As a Southern California wedding photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of capturing weddings in some of the region’s most stunning venues. Christina and Thiery’s wedding at Monserate Winery’s Tuscan Villa was no exception. Nestled in the rolling hills of Fallbrook, California, this charming vineyard offered the perfect backdrop for the most beautiful celebration of their love. From the intimate moments to the grandeur of the surroundings, every detail was carefully curated to reflect the couple’s vision of their dream wedding.

Beautiful details + getting ready moments

The morning of Christina and Thiery’s wedding was filled with excitement and anticipation. As a Southern California wedding photographer, I always love starting the day with detail flatlays, and this wedding was no different. Christina’s wedding details were exquisite—her gorgeous gown, sparkling jewelry, and elegant shoes paired perfectly with their personalized wedding invitations. I laid everything out against soft, neutral tones to highlight the black and white designs. Capturing these little details is so important because they tell the story of the day before the celebration even begins.

After the details were set, I moved on to the getting-ready shots. Christina was surrounded by her closest loved ones, and the atmosphere was one of joyful anticipation. Meanwhile, Thiery and his groomsmen prepared in a nearby suite, full of laughter and shared moments. The morning’s energy set the tone for the day, as the couple prepared to see each other for the first time.

The first look

One of my favorite parts of any wedding is the first look, and Christina and Thiery’s did not disappoint. We chose a serene spot amidst the grand doors for this special moment. The lush greenery and gorgeous architecture made for a romantic setting as Thiery waited for Christina to tap him on the shoulder.

The emotions were palpable as they saw each other for the first time that day. The look of love and excitement on their faces was priceless, and as a Southern California wedding photographer, capturing these raw, intimate moments is what I live for. After their first look, we spent some time snapping portraits that truly reflected the love and connection between them.

Family portraits before the ceremony

Before the ceremony began, we made time for family portraits. With the vineyards as a backdrop, these images were elegant yet relaxed, capturing the warmth and happiness shared by both families. The outdoor setting allowed for natural light to illuminate everyone beautifully, making for stunning family photos that I hope Christina and Thiery will cherish for years to come.

The ceremony

The ceremony was held in the outdoor lawn area of the Tuscan Villa, where Christina and Thiery exchanged vows under a white floral arch. As a Southern California wedding photographer, it’s always a joy to capture ceremonies in such breathtaking locations where the scenery enhances the love story unfolding before us. Their vows were heartfelt, and the emotions of their guests were visible throughout the ceremony, making for some wonderful candid shots.

Cocktail hour: jazz tunes with vineyard views

Following the ceremony, guests were treated to a cocktail hour accompanied by a live jazz band. The smooth sounds of jazz filled the air as guests sipped on signature cocktails and enjoyed light bites. The soft lighting of the late afternoon cast a golden glow over the vineyard, creating a dreamy ambiance that was perfect for candid photos of guests mingling with the couple and enjoying the moment.

Dinner and toasts in the courtyard

For dinner, everyone gathered in the courtyard of the Tuscan Villa. The outdoor dining setup was nothing short of magical—twinkling string lights hung above the tables, while the surrounding vineyard offered a stunning backdrop. The set up of the tables fostered an intimate atmosphere, and as the toasts began, there wasn’t a dry eye in the crowd.

Christina and Thiery’s loved ones shared touching stories, filled with laughter and some tears, which made for wonderful candid moments to capture. The natural light began to fade as the evening set in, and the glow of the lights and candles added to the romantic atmosphere. These moments of heartfelt connection are what make wedding photography so special.

Ending the Night

After dinner, the couple cut their cake—a beautiful, simple design adorned with fresh flowers. The joy on their faces as they shared this sweet moment was a perfect lead-in to the evening’s festivities. With the cake cutting finished, the dance floor opened, and the celebration truly kicked off. Guests let loose and danced in the barrel room — the energy was infectious!

Christina and Thiery’s wedding at Monserate Winery’s Tuscan Villa was a day full of love, laughter, and breathtaking moments. As a Southern California wedding photographer, capturing weddings at such beautiful venues is always an honor. The combination of the stunning landscape, intimate moments, and joyous celebration made this a wedding I’ll never forget. If you’re looking for a Southern California wedding photographer, I would love to capture your special day and help create memories that will last a lifetime.

Planning your own wedding at Monserate Winery and want to chat? Inquire HERE!