Mathew and Nick were married last summer with a beautiful outdoor wedding at Wente Vineyards.
This couple has a classic “when you’re not looking for love, love will find you” love story. These two first met when Nick was on vacation with friends in San Francisco. Even though they had an immediate connection, Nick lived all the way in New Jersey. Living across the country doesn’t usually make for a happy ending. But for Nick and Mathew, that was not the case!
Mathew found ways to make Nick smile every day. Over time, their bond grew stronger. It took Nick by surprise when Mathew invited him to move in with him in San Francisco, but after driving a U-Haul across the country without a single fight, they knew they had a shot at making it work. From the very beginning, Nick helped him stay focused on my life goals and the things that are important and encouraged him to strengthen his relationships with both family and friends. Mathew says, “He truly is the Yin to my Yang.” They were engaged while watching the sun set in Santorini, Greece. Mathew proposed and Nick accepted.
Fast forward to their wedding day, where these two were so excited to continue on this journey together, not only as friends, but also as husbands.
Mathew and Nick’s Wine Country Wedding at Wente Vineyards
This beautiful wine country wedding was held at Wente Vineyards. Wente Vineyards, located in the gorgeous rolling hills of the Livermore Valley, provides an amazing backdrop for wedding photography. Every wedding day detail was infused with wine country style, from their outdoor ceremony on the meticulously landscaped lawn to their reception in the Cresta Blanca room, infused with historic California mission-era style. With their wedding colors of royal blue, black and silver, Mathew and Nick had a truly handsome event.
Nick and Mathew got ready separately. When the grooms were getting ready, they exchanged gifts before seeing one another for the first time. Mathew gave Nick a beautiful vintage pocket watch he could carry as his “something old.” Nick sent Mathew a love letter along with a bottle of their favorite wine and a pair of turtle cufflinks. Throughout the day, it was so clear that these men had the full support of their friends and family. While Mathew was getting ready, in an especially sweet moment, he and his mother shed a few tears together. He was just so overwhelmed and delighted by her continued love and support.
That emotion carried through the day as Mathew and Nick met up for their first look. When they first saw each other, there was so much joy. We did a beautiful set of photographs with balloons. To Nick and Mathew, these balloons signified “freedom and joy.” They were also excited to have wedding portraits done in the barrel room on site at Wente Vineyards. The barrel room, where barrels of aging wine lined the walls was lit by candlelight from beautiful iron candelabras. It created such an amazing ambiance for their formal wedding portraits.
Livermore Valley Wedding Photography
All throughout Nick and Mathew’s vineyard wedding, I was struck by the love and support for these men and their love. The day was infused with emotions: the perfect blend of laughter and tears. Of course, with Nick’s infectious smile, tears dried quickly. The ceremony was held outdoors with beautiful décor. Nick and Mathew took great care with the flowers, purchasing and assembling each arrangement together. After a touching ceremony, the reception was filled with laughter, dancing and smiles. One of the cutest moments at the reception was when the groom’s mothers danced together while their sons enjoyed their first dance as husbands.
Thank you, Mathew and Nick, for allowing me to tell your love story. It was a pleasure to be your wedding photographer.
Vendors
Suits by DAVID YAHID, EUROPEAN COUTURE
Venue/Reception: Wente Vineyards
Flowers assortments by the couple
