Julia and Leon’s Italian Inspired Fall Wedding at Viansa Winery in Sonoma

February 4, 2025

Captured & submitted by SAE Photo Film

Leon and Julia’s Wedding at Viansa Sonoma Leon and Julia’s love story began in 2015, blending the rich cultural heritages of their German, Peruvian, Dutch, and Turkish roots. Their August wedding at Viansa Sonoma was not just a celebration of their union but also a heartfelt family reunion.

Details about the couple, how they met, etc.

While we did attend the same high school, we met each other after we had graduated at a mutual friends house and hit things off right away. We went on a date the day after we met. One date led to another until years had passed, and we started traveling together and experiencing the world.

Explain anything significant about the couple’s interests or time together that’s reflected in the design.

As passionate wine country enthusiasts, the couple chose the vineyard to share the region’s natural beauty with loved ones. The setting’s timeless charm inspired their choice of colors and decor, seamlessly blending with the venue’s aesthetics. Surrounded by breathtaking views and cherished guests, Leon and Julia’s wedding was a true celebration of love, culture, and togetherness.

Note any unique details, such as traditions, ideas, trends, or décor.

When deciding attire and color palette for decor, suits, and dresses, we wanted to make sure we would not clash with the surrounding scenic environment, but rather, mend well with it. We used the natural colors of the venue and surrounding vineyards to determine what kind of colors would mend well. We came up with browns, greens, and garden formal designs. The colors photographed really well and complimented the background images.

Any cultural or family traditions included? Please include details!

We have family from Turkey, Holland, Germany, and Peru. While there weren’t any traditions deliberately practices, the Peruvians organically practiced their own traditions by being the absolute life of the party on the dance floor. They grabbed our bodies, threw us up in the air, and started pouring jaeger meister down every one’s mouths. That energy certainly felt traditional.

Floral description.

White floral arch, while floral centerpieces were used as aisle markers, and florals from something borrowed blooms were placed on top of barrels. Bride used a handmade bouquet – made from the brides favorite flowers that also serve as an homage to her heritage. She used Peruvian lilys, calililys, rose lilys, and various other lilys chosen for their nice smell.

Final thoughts (such as favorite moments, words of advice, etc.).

Brides favorite moments and words of advice: When one of the uncles took the microphone during the dance and sang sweet Caroline (he’s a professional singer, and we didn’t plan for this, so it was an epic surprise).

Advice – on the day of, let go of it all and just embrace the moment.

Grooms favorite moments and words of advice: Watching all of the guests appear out o he bus made the abstract guest list turn into tangible reality. I was overwhelmed with over and greeted each and every guest with a hug. Advice – don’t forget to slow down and really breath. Stay with your spouse the whole time, it’s easy to get pulled away.

VendorsPhotography: Sam Estopa @saephotofilm

Wedding Venue: Viansa Winery

Bridal Attire: Wtoo by Watters, Flares Bridal

Bridesmaid Attire: Bridesmaid’s choice, brown dress

Cake/Desserts: Le Gateau Elegant

Beverages/Bartending: Forks & Fingers Catering

Catering: Forks & Fingers Catering

Décor: Heirloom Design, Something borrowed blooms

Favors: California lottery scratchers

Florals: Something borrowed blooms

Groom’s Attire & Accessories: States and Liberty, Black suit, black tie, gold tie clip, green pocket square, black belt with gold buckle, black shoes

Groomsmen Attire: Black suit, brown tie, gold tie clip, brown pocket square, black belt, black shoes