It Was Written In The Stars: Grace & Ethan’s Wedding Day at Altisima Winery
Some wedding days sparkle because of the details.
Grace and Ethan’s wedding day sparkled because of the people.
Every moment—from their handcrafted rehearsal-dinner blister packs of cards to the emotional circle dance that closed the night—felt intentional, meaningful, and deeply personal. Nothing was superfluous. Nothing was just for show. Their entire celebration was built around the people who shaped their lives, the stories that formed them, and the love they share so openly.
And being welcomed into that space as their photographer was a true honor.
A Love Story For The Ages
If you followed their journey from the beginning, you might remember Grace and Ethan’s Pasadena engagement session—an afternoon filled with laughter, tenderness, and even a hilarious debate over which Shrek character each of them embodied. Their engagement session wasn’t just a warm-up for the wedding; it was a window into who they are as a couple.
During that session, I learned what their love looks like in real time:
~ The quick side glances
~ The easy giggles
~ The way she lights up the moment he looks at her
There’s a tenderness between them that’s impossible to miss, and walking into their wedding day, I already knew their celebration would be rooted in connection. What I didn’t realize was just how deeply that theme would be woven into every moment.
A Wedding Dress With a Full-Circle Story
One of my favorite things Grace shared was the story behind her wedding dress.
Years ago, at her maid of honor’s dress shopping appointment, Grace had pulled a dress off the rack as a wild card. Her friend laughed it off but tried it on anyway… and of course, it ended up being the dress.
Fast forward to Grace’s own appointment. This time, her maid of honor picked up a gown that Grace swore looked like it belonged in a Victorian love story—but she tried it on anyway.
And yes…
It was the one.
The magic didn’t stop at the dress, either. Grace’s maid of honor also created the most stunning custom shoes for her—Capezio character heels hand-embellished with a pattern that matched the lacework and detailing on Grace’s gown. Every stone, every swirl, every sparkle was placed with intention. It wasn’t just a shoe; it was a love letter in wearable form.
Even the shoebox held a surprise: a handwritten message waiting inside for Grace on the morning of her wedding—one more personal touch that made the day feel layered with history, friendship, and heart.
It was a beautiful, full-circle moment wrapped in lace, artistry, and deep friendship.
Special Touches Unlike Any Other
Grace and Ethan created custom blister pack cards telling their story—tiny pieces of art packed with memories, humor, and heart. These cards weren’t just fun favors… they were handed out at their rehearsal dinner and determined which loved ones would sign their marriage license.
At most weddings, this role is carefully assigned.
At this wedding, it was left to chance—because every person present mattered equally to them.
It was the most charming, heartfelt way to begin their weekend, and it said so much about who they are as a couple.
A Wedding Party Filled With Heart and Infectious Joy
Grace and Ethan’s wedding party brought an energy that set the tone for the entire day.
The moment they walked into the bridal suite, I was greeted by Grace’s side of the wedding party in matching constellation pajamas—a perfect nod to the “Under the Stars” theme. Hair and makeup were flawless, nails were even on-theme, and the laughter in the room was absolutely infectious. This was a group who adored their bride, and it showed in every excited squeal, every happy tear, every moment of hype.
The first look with Grace and her mom was deeply emotional—one of those moments where time slows down.
…then when we brought the wedding party in afterward, they practically burst with excitement. Their joy was unfiltered, overflowing, and added such a spark to the morning.
Meanwhile, over with the groom’s side, the energy was warm and grounded. My second shooter described the vibe as connected and easy—friends who genuinely cared for one another and for Ethan, creating a calm and supportive space for him leading up to the ceremony.
Together, both sides of the wedding party framed the day with exactly the right mix of heart, humor, and wholehearted support.
A First Look Full of Sweet Moments
Grace + Ethan’s wedding day at Altisima Winery unfolded under warm California light, surrounded by vineyards and rolling hills.
Before the ceremony, Grace and Ethan chose to do a first look—a decision I adore, because it gives couples a chance to breathe, connect, and truly see each other before the whirlwind begins. Their reaction was pure tenderness: relief, joy, disbelief, and that kind of quiet connection that settles right into your bones.
A Ceremony in the Olive Garden
The ceremony took place in the olive garden at Altisima Winery, and it couldn’t have been a more breathtaking setting for Grace and Ethan to promise forever. Stunning florals in deep purples, rich reds, and vibrant blues lined the aisle, guiding everyone’s eyes toward the incredible moon-shaped arch where they would exchange their vows.
Their vows were beautifully intertwined—each echoing a deep understanding of one another. You could feel the connection in their words, the intention behind every sentence, and the love pulsing through the space. Tears flowed freely (from guests and from me behind the camera), and it was one of those ceremonies where you can feel the room breathe with the couple.
A Celebration Filled With Color, Life, and Heart
The vendor team for this wedding was phenomenal. The florals by Sweet Pea Floral Creations were a burst of vibrant color—alive, joyful, and completely fitting for a couple who radiate warmth. Whitney from Everly & CO planning and design created a beautiful atmosphere with every detail considered.
Guests embraced the “Under the Stars” theme with elegance and personality, turning the entire venue into a constellation of colors, textures, and beautiful evening light.
Every speech that evening—every single one—made me cry behind my camera, a lot from laughing. They weren’t generic, surface-level stories. They were deep, heartfelt, and filled with a kind of love and history that made me feel like I had known this community for years.
The laughter was real.
The tears were real.
The connection was palpable.
A Dance Floor That Never Quit
Some weddings have moments of downtime on the dance floor.
This one didn’t. Mark from Sterling Productions did an incredible job.
From the first song to the last, the energy never dipped. Guests danced with full hearts and full joy—grandparents included.
And the night ended with a tradition from Ethan’s family: everyone formed a circle on the dance floor, holding each other while the couple danced in the center. Surrounded by family, by generations, by love—it was the perfect final chapter to a day that celebrated connection more than anything else.
And Because Every Good Story Has One Epic Twist…
Grace and Ethan cut their cake from Lemon Bar Bakery with a family sword.
A real sword.
Passed down, meaningful, and absolutely iconic.
If there was ever a moment to end a blog post with—all caps—THIS WAS IT.
Want a Wedding Day That Feels Like This? Here Are 5 Tips Inspired by Grace & Ethan
1. Choose Meaning Over Trends
Skip anything that doesn’t feel like you. Their day was filled with personal touches and heartfelt choices, not Pinterest trends.
2. Honor the People in the Room
Their rehearsal cards were a perfect example. Find your own way to celebrate your people.
3. Build a Vendor Team You Trust
Their team executed their vision effortlessly—because they chose vendors who understood them.
4. Make Space to Be Present
A first look changed everything for them. Whatever helps you slow down—do that.
5. Add Legacy Moments
Family traditions. Cultural rituals. Symbolic objects. These moments deepen your day in ways you’ll never forget.
Final Thoughts
Weddings like this remind me why I love what I do.
Not because of the décor or the timeline or the portrait locations—though all of that was stunning.
But because of the people.
Because of the stories.
Because of the emotions that unfold when a community gathers to celebrate two souls weaving their lives together.
Grace and Ethan, thank you for inviting me into such a sacred, joyful chapter. Photographing your engagement session in Pasadena was special—but your wedding day under the stars? Magic.
Vendor Team That Made the Magic Happen
Coordination: @whitney@everlyandcompany
Venue: @altisimawinery
Photographer: @gingersolephotography
Second Photographer: @paularichellephotography
Hair & Makeup: @alyrosebeautyteam
Florals: @sweetpeafloralcreations
DJ: Sterling DJ
Cake Artist: @lemonbar.bakery