Sonora Wedding | Zuni Vineyards | Samira and Justin

I seriously don’t know where to start….

This wedding was so incredibly magical. Everything about it, from start to finish, was hands down magical. I think that really is the best word.

The day started at high noon at the Zuni Vineyards Wedding Venue. This wedding was particularly special to me because for the first time I had my niece as my assistant. It was amazing and so dang fun, but that is a different topic.

Walking around the venue I just knew that there was something about this day that was going to be amazing not only for the venue, but the bride and groom are one of the sweetest most amazing couple I have ever met.

Zuni Vineyards has a gorgeous wooden barn, the biggest oak tree which makes for the perfect alter, and a pole barn with amazing twinkle lights for the reception.

People started gathering, hugging, and the air was full of laughter. As I walked around getting all the gorgeous detailed shots, I found probably the coolest thing ever! “Take a shot and have a seat” table sitting right in front of the ceremony. As guests arrived they would walk by, toast to the bride and groom, and then head on over to their seats. I mean seriously how perfect is that?!

The wedding was full of these amazing details, gorgeous flowers, rugs to die for, a rustic handmade alter and golden grass all around. There were images of loved ones on the barn walls, and gorgeous black and white photos hanging from branches of the oak tree where Samira and Justin were going to say their vows.

People began to sit down in their seats, and it was time for the big moment. As the bride walked down the isle everyone gasped. She is seriously beyond gorgeous. The Ceremony was full of so many amazing moments I don’t even know where to begin. The wind blew through the trees and the sun peeked through the branches. The ceremony started with a beautiful poem being read by a loved one, and then Samira’s mama sang a song to the couple.

Samira and Justin created their own vows which were probably the cutest thing ever. After their vows,  it was time for the gorgeous tree planting ceremony. Some people light candles, some people pour sand, but Samira and Justin planted a seed. It started with putting the seed in the dirt, and Samira watered the seed. Then it was Justin’s turn to water the seed. As soon as Justin finished pouring the water not but 2 seconds later there was a crack, a large snap, and then a massive WHOOOSHHHH. Everyone turned to face the noise only to watch a giant Bull Pine fall to the ground. Everyone gasped…. Then looked around… then there was an awe, a laughter, and shear amazement that came over the guests. Shortly after, the guests roared with an applause. One tree planted, one tree fell. The moment of a new beginning, of a new life, of a new start followed by the end of another. Now if that isn’t a sign, then by all means I seriously do not know what is. It was magic.

Once the I do’s were said, Samira and Justin asked everyone to stand up and hug their neighbor. The ceremony was all about love, friendship and family. They wanted to start their life off with nothing but love, and let me tell you, it was beyond awesome. It was magical.

After the ceremony, everyone started to head over to the reception where Sierra Smoke BBQ put on the most legit happy hour ever! Their set up was beautiful and their food was to die for.

I started gathering people for family photos, and I noticed a gentleman who stood out like a sore thumb. He was in a suit and tie, standing with is arms crossed. He wasn’t smiling, wasn’t laughing, and wasn’t really talking to anyone. I then noticed an earpiece in his ear. My first thought was that he was law enforcement. I thought it to be strange but moved on. Then I noticed another one. Same stance, same outfit, same expression, same earpiece…..

Now, I got suspicious…. I scanned through the crowed, but nothing stood out. No one that I recognized, nothing out of the norm. So I figured… “hmm… I guess Zuni Vineyards offers security?”.

On I continued to gather people for family photos and then bridal party photos. All of the sudden, right in front of me, was the Governor! Yes, the Governor of California, Jerry Brown. I took a double take, questioned what I was seeing, and then put all the puzzle pieces together. How incredibly crazy is this?!

Abbie, my assistant, came up to me and started chatting about what to do next. I just looked at here and was like “Abbie look! It’s the Governor!” Now this was Abbie’s first wedding so talk about freaking amazing! Her first wedding that she worked the Governor was there! Crazy right?!

 After laughing about it and being in a bit of amazement, we moved on to family photos and bridal party photos. Let me tell you, this wedding was nothing but absolute goals. The girls were the cutest, the guys were the sweetest, and everyone was so dang fun.

 This part of the wedding took a bit of time, so we then decided to opt to take bride and groom portraits after dinner and during sunset. This way the bride and groom could enjoy the happy hour, enjoy hanging out with friends and family because that is what this is all about, and enjoy just being at their wedding!

Dinner was so dang delicious. Let me tell you Sierra Smoke BBQ is legit! The people are friendly and the food is delicious. Like wow delicious.

The remainder of the wedding was nothing but awesomeness. There were speeches, tears, laughter, and love. Everyone danced and partied the night away. We ended with lighting some cigars and soaking in all the good feels.

Samira and Justin, you two are the most amazing people. You shine from the inside out. Your love for each other is effortless and beautiful. It is amazing to see you two together and how incredibly well you fit. Honestly, your wedding was one of the most magical weddings I have ever been to. Thank you so much for choosing me to be your photographer. It was such a true honor to be a part of your big day! Congratulations and happy 1 month anniversary! Wishing you both nothing but the very best.

Wishing you all nothing but the very best!

If you are looking for a wedding photographer I would absolutely love to chat with you about your big day! Please contact me either by email or this contact form.

Bessie