groom holds bride at their wedding at Sanford Winery

The wedding day of Elizabeth and Aaron was a whirlwind of friends from around the world, complete with jokes, perfect weather and of course delicious wine. It was exactly how the two wanted it to be and even unknowingly described it “Definitely a natural, seamless, and joyous mood filled with happiness and love.”

Elizabeth and Aaron toured a ton of local wineries for their wedding this spring, but they knew that Sanford Winery in Lompoc, California was it when they just kept going back. Originally started in 1971, Sanford Winery is known as being the Pinot Noir pioneer in the Santa Barbara county. What really brought these two lovebirds back though, was the gorgeous barn that stands atop the property, overlooking all the fields that create the wine it is so famous for. This beautiful yellow barn is the original structure where the two founders Botanist Michael Benedict and his friend Richard Sanford stored their first batches. Which is basically the coolest thing ever, since the equipment can still be seen inside!

One of my favorite things about getting to capture these two tying the knot on this quintessential sunny day, was that our adventure started in Chicago, met in Nashville, and ended here; in Lompoc, California. When we originally met, Elizabeth and Aaron were happily living in windy city Chicago, and we met for drinks to discuss their big day sometime last year. Not too long ago, the two accepted a new job in Nashville, Tennessee, and I had the pleasure of then meeting them there to photograph their engagement in their brand new city. Complete with barbecue and sweet tea for dinner, the only thing missing was getting to meet their sweet pup Barney. This amazing couple has traveled all around the country together, meeting in Texas before even moving to the two places listed above.

I wish I had the officiant’s speech to pull from, because not only did it have everyone in giggles, but it also had everyone in tears. But what warmed my hoarder heart, was the fact that he still had the cork from a bottle of wine the couple drank years before, and unknowingly to Aaron and Elizabeth, pulled it out during his speech. Sometimes things truly do come full circle, including that cork being brought to their vineyard wedding years later.

I think Elizabeth sums the whole day up perfectly with how she summed up the amazing day Aaron planned for their proposal, “Unbelievable.”