Arista Winery Wedding Photography in Healdsburg CA- Laura & Kyle!

When I finished reading about Laura and Kyle’s love story on their wedding blog I let out an “Ohhhhhh” so loud that my 3 year old ran into the room and said “What’s wrong Mama?” I then explained to him that nothing was wrong and that sometimes girls make funny noises like that when they read great love stories!

What I loved about Laura and Kyle’s love story is that they met under unusual circumstances.  They did not go to the same high school.  They did not grow up in the same town.  They did not get set up by friends that felt they were a match. They met in the Spring of 2008 both campaigning for Hillary Clinton. Kyle was from Arkansas and Laura from California. But it was in Montana that their paths crossed and 2 weeks later Laura was calling her friends to say she had met her husband!  And 5 months later that winter Kyle moved to Connecticut to be with Laura.  When you know- you know. They knew.

I first met Laura in San Diego.  Greg and I were photographing Rachel and Mike’s wedding and Laura was a bridesmaid. I left Rachel in the room for a minute or two while she got undressed before she put her wedding dress on.  Laura approached me to let me know that Rachel was getting dressed thinking maybe I was missing the moment. Now I instantly liked her too. Organized and on her game!  I quickly explained that I was giving Rachel a minute to get undressed.

Later when I heard Laura was engaged I was secretly hoping she would hire me to photograph her wedding… when Laura contacted me I couldn’t have been more thrilled.

Enjoy the story of their lovely wedding day as viewed from our cameras!

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The invites and the signage you will see through the day were designed by the creative Bobbi Beito! This is the 3rd wedding we have photographed that has used Bobbi- we love her work!

Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0001The day started off at the Hotel Healdsburg in the middle of quaint Healdsburg.  If you haven’t been to this part of the world put it on your bucket list. It is a little pocket of paradise.

Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0003Laura’s exquisite gown was created by Anna Maier. Laura’s Micheal Kors wedges were perfect for a wedding at a winery. Wineries are no place for heels!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0004Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0005Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0009Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0006Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0008Kyle got ready with his buddies. Guys getting ready doesn’t take very long- good thing they had Rocky on the tube to occupy some time!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0010Laura’s little cousin from Israel was the perfect age to be a flower girl.  She was full of wonder and awe as the ladies prepped for the wedding!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0007The medal on the left was a family heirloom, Kyle’s grandfather’s from his U.S. Army uniform. Kyle wore it on the inside of his suit jacket. In Laura’s family, it is a tradition for the bride’s family to present a watch to the groom. Kyle was given this incredible one on the right.
Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0015Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0011Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0013Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0014Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0012Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0017Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0018I’m not sure exactly what happened in this image but I think it’s hysterical!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0021Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0019
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Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0026Laura and Kyle’s wedding was held at Arista Winery. Though there are many wineries in this little town- Arista is one of the most lovely and has a great set up for weddings.Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0027Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0028Laura’s Dad escorted her to the wedding and was so overwhelmed with emotions, he said to me, “It’s not every day your little girl is getting married.”  It was adorable to see. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0032The site of the wedding ceremony was so spectacular.  I loved how the chuppah was very natural and simple- adding to the scenery not competing with it. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0033The chuppah was created by Laura’s Mom and Kyle’s Grandmother. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0034Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0029Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0030The programs and menus you will see later were created by Hyegraph.

Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0038 The wedding ceremonies started off with a Kabbalat Panim for Laura and Kyle to greet their guests. During this time the men and woman are separated.

Laura was with the ladies at the top of the hill. The ladies were shuttled up!

Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0043Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0041Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0042Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0044During the kabbalat panim, the bride, surrounded by friends and family, is greeted by guests before the ceremony, who often offer hugs and well wishes. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0045Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0040Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0046Kyle had his Tisch at the bottom of the winery. Traditionally at a Tisch, the groom is surrounded by his friends and family singing songs and toasting to the groom and his future.Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0049Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0047Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0050Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0051Then Rabbi Jim Ponet prepares the men for their parade up the hill for the Bedeken. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0052The men jubilantly start to parade!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0054Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0055Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0056The energy in the air at this time was amazing. Seeing the men come up over the hill- I loved watching Laura and Kyle as they began to look for each other. It was a wedding moment I will never forget! I’m sure Laura, Kyle, their families and guests feel the same way. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0201Laura sits with her Mom, Kyle’s Mom and Grandmother and is ecstatic to see Kyle!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0058Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0059Kyle’s last few steps….Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0060So much happiness!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0061Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0062Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0063The emotions, the energy, the tradition of it all- such an honor to document these moments for Laura and Kyle. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0064Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0065Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0066Kyle veils his bride before the wedding ceremony.Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0067The parents are asked to come up and be part of a blessing. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0068Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0069Laura and Kyle head into a private room to sign the Ketubbah, the marriage contract, with their immediate family.  I love the smiles on their faces in those first few moments alone!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0070Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0071Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0072Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0073Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0074Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0075Contract signed, it was now time for the ceremony!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0076Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0077Love it Kyle!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0078Could you find a cuter ring bearer or a flower girl???  I think not!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0080Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0079Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0081Laura is escorted down the aisle by her parents. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0082Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0083Kyle and Laura circle each other. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0084Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0085Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0086Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0087Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0088Kyle’s uncle came up and spoke.Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0091Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0094Laura and Kyle both spoke from their hearts to each other.Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0089Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0093Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0095The wedding rings were exchanged. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0096Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0098Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0097Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0099Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0101The Rabbi covered Laura and Kyle with his prayer shawl and then invited the parents under the chuppah to be part of blessing Laura and Kyle’s marriage.Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0100Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0102Oh I love this moment! Mazel Tov!!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0103Now that’s a kiss the bride!!

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Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0104Married!!!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0105The guests headed back down the hill for cocktail hour while we did portraits. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0106Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0109One of the great things about Arista winery is that there were so many different little places to photograph.  We started in the winery and the grapes were full- making the images even more picturesque!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0110Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0107Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0111Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0112Next we headed off to where the goats were!  Kyle grew up on a farm and they asked to included some furry friends in the photographs!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0113Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0114Laura was brave- they went inside!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0115Then Laura got even braver- she climbed onto this rock which was mossy and actually quite high up. So worth it- thanks Laura!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0124Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0116Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0117Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0118While the wedding ceremony was more steeped in Laura’s cultural traditions, the rehearsal dinner and cocktail hour tipped it’s hat to the south! 3 words: fried chicken fritters! YUM!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0122I love when a wedding includes pictures from the past- such a beautiful way to pay tribute to your families. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0123Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0124Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0119Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0120Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0121Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0126Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0125A special note to all their guests.

Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0128Stunning! Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0129Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0130Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0131Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0127The flowers created by Flowers by Rebekah were just perfect. They were touches of beauty throughout the day.  All the flower arrangements for the wedding were so elegant. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0132Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0134Laura and Kyle’s wedding reception started off with traditional Israeli folk dancing-  the Hora!  I have never seen such a large group of people involved- it was so much fun! AND long!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0135Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0136Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0137Ahhhh, the chairs!!!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0138Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0139Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0140Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0141Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0142Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0144Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0143Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0145Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0151Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0146Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0147Kyle brought in a little country twist to the Hora!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0148Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0150And then           Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0149Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0153Alright, back to the Hora!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0154Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0152Whew! Ended with a dip and a kiss!  Now that’s a Hora!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0159Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0166Kyle’s best man Garrison started off the toast. His toast was the perfect combination of good humor and emotion- well said!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0162Laura’s maid of honor Navi was up next. Navi had us all smiling with stories from their childhood and also recounting the phone call Laura made saying she had met her husband!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0160
Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0163Kyle’s Dad was next and spoke some beautiful words about marriage.Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0164Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0165Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0167Next up was Laura’s dad who asked everyone present of all faiths to bless his daughter and Kyle’s marriage.Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0168Last up the newlyweds- thanked everyone for coming from near and VERY far to celebrate with them!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0203Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0202Laura and Kyle went non-traditional and cut the pie! The yummy yummy pies were from Mom’s Apple Pie!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0170Laura and Kyle then shared their first dance as husband and wife. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0171Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0172It didn’t last long as they invited their guests to join them on the dance floor, but even amongst the crowd they were still in their own little world. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0173The party started off quickly, this crowd did not need to warm up! I love how the ring bearer found the smarter way to limbo!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0175As their guests started the dancing off- we whisked Laura and Kyle away for a few more portraits during the golden hour. The golden hour is the last 30 minutes before sunset and the first 30 minutes after sunset. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0174What was amazing to me was that we moved Laura and Kyle around facing the light in different ways and we were able to capture images that look so different all within 15 minutes of time. Sunset light is wonderful that way!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0177Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0178Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0179With the sun a little lower we were able to use it to light the couple from the back, giving this glow that adds to this already incredibly romantic scene!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0176Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0180Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0181And then with the sun over the hills, the sky put on a show for us and allowed us to create a silhouette of the Mr. and Mrs. Taylor!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0182Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0185When we arrived back the sky was dark, the cafe lights were glowing and guests were having a blast dancing!  Great job done by Alex from AMS Entertainment! Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0193Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0186Now THAT is an awesome dance move!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0184Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0183Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0194“I’ll tell you what I want, what I really really want… So tell me what you want, what you really really want” Spice Girls circa 1996!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0187Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0188Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0189Then the boys got their sing along on. “Whoahhhhh, we’re halfway there. Whoahhhhh, livin’ on a prayer… Take my hand and we’ll make it – I swear Whoahhh, livin’ on a prayer” Bon Jovi circa 1986!

Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0190Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0191Laura joined in the fun!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0195In addition to the yummy pies, a table of Middle Eastern desserts were out for guests to enjoy. Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0133Favors for the guests were layed out as well. Laura and Kyle love pickles!  Laura’s grandfather who passed away a few years ago always made pickles in a very traditional way, and her mom used his recipe to pickle a bunch of vegetables (including okra, Kyle’s favorite)!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0192All great celebrations sadly must end.  Laura and Kyle’s guest gathered around them for the last song of the night.Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0196One last lift for the night!!!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0197And a kiss!Arista Winery Wedding Photography- Susannah Gill_0198And a big hug! Such an incredible wedding full of traditions new and old, filled with laughter, singing, dancing and LOVE.  Thank you so much Laura and Kyle for the great honor of photographing your wedding day!  We had a wonderful time and now like you two are in love with a little town called Healdsburg!

A special thank you to Heather Holliday, Laura and Kyle’s wedding planner who was so much fun to work with and kept everything running smoothly and on time!

We also were thrilled to work with Grover Films.  Please check out their video of the wedding here!  This dynamic couple creates unique wedding videos that capture the emotion of the day without being intrusive.

Other amazing people who worked hard to make this wedding so magical were:

 

Catering by Park Avenue Catering

Hair done by Artistry by Gabrielle

Transportation by California Wine Tours

 

 

Susannah Gill is located in El Dorado Hills CA. She photographs weddings, families & babies in Tahoe, San Francisco, the Bay area and is always looking to travel! Phone:1-916-936-7363 Email: susannah@susannahgill.com