Vine Hill House Wedding

Kelly & Terry’s Vine Hill House Wedding

As one of the best wedding photographers in Sonoma wine country California, I take pride in capturing beautiful images of my couples and their venues. I get an exclusive, close-up view of each couple’s deep connection and compassion for one another. Keep scrolling to see how I documented Terry and Kelly’s Vine Hill House Wedding in Sebastopol, California.

Through images, I capture and display couples in a natural and gorgeous way. Terry and Kelly’s wedding day at Vine Hill House is the perfect example. https://www.vinehillhouse.com/

Their love story started out in a classic way: Friends that turned into something more. After a decade-long courtship, Terry and Kelly were ready to seal the deal in front of their loved ones. On June 12, 2021 at Vine Hill House at O’Connell Vineyards, they said “I do” amongst stunning vineyards snuggled in between Sebastopol and the Russian River.

Terry and Kelly first met in a Native American Studies class while attending the University of Redlands. Little did they know, this class coincidence would change their lives forever and lead to a gorgeous June wedding at O’Connell Vineyards.

Throughout their brief time in school together a beautiful friendship blossomed and they remained in contact.

Three years later, Kelly and a friend went to visit Terry. Terry had graduated and moved into a Victorian-style “very San Franciscan” apartment. While visiting, Kelly fell in love with the city, the apartment, but most importantly, Terry himself. As Terry played host, Kelly began to imagine a new life together in San Francisco.

When it was Kelly’s turn to graduate, she decided to swap coasts entirely. She ditched the West Coast for the East Coast, and moved to North Carolina to live and work at the beach with her best friend. Kelly and Terry continued to talk and wish each other happy birthday every year despite the distance. A date that was easy to remember, considering the fact that they share the same birth date!

You’d think that this commonality would finally lead these soulmates to a June wedding at O’Connell Vineyards. However, it took a little more time and frequent cross-country visits to solidify their relationship status.

On one of Kelly’s visits to San Francisco for a job interview, the pair ditched their friend group to go on an official first date. Terry was equal parts nervous and excited. Overall, he was just thrilled to finally go on a date with the love of his life.

Between shared Umami Burgers and Irish coffees in the Marina, Kelly and Terry realized just how comfortable they were with each other. They have been laughing together ever since their first date.

Kelly eventually moved back to her hometown of Riverside, California. This made it easier for the couple to coordinate trips and begin a long distance relationship. On one trip, Kelly and Terry had their favorite date of all time – watching the latest Star Wars movie while snuggled up on the couch of a luxury movie theater in Newport Beach. Yet, the distance between them proved to be tough.

Even after Terry moved out of his charming San Francisco apartment, the couple continued dating and enjoying each other’s company. They fell in love over game nights, wine tastings, working out, binging tv shows and making bad jokes.

One of Terry and Kelly’s favorite pastimes and go-to date activity is hiking. Together they have explored various trails in the Bay area. It was on one unforgettable hike that Terry proposed to Kelly.

I chose the location for the first look, based on lighting and backdrop. I also wanted to make sure that the first look location felt private for the couple, so that they could enjoy the moment. Knowing this would work well for their Vine Hill House Wedding.

Originally, Terry wanted to pop the question during a trip to Jenner. However, the ring didn’t arrive in time. Despite trying to reschedule, Kelly was dead-set on their plan, so Terry planned a special alternative. Point Reyes proved to be just the solution.

However, Kelly began to suspect the over-planned hike. It seemed different than how they usually mapped out their weekend trips. She thought a surprise proposal might be coming, but she wasn’t sure.

While on the hike, Terry and Kelly found a secluded spot on the lake for a picnic. Kelly rinsed her feet off in the water and turned around to see Terry down on one knee. He was nervous, but Kelly loved it. For them, it was perfect.

Afterward, they finished their picnic and hike, and returned home. Terry and Kelly decided to take a small detour on their way back to the city to witness Kelly’s favorite time in San Francisco: Fleet Week. They made it to Fort Baker just in time for the Blue Angels and they soaked up some alone time in the sunshine. As happy as they were to share the big news, keeping it secret in that moment felt right. After basking in their newly-engaged glory, they began to think about planning a June wedding at Vine Hill House.

On June 12, 2021 Kelly and Terry said “I do” underneath Douglas fir, redwood and oak trees, and in front of everyone special to them at Vine Hill Houses at O’Connell Vineyards. Located in Sonoma wine country California, Vine Hill House offers spanning views of hundreds of acres of vineyards and apple orchards. Kelly and Terry’s guests were in awe of the venue’s beauty.

This unparalleled scenery is why I love being a Sonoma wine country California Wedding photographer. I get to capture people’s happiest moments at some of the most breathtaking venues in the world.

Kelly looked gorgeous in her wedding dress, with hair and makeup completed to perfection by The Powder Room – a Sonoma and Napa County best-friend-duo. This awesome team can style modern and elegant looks as well as hip glamor. Terry looked equally as handsome while waiting for his bride and the end of an aisle adorned by Dragonfly Florals, whose designs complimented the venue perfectly.

Terry and Kelly’s guests were given the night off with the help of Aphrodite Bellochio babysitters. This allowed friends and family to thoroughly enjoy the food, drink and music offered. Guests were also treated to the culinary delights from Windsor, California’s own KIN.

From start to finish, this wedding at Vine Hill House at O’Connell Vineyards was truly magical. Terry and Kelly thought about every detail to ensure that their love story was honored and enjoyed by themselves and all of their loved ones. After dinner, the evening was filled with laughter and dancing as the Bay-area band Vybe Society played. This group provided excellent entertainment and have performed with artists such as Cee Lo Green.

I loved photographing Kelly and Terry’s wedding at Vine Hill House. A few of my favorite moments include: Kelly getting ready, Terry waiting in anticipation and the couple’s first look and kiss. Every photo that will be shown to their children for generations showcases happiness, excitement and the journey. This marriage was founded on a love that was built to last.

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XOXO,

Alicia Parks Photography