A Joy-Filled Sonoma Wedding
Stephen and Tim’s wedding day at Gundlach Bundschu Winery was vibrant, playful, and full of heart. From a barbershop getting ready session to wine cave portraits and a dance floor that stayed packed all night, this day was layered, personal, and deeply joyful.
As a Sonoma County photographer, days like this are exactly why I love what I do—beautiful locations, intentional details, and couples who fully embrace who they are.
Getting Ready in Sonoma
The day began with Stephen and Tim getting ready alongside their wedding party at True Gents Barbershop. This was my first time photographing getting-ready moments in a barbershop, and it was such a fun, creative environment to work in. The energy was relaxed and social, with great light, movement, and moments that felt more like a hangout than a photoshoot.
We continued hair and final touches at the Fairmont Sonoma Plaza, which added a refined contrast to the morning. Photographing getting ready across two locations gave the story of the day more depth and texture—something I always love when designing a full wedding gallery.
A Warm Welcome at Gundlach Bundschu Winery
Once we arrived at Gundlach Bundschu Winery, the pace softened in the best way. Family and friends gathered, shared hugs, fixed lapels, and soaked in the moment before the ceremony began. These quiet, anticipatory moments are some of my favorites to document—they’re fleeting and incredibly meaningful.
We photographed most of the family portraits before the ceremony, which allowed Stephen and Tim to spend more time enjoying their guests later. If you’re planning a wedding at a Sonoma wedding venue, this approach can make the entire day feel more relaxed.
A Ceremony That Felt Completely Them
Stephen and Tim’s ceremony began with a “roll for initiative” using Dungeons & Dragons dice to decide who would start—one of the most fun and memorable ceremony openings I’ve ever seen.
It was a hot Sonoma day, and guests shaded themselves with colorful parasols while wearing vibrant, expressive outfits that perfectly matched the joyful tone of the celebration. A close friend officiated, making the ceremony feel intimate, heartfelt, and deeply personal.
A Luxurious Gundlach Bundschu Reception
Cocktail hour was pure indulgence, with caviar served by Tsar Nicoulai and guests mingling among lush, vibrant floral arrangements. The reception tables were opulent and colorful, filling the space with texture and warmth.
Dinner took place in the last golden moments of sunlight, and a coffee cart from Hedge Coffee kept everyone energized as the evening unfolded—always a guest favorite.
Wine Cave Portraits & One Epic Dance Floor
As the sun dipped lower, we stepped away for golden hour portraits, followed by some dramatic, creative images inside the Gundlach Bundschu wine cave. The cool air and moody light were a welcome break from the heat and added such a striking contrast to the vineyard portraits.
From there, the dance floor stayed full well into the night, and the celebration continued with an after party back at the Fairmont Sonoma Plaza—an unforgettable ending to an already incredible day.
Our Vendor Dream Team
Every part of Stephen and Tim’s special day at Gundlach Bundschu Winery came together beautifully thanks to an incredible crew of creative professionals:
- Planner: Tan Weddings and Events
- Shuttle Management: Tan Weddings and Events
- Caterer: Fairmont Sonoma
- HMUA: Veronica Marshall DV Beauty
- Bar: Fairmont Sonoma
- DJ: Ryan Hernandez
- Live Musicians: Ryan Hernandez
- Caviar Cart: Tsar Nicoulai
- Coffee Cart: Hedge Coffee
- Floral: The Blonde Rose
- Linens/ Rentals: Bright Event Rentals
- Video: Jevin Films
- Dessert: Flour & Bloom
- Transportation: Napa Valley Wine Country Tours
- Barber: True Gents Barber
- Paperie: The Aesthetic Union
- Suit: Klein Epstein Parker
- Signage: Tan Weddings and Events
Planning a Gundlach Bundschu Wedding?
Stephen and Tim’s wedding was a perfect example of how meaningful, colorful, and personal a Gundlach Bundschu wedding can be. If you’re looking for a Sonoma photographer or Sonoma County wedding photographer who focuses on real moments, vibrant color, and story-driven imagery, I’d love to hear from you.
