(Nightingale Photography)

Wedding Inspiration: Vintage Vibes + Family Traditions at Livemore's Wente Vineyards

Jan 18, 2019

Ever dream of getting engaged in some gorgeous faraway land? For most, it's just a fantasy.

So when Benjamin Nejathaim not only got down on one knee but also packed a wine-and-cheese picnic for a romantic afternoon in Nice, France, Alana Becker could do nothing but swoon (even if he did forget the bottle opener).

But the groom-to-be would make up for the mishap guarantee plenty of wine by planning the wedding at Livermore's Wente Vineyards where, in the relaxed outdoor setting, they melded details from their Jewish and Persian backgrounds. He built the chuppah himself, and his parents surprised their new daughter-in-law with a Persian wedding tradition, playing a song while flower petals showered the couple.

Eucalyptus and peach and cream florals burst from all over the place—on the chuppah, on wine barrels, in bouquets, atop the cake, and on the tables. Gilded table numbers matched the bride's gold vintage gown that had been passed from her grandmother to her mother and to her aunt before making its way to Becker's own wedding day.

The bride's wedding advice? Keep things simple. "Don't give yourself too many choices! I tried to pick a few top options for each vendor and narrow it down from there to keep from getting overwhelmed."

After dinner and cake, they danced under the warm glow of string lights while vino flowed uninterrupted all night long.