Sunset Romance at an 18th Century Wine Cave in California

So, we just about lost it when we saw these fine art romance and sun-filled portraits by Carrie Mcguire at an 18th Century wine cave in Temecula, CA at Callaway Winery. Not only are the grounds stunning, but the pops of color and the florals by Tularosa Flowers are the perfect look for summer and put such a smile on our faces.

The soft blue tones and pale oak hues are some of our favorite color combos that we love for weddings at any season, like this gorgeous icy blue wedding.

European destination weddings are so beautiful and romantic but not always feasible for so many reasons. We wanted to show couples how they can create the look and feel of a destination wedding in Europe in the heart of Southern California’s Wine Country. Temecula is a burgeoning mecca for wine aficionados. A close drive from Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. Callaway Winery is the backdrop for this romantic wedding inspiration designed by Tularosa Flowers, a wedding design and floral studio. Photographer Carrie McGuire artfully transitions from the beautiful sunlight exteriors of the California landscape, into the dim interiors of the winemaking areas. Using both film and digital to capture the romance of the couple, the intricacies of the design details, and the flowers, Carrie’s images have an exquisite romantic feeling in the fine art style.

Many of the wineries in Temecula have barrel rooms that serve as the reception areas for winery weddings. They offer a cool reprieve from the hot California summer days, but the large expanse of barrels can feel dark and looming. We wanted to create a design that gives the guests a feeling of intimacy, luxury and a glimpse into the inner workings of the ancient art of winemaking. Says Dawn, creative director and owner of Tularosa Flowers “ I was inspired by the Lit’ a la Polonaise, a type of canopy bed popular in France during the 1700 and 1800 hundreds, to create a sense of intimacy and secrecy in the large barrel room at Callaway” with fine art romance. The drapery executed by A Better Party & Design, embraces the guests and makes each table feel like a secret rendezvous.

To really enhance the immersion into the winery experience we set up the ceremony in Callaway’s Fermentation Room. The juxtaposition between the industrial metal and the soft drapery and ethereal flowers is what gives the ceremony design a modern feeling paired with the Old World luxury of lavish drapery. Using delphinium, garden roses, irises, and narcissus plus a wealth of delicate greenery we wanted to soften the metals and concrete of the fermentation room without hiding it.

To enhance the Chateau feeling Tularosa brought in a stunning lounge from Madame Palooza. Set against the aged wood of the barrels, the blue velvet sofa, gilded frame large enough to hold a portrait of a king, and gilt and antique mirror accessories feel straight out of Marie Antoinette’s attic. In keeping with the 18th century inspired theme 40 Over Fashion styled a look for groom Gilberto Gonzalez that alludes to the famous Sun King Louis XIV. With a deep blue velvet blazer, dusty rose silk pants and floral pocket square the groom’s look is resplendent in luxury materials. Sandra Michelle artistry left the model’s natural curls free, to echo the rich curls men wore in the 1700s and created a modern yet romantic low ponytail for the bride. Echoing the soft spring colors of the florals, the bride’s make-up is delicate and peachy, enhancing the natural beauty of bride Olivia Rose Mar.

The gown from bridal salon Archive is a stunning mermaid silhouette in textured lace that echoes again the rich brocades of the Sun King, paired with a modern plunging neckline in fine net. Delicate and airy Bella Belle shoes complete the look with ruffled tulle and satin. Gorgeous sky blue brocade linens from APR Boutique Event Rentals continue the French theme into the dining room, with Crystal stemware, modern gold and white flatware and grey handmade plates from Hostess Haven which creates the experience of Chateau dining. Florals from Tularosa Flowers appear to grow out of the kings table, and vineyard crossback chairs from Rustic Urban Events are the perfect choice for a barrel room reception, complementing the rich oak of the wine casks.

A lavish cake worthy of Marie Antoinette from Cakes to Celebrate is resplendent in peach and pale blue and features an opulent cascade of gilded sugar flowers against a marbled background. The delicate invitation suite from Something Lettered highlights the color pallete and Old World feeling with gold wax seals and a beautifully painted floral watercolor envelope lining. No wedding is complete without rings, and the opal and aquamarine rings from Raw By Olivia marry together the modern and the antique with raw cut stones and handmade craftsmanship.

Photography: Carrie Mcguire

Event + Floral Design: Tularosa Flowers

Venue: Callaway Winery

Producer: Alexis Sanabria

Planning: Compass Design Events

Tabletop Rentals: Hostess Haven

Tabletop rentals + linens: APR Boutique Event Rentals

Specialty Rentals: Madam Palooza

Chairs: Rustic Urban Events

Hair and Make- Up: Sandra Michelle Artistry