This weeks wedding photo and wedding site is Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula. Located off of Rancho California Rd in Temecula, I have had the several opportunities to photograph weddings at this particular winery both prior to the addition of the new building and after the new reception facility. It’s like night and day. The new facility offers so much more opportunity for capturing wedding photos than what they use to have: a trailer. Actually, Wilson Creek Winery is perhaps one of my most favorite locations to photograph in wine country, Temecula.
Wedding Photography at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula
The new facility also allows for ariel photos of the outdoor reception area (as a side note, they do have indoor reception facilities as well). I have found the staff to be friendly and accommodating as well. They do allow the bride and groom along with the wedding photographer to take photos in the vineyards. I mention this since I have had some issues with other vineyards in the area. In addition, if you are planning on an engagement photography session, they will also take you up in to the vineyards on a different date. (But you will want to check with them to make sure. I know I have done this, but you may want to let them know this is your intent should you want engagement photos at the winery).
You can view images of a wedding I photographed at Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula by visiting my Southern California Wedding Photographer gallery on my photography site. In addition, I have added some of the facility information for the winery below. You can also visit their website for more information on weddings at Wilson Creek. If for some reason their site is not working, I have added their contact information below the facilities list as well as a link to a map of the area.
Facilities information for Wilson Creek Winery in Temecula:
- Use of our facilities from 10am-2pm (or end at 3pm in the lower garden) or 5:30pm -10:30pm
- Select from one of our unique wedding and ceremony locations
- Champagne Ballroom and white wood wedding gazebo adorned with hanging fresh flower pots
- Intimate Barrel Room and Vineyard View ceremony site
- Merlot Mesa for your wedding and/or reception
- A Wilson Creek Event Coordinator and a Banquet Captain will assist you in making your dream wedding become a reality
- Beautifully landscaped gardens with fountains, creek and trees available for photo memories
- Outdoor torches, and ambient night lighting, including uplights and spotlights
- Air-conditioned bridal suite with private restroom- Grooms suite after May 2008
- 60” round or 72” round tables that seat 8 and 10 guests respectively, deluxe padded white resin chairs, banquet tables and gift tables
- Premium white damask floor length table linens with your choice of standard napkin colors
- Wedding cake table or use of our rustic wine barrel
- China, utensils, water glasses, wine glass, champagne flutes
- Outdoor patio heaters or Umbrellas with wine barrel base if required
- Silver or gold chargers, candle centerpieces, votive candles, sheppard hook with lantern isle décor (upon request)
- Gift Shop opened upon request- all your guests receive a 10% discount on purchases
- Our famous Wilson Creek Almond Champagne served at the wedding rehearsal to start your wedding weekend off festive and fun!
Temecula Creek Winery Contact Info:
35960 Rancho California Rd., Temecula, CA 92591
951.699.WINE (9463) | info@wilsoncreekwinery.com
I decided to write a four part series for winter weddings in Southern California. Actually, I have given the topic it’s own category and hope to add to the category on a regular basis. but for now, I’ll write the 4 parts to this series over the week – The general introduction (this post, favors and colors, photography opportunities, and finally a list of tips for your winter wedding. I’ll be adding various other articles and perhaps some key wedding venues that may be of interest to brides seeking a winter wedding location in Southern California.
Winter weddings in Southern California almost sounds like an oxymoron. After all, the mere name, Southern California, conjures up images of sunny warm weather. However, despite popular belief, we do have a winter in Southern California, regardless of the lack of snowfall in the local mountains or sub-freezing temperatures like the east coast. Brides seeking to fulfill their childhood fantasy of a winter wonderland wedding are not left out in the cold in Southern California, especially the past few weeks as we have seen snow fall at low elevations and a drop in temperatures one could associate with winter in Northern California.
Southern California has some of the nations best weather and with its mild winters (average temperature in the mid to upper 60’s in the months of December) it’s no wonder California is host to the majority of U.S. weddings as well as destination weddings with bookings well over 213,000 in 2006 according to The Wedding Report. So while Jack Frost spends most of his time chilling the north and north east, California brides can rest assured that they too can have a piece of the frost for their wedding. To ensure that you capture the most of your winter wedding, Southern California Wedding Photography has put together a suggestion list (over 4 parts) of what you may want to consider when planning your winter wedding.
Winter Wedding Locations – Southern California
While the beach tends to be a popular spot for weddings in California, if you’re seeking a more traditional look and feel for your winter wedding, we suggest a wedding venue that may lend itself to more of a winter theme. By doing so, it provides the backdrop for stunning photographs and video that will remind you of your well planned event. One suggestion may be to get married in a small chapel, especially one in the local San Bernardino mountains, with communities such as Big Bear or Lake Arrowhead (I’ll be doing a few blog posts on Big Bear in a few weeks. First I have to make it up there in all of the current snow). Another suggestion would be the woods. This can provide for a stunning photo or video backdrop because wooded areas and lakes tend to remind people of the north and hence, winter.
You’ll also find that many Bed and Breakfasts, such as the Christmas House in Rancho Cucamonga, offer a themed Christmas wedding environment. Completely decorated with a Christmas tree, ornaments, and the coziness you would find if you where at home. If you’re not opposed to having a “Christmas” wedding, then nothing screams winter louder than a Christmas theme.
But in the end, the location is only part of the overall feel for your winter wedding. You can certainly hold your wedding in a private residence and still capture the charm and warmth of winter. Your wedding favors and colors will determine a big part of your winter wonderland wedding momories. I’ll make note of both favors and colors in part 2 of this series tomorrow.
About the Photo in this post: The main photo in this post was taken at the Christmas House in Rancho Cucamonga. I used a remote Nikon SB800 flash mounted on a tripod off to the left side. The flash had a amber filter over it, this provided for an overall warm feeling to the photo. The camera was mounted on a tripod and set at 2.8 1/30th of a second. The iso was not recorded. The photo depicts a cold, winter environment with its dark clouds, but the warmth of the lighting gives it an overall cozy feel.
It’s probably one of the best kept secrets in Redlands, when it comes to wedding and engagement photography; Kimberly Crest is a picturesque French chateau style home (built in 1897) surrounded by Italian terraced gardens.
What makes Kimberly Crest a desirable engagement photography location are the gardens ‘ never ending Mediterranean borders, cascading fountains, lily and koi ponds, multiple terraces, curved stairways and engulfing orange groves which is all reminiscent of Renaissance Italy.
You can get an idea of the grounds through the engagement photos I have taken of a couple at the location.
One note however, there is a fee for taking photos at Kimberly Crest. I’m not sure of the exact fee (I don’t recall the amount at the moment). For current rates, you can give the manor a call at 909-792-2111. Chances are if you don’t pay the fee, someone may request that you either do or leave the property.
Here’s a link if you need directions. and the address is:
1325 Prospect Drive
Redlands, CA 92373
www.kimberlycrest.org
Engagement Photography Slide Show – Kimberly Crest
