1. Real Weddings

A Vintage Wedding in Winters, CA

Nicholas met Emarie during their freshman year at UC Davis, but they never dated in college. After graduation, Emarie lived abroad, but reconnected wi

Nicholas met Emarie during their freshman year at UC Davis, but they never dated in college. After graduation, Emarie lived abroad, but reconnected with Nick once she moved back to the States. They bonded over a shared passion for food and talked about becoming a couple, but Emarie hesitated at first. The Bride Emarie Chervinskas, 28, wedding and event planner The Groom Nicholas VanGalio, 28, bank fraud investigator The Date August 16 Finally, six months after her return, they officially started dating. Eight months later, despite his reserved personality, Nick went way out of his comfort zone and shocked Emarie with a public proposal during a parade. After a whirlwind, three-and-a-half-month engagement, the couple tied the knot in a friend’s backyard.

Mason jars filled with dahlias, roses and stock hung from the bride and groom’s chairs.
A wood-framed chalkboard listed the drink options and was casually displayed against a table covered in checkered linens.
Instead of a guest book, the couple asked for notes on “the recipe for a happy marriage.” Guests dropped them in an apothecary jar dressed up with checkered ribbon.
Guests sat at long tables set up in the backyard of the couple’s close family friend. A vast walnut grove provided a stunning natural backdrop for the outdoor dining area.
To stay cool at the ceremony, guests filled up on water flavored with lemon and cucumber slices, a refreshing summer treat.
Stripes, buttons and swirls decorated the whimsical, fondant-covered cake. Other treats up for grabs: pies, cakes, cookies, Armenian pastries and macaroons.
Each bridesmaid wore one of two short dresses in coral or yellow. The guys’ madras-plaid ties coordinated with the girls’ outfits.
To go with their cheery madras-plaid ties, the guys wore equally sunny button mums on their lapels. The hearty flowers were chosen because they stand up well to the summer heat.
Guests got their seating assignments from cards hung on a freestanding iron gate. The unique display fit the shabby-chic feel of the wedding
A departure from the eye-popping flowers that filled the rest of the day, the bride carried a more subdued mix of roses, freesia and scabiosa with olive branches for texture.
Emarie wore a tea-length dress that went with the wedding’s laid-back feel. Heels with bows added a touch of playfulness to her look.
Roses, dahlias and stock adorned a wooden sign that marked the path to the ceremony site.