I love when couples make their wedding day all about the experience, their people, and simply enjoying the moment. Kat and Zak did exactly that during their Southern California winery wedding. After eloping last year, they wanted to bring everyone together for a joyful celebration, filled with laughter, connection, and memories that would last long after the night ended. Keep reading to see how they made their day truly memorable for themselves and everyone who came to celebrate.
A Joyful Southern California Winery Celebration After Their Lake Como Elopement
After capturing so many love stories across California and beyond, it’s always special when I get to photograph a celebration close to home. Kat and Zak live just down the road from me in San Diego but chose to elope in Lake Como last year, creating an intimate and romantic start to their marriage. Still, they wanted a celebration close to home with their loved ones, so they chose Falkner Winery in the heart of Temecula Wine Country. With rolling vineyards and stunning sunset views, it was the perfect place to gather their friends and family and party together.
How Kat and Zak’s Southern California Winery Wedding Brought Their Values and Vision to Life
Kat and Zak were intentional about every choice they made, especially when it came to personal details and creating a beautiful experience for their guests. Here are a few of my favorite parts of their day.
The Guest Experience
One of their biggest priorities was making sure their guests had an unforgettable time—and it showed in every thoughtful detail. From a magician mingling during cocktail hour to a live saxophonist and an interactive fortune cookie escort wall, the entire evening felt playful and full of surprise. Every moment reflected how much Kat and Zak cared about creating a celebration that invited everyone to feel part of their story.
Incorporating Color and Culture
All of those thoughtful experiences were beautifully reflected in the design, too. Kat and Zak wanted to bring a touch of red into their Southern California winery wedding—a color symbolizing prosperity and good fortune in Chinese culture. They included it thoughtfully throughout the space, adding warmth and richness to the vineyard’s lush green surroundings. Guests also wore all black, which made Kat’s later change into a red reception dress even more striking and unforgettable.
A Fun, Relaxed Vibe
Because Kat and Zak had already eloped, they weren’t tied to the structure or expectations of a traditional wedding day. Instead, they embraced a relaxed, easygoing rhythm and stayed fully present with their friends and family. After a relaxed, peaceful morning getting ready at a nearby Airbnb, they arrived at the venue ready to celebrate. There was no rush or stress about formalities, just genuine excitement to spend the day with their favorite people.
Helping Shape a Southern California Winery Wedding Full of Memories and Joy
Working with Kat and Zak for their Southern California winery wedding was such a joy. Beyond documenting their day, I loved being part of the planning process, helping them craft a timeline that flowed naturally and brought their vision to life. Kat shared her Pinterest board with me early on, and I loved seeing her inspiration for weaving red into the design. Many California weddings lean toward soft neutrals, so it was exciting to help her create something bold, personal, and full of character.
Kat and Zak’s Southern California winery wedding was so much fun to photograph. Every detail felt meaningful, every moment filled with laughter and connection. It was the kind of celebration that reminds you what weddings are truly about—gathering the people you love most and creating memories you’ll look back on with so much warmth.
If you’re looking for more Temecula wedding inspiration, check out my blog post highlighting Freda and Sam’s wedding at the bride’s family home.
Are you planning a Southern California wedding? Inquire here, and let’s start creating a day that feels entirely your own
Southern California Winery Wedding Vendors:
Photographer: Lauren Ahn Photography
Videographer: S/A Photo and Film
Planner: Wilde & Sage Co
Venue: Falkner Winery
Hair + Makeup: Natalie Payne
Saxophonist: Brian Pierini
Florals + Rentals: Outdoor Luxury Events
Magician: Nick Ivory Entertainment
Dessert: The Batter Up Bakery
Transportation: Temecula Black Car
For More Advice and Inspiration beyond Kat and Zak’s Southern California Winery Wedding, Check Out the Posts Below!
- Kat & Zak’s Vibrant Southern California Winery Wedding
- Katie & Alex’s Family-Filled Summer Wedding at The View at Bluemont
- Colorful Wedding at Tivoli Italian Villa
