If you’re planning a spring wedding, trust me when I say Alisha and Matt’s rustic, romantic dream wedding at Kirgin Cellars back in May is the only wedding inspiration you need.

Nestled deep inside the rolling hills of California’s wine country in the San Francisco Bay area, Kirgin Cellars was the perfect place for these two to say ‘I do!’ in a fairytale ceremony (complete with a breathtaking dove release!) against the picturesque, straight-out-of-a-movie back drop of oak barrels and countryside stretching for miles.

When Alisha and Matt shared with me the vision for their big day, I instantly fell in love: A classic, rustic outdoor ceremony with romantic details covered in florals. Having shot hundreds of weddings in the best venues in California I knew that Kirgin Cellars would be the perfect fit for their dream, deep connection and timeless sense of style – and I was 100% right. Brought to life by planning and florals by the dream team Events by the Bay lead by Janette Najar the transformation was beautiful, and the result was one of my favorite spring weddings of all time. Keep reading to find out why, and see all the incredible work by Alisha and Matt’s creative team.

Alisha and Matt’s One of a Kind Wedding Details: Rustic, Nostalgic and Filled with Personality

Alisha and Matt chose Kirgin Cellars as the backdrop for their dream day – one of California’s oldest wineries, surrounded by 33 acres of vineyards which make it the perfect, secret escape from central San Francisco and one of the best venues in California to host a private, intimate ceremony. There’s so much to do and explore, and the gorgeous oak barrels and lush green landscape made it the perfect space to compliment their rustic, golden details.

They chose to keep their design simple and elegant, which felt luxurious yet down-to-earth: the perfect portrait of them. They opted for classic spring florals with neutral tones styled to perfection by Events by the Bay, organic woven tableware and rentals from Danny Thomas Party Rentals and handmade details for a unique aesthetic that truly felt like a rustic-meets-elegant dream come true.

Their minimal and chic design choices made sure all the focus was on them and their story which came to life in personalized details that nobody could stop talking about. From personalized table names which were named after key memories and parts of their life together, ‘fun facts’ napkins, delicious platters of their favorite foods by Fire 4 Hire Catering and their unique and fun dog-themed cake topper, every one of their details was a beautiful, intentional way to bring more connection and love into their day. (If you’re looking for ideas for 2024 personalized details, add this to your list – It was such a highlight!)

Emotional First Looks & Bridal Party Portraits in the Courtyard of Kirgin Cellars

Alisha and Matt decided to break tradition with a wedding timeline including a ‘first look’ in Kirgin Cellars‘ outdoor stone courtyard before the ceremony. A first look is when the bride and groom go against tradition to meet in private before the ceremony, and it felt to me like the perfect exchange for them as it was another intimate memory to share between the two of them and their closest friends and families which was what their day was alll about. Alisha also shared a first look with her father, and seeing his eyes fill with tears of joy was a truly unforgettable moment.

Alisha and Matt both looked incredible, so it was no surprise their first look moment was an emotional one! Alisha was glowing from head to toe with hair by Maria Orozco and make-up perfected by Stephanie Holmlund, two of Northen California’s best bridal stylists. She stole the show in her unbelievably stunning wedding gown: a gorgeous white lace fishtail gown with a corset style bodice and off-the-shoulder details, which tied in perfectly with the neutral bridesmaid dresses she’d chosen for her wedding party (and looked incredible in photographs against the winery’s historical stone walls). It was such a dream capturing both Alisha and Matt and their wedding parties with bridal party portraits that celebrated personality and friendship in candid, heart-meltingly fun ways.

An Outdoor Wedding Ceremony in the California Hills of Kirgin Cellars Winery

The two made their love official in a wedding ceremony set on Kirgin Cellars‘ lush green hillside, under a beautiful, statement wooden arch dripping with white florals that made the backdrop feel like a fairytale. It was the best way to celebrate spring and the unique culture of Northern California that makes it unlike anywhere else in the world, set against vineyards that stretch for miles.

My highlight of Alisha and Matt’s day had to be the stunning dove release that took everybody’s breath away. Doves are a beautiful representation of love, and symbolize the purity of connection and spending life together. Even if you’re opting for a less traditional wedding, it’s a visually stunning way to bring traditional values of marriage into your day whilst still feeling like a unique celebration of you. The sound of the doves wings overhead and capturing these moments is a memory I’ll remember for the rest of my life, and is the perfect way to make sure your celebration will never be forgotten.

Sunset Newlywed Portraits to Cherish Forever: Timeless, Romantic and Candid Memories

There’s nothing in the world that’s more beautiful than being in the countryside during golden hour, so as the sun set over the rolling vineyards of Kirgin Cellars we ventured out into the fields to capture intimate newlywed portraits to celebrate the first chapter in Alisha and Matt’s marriage. It was the perfect setting to document the two of them privately for the most genuine, candid memories in the most stunning golden light.

Together we captured the most timeless, sun-soaked photographs with a mixture of style and personality that Alisha and Matt will be able to cherish forever, and is was the perfect ending to an unforgettable day.

To book Marisa Ruth for your 2024 or 2025 Northern, Central or Southern California wedding click here, and follow @marisaruthphotography on Pinterest and Instagram for more luxury wedding and elopement inspiration.

The North California and San Francisco Bay Area Wedding Vendors who brought Alisha and Matt’s Wedding Day to life:

Ceremony & Reception Venue | Kirgin Cellars
Caterer | Fire 4 Hire Catering
Photography | Marisa Ruth 
Wedding Planner/Florist | Events by the Bay/Janette Najar
Hair | Maria Orozco
Makeup | Stephanie Holmlund
Rentals | Danny Thomas Party Rentals
DJ | Big Fun Disc Jockeys