Jeff and Jessica's Wedding in Temecula, California

The story of our wedding

Our wedding was perfect! I could't be happier with how everything turned out! Our venue at Avensole Winery in Temecula, CA and everything about it was picture perfect! We spent the afternoon in the bridal suite and groom's suite getting ready. We decided to do the First Look, which I do recommend because the day flies by and it just gives you that extra little bit of time during the cocktail hour and reception. Our officiant messed up (I think she lost her place lol) and started saying this was the place we met, has our first kiss, and got engaged.. which was none of the above, but whatever lol. What can you do besides give each other and everyone a weird look, like, I don't know why she said that lol. But besides that it was beautiful. The venue has a great tasting room with table tops and outdoor patio for cocktail hour, reception decorated with my little touches I DIYed, but also had nice chandeliers and draping that I didn't need to do much extra. Food was amazing! We had so many compliments. The most important things for our wedding was good food, open bar, good DJ, good photographer and everyone have a great time. And I'm to being biased when I say this, but we have been to a lot of weddings (we've been together almost 16 years before finally getting married), and ours was the best wedding we've been to. We have 5 children and a granddaughter so we decided to just have the kids stand up and not have a wedding party. Another great decision, although I did have my mom and sister with me the day of in the suite getting ready still. We had many things for everyone to do.. I made a customized corn hole, giant jenga, and rented LOVE Marquez letters which were a great photo op for everyone. But the surprise we did and no one knew about, was we hired a caricature artist instead of wasteful party favors. That was a big hit as well. My only regret was not trying on my dress closer to the wedding after alterations and getting it pulled in some more. And I ate a sandwich in the bridal suite because I was worried about not eating, so when it was dinner we were so busy mingling and not hungry that we didn't eat any of the amazing food everyone raved about. Besides that, the day was better than I ever could've imagined. I'm sad it went by so incredibly fast and that it's already over.