Amy & Mike had a laid-back, intimate wedding with 35 guests. Their ceremony took place on an expansive lawn underneath one of the HammerSky Vineyard’s century-old oak trees.

According to wedding planner Erin McDonald from Dandelion and Grey, the ceremony site was simple and sweet, so the focus would be on Mike & Amy and the natural beauty surrounding them.

“Guest’s spent cocktail hour playing lawn games, taking photos in the polaroid photo booth and enjoying wine from the vines that surrounded them. One long dining table provided a cozy, inviting atmosphere for dinner, which was served family-style. Dancing and dessert took place in the barn underneath an antique chandelier and an abundance of string lights,” says Erin. “It was such a beautiful day.”

vineyard wedding california

Amy, 30 & Michael, 33

Paso Robles, Ca

Wedding Date: September 26, 2010

Number of Guests: 30 adults and 5 kids

Wedding Cost: $20,000

Wedding Ceremony Location: HammerSky Vineyard

Wedding Reception Location: Same

Black and white couple portrait

Why did you have an intimate wedding?

We have a very small group of friends and both have small families.

bride getting readyblack and white bride portrait

What are some the challenges that you faced planning an intimate wedding?

None compared to an other wedding. It was actually easier because I didn’t have to accommodate too many people.

bride and groom kissing at reception tablebride and groom walking through vineyard

Was it difficult to pare down the guest list?

No

wedding dress hanging in windowblue wedding shoesrings on mirror

chalkboard lawn games signcolorful striped straws in a mason jarvintage fan decorwedding beads

Did you have any ‘issues’ with the small guest list from friends and family? If so, how did you address them?

No

bride in hallway

What were the highlights of the ceremony?

Soaking it all in and the excitement that this day is finally here!!

outdoor vineyard wedding ceremonybride and groom exchanging ringsoutdoor wedding in california vineyard

What were the highlights of the reception?

Since we had a small wedding with only 35 guests it was easy to spend time with all of them as well as each other without feeling pulled in all different directions. Also, we had afamily style meal and that was really special because it felt like two families, along with our friends, coming together to share a meal together for the first time.  That was really great, like Thanksgiving!

polaroid name cardsbride and groom chair signsbride in california vineyardwedding flowers for outdoor wedding in vineyard

What was the best thing about having an intimate wedding?

How relaxing it is to look around and see only the closest people in our lives gathered together. And not being spread too thin by too many guests.

bride and groom walking through vineyard

What advice do you have for couples who are considering an intimate wedding?

We explained that we can only have a limited amount of guests, that way nobody’s feelings got hurt. Also, planning it in a destination location was a huge deterrent for a lot of people like co-workers and such who we like and all, but didn’t necessarily want to invite.

Vendors:

Venue:HammerSky Vineyard

Catering:Epic Catering

Photography: Sarah Kathleen Photography

Event Design: Erin McDonald with Dandelion and Grey

Flowers: Flowers By Kim