A Romantic Paso Robles Winery Wedding Built Around Personal Details

McKenzi and Blake’s summer wedding at Croad Vineyards in Paso Robles shows how a setting can do much of the visual work. A sweeping view, several intimate event spaces and a restrained palette gave their celebration a romantic garden feel without requiring elaborate decor. The couple also kept the focus on what mattered to them: their relationship, the joining of their families and the people who helped make the day.

With design and coordination by Lotta Alexandersson of Mint Design, florals by Uniquely Chic Florist Boutique and photography by Onelove Photography, the wedding brought together soft neutrals, organic arrangements and vintage furniture. The result offers a practical idea for couples planning a personal celebration: choose details that carry meaning, then let the venue and the people around you add to the atmosphere.

Make the celebration feel like yours

McKenzi wanted guests to experience the couple’s affection for one another, rather than feel as though they were simply attending a party arranged for them. She and Blake built that intention into the ceremony and the welcome. They found an officiant who could create a ceremony specifically for them, giving guests a way to learn more about their relationship as the couple exchanged vows.

A printed welcome message on the ceremony chairs offered another chance to thank friends and family who had contributed to the day. The couple also brought relatives into the preparations through tangible jobs: Blake’s aunts made the wedding cake and desserts, while a close family friend painted wooden signs. These choices added personal touches while giving loved ones a role in the celebration.

They also set out photographs of relatives who had recently died and could not attend. A welcome table can hold more than schedules or favors; here, it made space to remember family members and include them in the day’s story.

Let the venue shape the plan

The couple chose Croad Vineyards because they wanted an intimate, romantic site with a beautiful view for the ceremony and photographs. That backdrop also meant they could keep the decor simple, which saved money. One particularly practical detail: the ceremony area had no grass, so guests wearing heels didn’t have to worry about sinking into the ground.

The couple used separate areas at the venue for the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception. Moving between spaces gave each part of the day its own setting while keeping the overall design connected. The smaller event areas also meant there was less space to furnish and decorate, helping the couple manage costs while maintaining the intimate atmosphere they wanted.

For couples comparing venues, their experience points to useful questions beyond appearance: Where will each part of the day take place? What does the ground feel like underfoot? Does the view provide a strong backdrop on its own? A venue that answers those questions well may reduce the amount of decor needed.

Build atmosphere with a few repeat elements

Romance guided the design, but the couple kept the palette soft and the materials varied. White, cream, pale pink, light grey and tan appeared alongside garden style florals. Candles, hanging candles, lanterns and candelabras brought warm light into the reception, while antique furniture added a sense of age and character. Some pieces came from McKenzi’s parents’ antique collection; rentals came from Found Vintage Rentals and All About Events.

The flowers were designed to feel organic and freshly gathered, complementing the lush winery setting. Rather than relying on one statement detail, the couple repeated a small group of visual cues: neutral color, candlelight, antiques and loose floral forms. That approach helped the ceremony, cocktail hour and reception feel related even as guests moved between their separate locations.

The wedding party’s attire carried the palette through the portraits. McKenzi wore a Rivini gown from Lovella Bridal, with a veil from the same salon and jewelry from BHLDN. Her shoes were Steve Madden. The bridesmaids wore Annabelle dresses by Jenny Yoo from BHLDN in rose quartz. Blake wore a Banana Republic suit with Steve Madden shoes. The source credits Silk & Willow for ribbon, BHLDN for ceremony fans, and Minted and Matinae Design Studio for stationery.

Choose vendors who pay attention

McKenzi’s planning advice is to take time finding each vendor. She spent weeks researching providers individually and valued experience and professionalism. She singled out Onelove Photography for the attention the team gave the couple before the wedding: they asked about photography preferences, shared tips and checked in as the date approached. That contact helped her feel relaxed and cared for.

Her point is a useful one for planning conversations: ask how a vendor gets to know a couple’s priorities, and whether their communication makes the process feel easier. Photography was a particularly positive part of this wedding, but the principle applies across a vendor team. A good fit includes how someone works with you, as well as the work they deliver.

The day’s most cherished moments for McKenzi were walking down the aisle, saying the vows and being announced as a married couple. The thoughtful design, family contributions and vineyard setting all supported those central memories. For couples shaping their own celebration, the clearest takeaway is to spend on the elements that matter to you, invite loved ones into the process in ways that feel right, and let the setting carry its share of the atmosphere.

Wedding credits

Photography: Onelove Photography. Venue: Croad Vineyards. Designer and coordinator: Lotta Alexandersson, owner of Mint Design. Floral design: Uniquely Chic Florist Boutique. Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals and All About Events.

Wedding dress: Rivini from Lovella Bridal; veil: Lovella Bridal; jewelry: BHLDN; shoes: Steve Madden. Bridesmaids’ dresses: Annabelle by Jenny Yoo, from BHLDN. Groom’s suit: Banana Republic; shoes: Steve Madden.

Ribbon: Silk & Willow. Fans: BHLDN. Stationery: Minted and Matinae Design Studio. Makeup: Ricci Watt and Maria Aguilar. Hair: Jacob Hernandez. Cake: Cristina Burtchaell, Blake’s aunt. Catering: Something’s Cooking Catering. Videography: Well Spun Weddings. DJ: Giuseppe & Adriana. Officiant: Reverend Clint Hufft.