance- so real & natural.

One of my favorites- Melissa’s dad praying over his daughter & her new husband. Image by Brian Jost.