Set amongst the rolling vineyards and redwood-lined grounds of TRENTADUE WINERY in Geyserville, California, Michelle and Sam’s wedding, beautifully captured by ASHLEY CARLASCIO, was a celebration filled with personality, warmth, and meaningful details at every turn. Planned by THE MODERN PARTY and layered with bold seasonal florals by PEACHES AND POPPIES FLORAL, the day blended the romance of Italy with the relaxed beauty of Northern California wine country.
From Colleagues to Forever
Michelle and Sam first met in 2017 while working their first post-college jobs in San Francisco. What began as friendship eventually grew into something more, and a year later they officially started dating. Years on, their relationship still carries that same balance of comfort, laughter, and deep connection that shaped the foundation of their wedding day.
What began as friendship eventually grew into more, and a year later they officially started dating.
A Proposal Filled with Meaning
Sam’s proposal was equal parts thoughtful and cinematic. After secretly hauling sandbags, champagne, tiny stones, and florals to the top of Lafayette Park before sunrise, he created a scene inspired by one of their earliest dates at Lands End. As Michelle approached beneath the guise of afternoon tea plans, she immediately realised what was happening. Surrounded by flowers and a semi-circle of stones, Sam asked her to marry him in one of San Francisco’s most beautiful spots. The celebrations continued that evening with a surprise gathering of both families over Hanukkah dinner, making the day even more unforgettable.
Italy Meets California Wine Country
After spending two weeks travelling through Italy for their fifth anniversary, Michelle and Sam knew they wanted their wedding to capture the feeling of that trip. Slowing down, sharing meals, enjoying wine, and spending meaningful time together became the inspiration behind the entire celebration.
They found that feeling at TRENTADUE WINERY, where vineyard views evoke Tuscany while towering redwoods offer a distinctly Californian backdrop. Dinner beneath the grape arbor immediately sealed the decision.
Slowing down, sharing meals, enjoying wine, and spending meaningful time together became the inspiration behind the entire celebration.
A Joyful Morning of Anticipation
Both Michelle and Sam woke before sunrise, too excited to sleep any longer. The morning unfolded with champagne, music, laughter, and an undercurrent of anticipation. Michelle spent the early hours with her bridesmaids, mother, and grandmother, while Sam gathered with his closest friends over beers and sandwiches before getting dressed.
One especially memorable moment came when Sam’s best man surprised him with a Cameo message from a former San Francisco 49ers player, wishing him luck for the day ahead.
Slowing down, sharing meals, enjoying wine, and spending meaningful time together became the inspiration behind the entire celebration.
A Joyful Morning of Anticipation
Both Michelle and Sam woke before sunrise, too excited to sleep any longer. The morning unfolded with champagne, music, laughter, and an undercurrent of anticipation. Michelle spent the early hours with her bridesmaids, mother, and grandmother, while Sam gathered with his closest friends over beers and sandwiches before getting dressed.
One especially memorable moment came when Sam’s best man surprised him with a Cameo message from a former San Francisco 49ers player, wishing him luck for the day ahead.
A Celebration Full of Heart
The ceremony itself was layered with personal touches and joyful moments. Guests walked down the aisle to an instrumental version of the Friends theme song, while Bella stole the show running down the aisle ahead of Michelle’s entrance. Their officiant, one of Michelle’s closest college friends, filled the ceremony with humour, heartfelt stories, and references to the beloved sitcom, including introducing the day as “the one where Michelle and Sam finally get married.”
Dinner Beneath the Vines
Cocktail hour leaned beautifully into the Italian-inspired atmosphere with local wines, Peronis, “Peach Belly-nis,” and a custom olive oil and vinegar seating chart that became an instant guest favourite. As evening fell, everyone gathered beneath the grape arbor for dinner as sunset light spilled across the vineyard.
The celebration only grew more energetic from there. Guests waved napkins to Daft Punk’s “One More Time,” danced beneath glow sticks, and packed the dance floor after an unforgettable horah. Entertainment by GOLDEN BELL MUSIC kept the energy high all night long with a seamless blend of live music, EDM, classics, and Bay Area favourites.
At its heart, Michelle and Sam’s wedding was about creating an experience that felt deeply personal and joyfully shared. Through ASHLEY CARLASCIO’S lens, every thoughtful detail and emotional moment was captured with warmth, authenticity, and effortless elegance.
