A dream come true

This was *the* picture-esque Summer wedding in California. Folktale Winery & Vineyards is known for its gorgeous sights and fertile soil nestled in the heart of Carmel Valley. The architecture of Folktale Winery & Vineyards boasts a Mediterranean feel. This venue suited Amanda and Cory to the T with its timeless and classy atmosphere. To have a Folktale Winery wedding is the dream of many future brides and grooms! This wedding was nothing short of just that – a total dream. Don’t just take our word for it – keep scrolling and you’ll see!

A gorgeous Summer day

Clear blue skies above Carmel Valley‘s lush green hills set the scene for a beautiful July ceremony to come. Not only that, the sun’s amber hues peeked through the vineyards so brilliantly during golden hour! Gorgeous, colorful blooming bouquets arranged by Fleurs du Soleil adorned the venue and set the tone. All of these eye-catching elements in tandem made the day magical and heavenly.

The Bouquet

The bouquet was almost as bright and joyous as Amanda’s smile! It was so intentionally designed and delicately placed, which is why we love Monterey’s own Fleurs du Soleil florists. If you are looking for gorgeous arrangements from small and local businesses, we recommend them ten times over! Whether your wedding or event calls for pale, delicate neutrals or vivid, booming colors, they will gladly tailor each one to their clients’ individuality!

Hailing from Palo Alto, Amanda and Cory are no strangers to gorgeous valley views and wine country! Still, they were drawn to Carmel Valley’s breathtaking views. The intimacy of this private area away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life was an alluring factor, as well. We can’t blame them for choosing this piece of heaven we at AGS Photo Art call home!

A Legacy Couple

And guess what? This isn’t my first time photographing this lovely couple! I was their engagement photographer back in 2022, and I am SO honored to see their love story blossom in real time. See their engagement blog here! As a legacy photographer, I made sure their entire story was cohesive from start to finish – from the moment Amanda said “YES!” to the day she said “I do.”

Among Folktale’s award-winning wines is their signature NV Folktale Sparkling Rosé. This Rosé Brut opens with soft notes of watermelon and kiwi, offering a beautiful yeasty quality that invites you in. The palate is floral and elegant, with hints of cherry and a bright finish. Definitely the perfect pick of the day for this gorgeous Summer Folktale Winery wedding!

Getting ready with the girls

Amanda’s joy is so contagious. One of the many reasons I love my job is because I am immortalizing the biggest day of my couples’ lives! It is so fulfilling to me as a storyteller. Moments like these are what it’s all about. See the gorgeous details below.

Amanda and her bridesmaids had so much fun getting each other all dolled up for this Folktale Winery Wedding. Each detail is so important, and Blush Hair and Makeup Design made sure to make their beauty shine and start their day off right! Amanda said she couldn’t be happier with Blush’s team!

“From the moment we met during our trial, she was warm, inviting, and had such a calming presence. She opened the door for feedback very early on to make sure I felt comfortable with making any tweaks to my hair and makeup. And, my makeup was perfect – I couldn’t have asked for anything more. I wanted it to feel warm, but not glammy. It truly enhanced my natural features and felt like ‘me.'”

Cheers!

Is it a Folktale Winery wedding without some wine? For wine lovers, an award-winning glass (or two, we’re not counting!) of rosé is just as essential as the dress! The bonus of getting married at a winery is, of course, endless access to the highest-quality wines Carmel Valley has to offer. Cheers to that!

How sweet is this moment between Amanda and her mother? Happy tears were shed and heartwarming words were exchanged as they embraced and looked back on all the moments that led up to this one. I was there to capture this sweet moment for them to remember always!

The DRESS!

Amanda’s intricate lace dress by Eddy K Bridal had our jaws on the floor. So show-stopping! It was the absolute perfect choice for our bride Amanda! The hybrid of classic and modern is such a delicate line to balance, and this designer got it down perfectly. Speaking of hybrid, I am a hybrid photographer! This means that I shoot both film and digital photography. Film photography is the nostalgic option for couples who love all things vintage. Contact me here if that sounds like something you’d love!

Getting ready with the guys

While his wife-to-be was a stone’s throw away getting ready at Folktale, Cory got ready at a different winery! He must have really wanted to make sure he didn’t accidentally run into her before their First Look! But we can’t blame him for wanting the best of both worlds.

At Bernardus Lodge & Spa, there is such a vast luxurious feel that differs from Folktale in its own characteristic ways. Surrounded by the picturesque Santa Lucia Mountains, Bernardus boasts a tranquil setting and rich sense of place within the artistic village of Carmel Valley. We could see so easily how elated Cory was on his big day. He couldn’t help the huge smile growing on his face as he was surrounded by family.

How gorgeous are their rings?! Amanda said about her oval-cut diamond on a thin rose gold band: “I wanted something timeless that could sit (and shine!) on its own.” She succeeded in finding exactly that – a timeless and elegant ring that carries its own statement.

The first look!

The two looked like they just stepped out of a luxury wedding magazine! With Amanda’s gorgeous sheer lace mermaid dress, twinkling smile and joyous warmth, she was nothing short of a model. Cory’s face lit up at finally seeing the love of his life and his bride-to-be! He looked especially dapper in his deep blue suit with floral-patterned lining and a tie to match. The brown leather dress shoes were the cherry on top of the groom’s intentional design.

As they exchanged their vows to each other, it was the beginning of so many moments to come. Amanda and Cory knew they wanted this huge milestone preserved for generations to look back on. A wedding album was top of the list. That’s why they reached out to us!

An heirloom album meant to last lifetimes

Here at AGS Photo Art, we are a full-service studio, meaning our job is not done until your photographs are physically held in your hands. Albums are our specialty, and we certainly encourage an album for weddings. There are other forms we offer, such as framed prints on the wall, bi, tri, and quad-fold folios, deckled fine-art prints, or small books… But for weddings, the whole story truly is necessary. An album is the most durable, most essential heirloom worth considering. Read more on how we can help you achieve that here.

A beautiful ceremony in Carmel Valley

For this Folktale Winery Wedding, Amanda and Cory went with a lightweight, natural feel. Elegant, thin-boned chairs adorned the white round tables effortlessly. the green atmosphere and vast florals brought it all together as the classy ceremony commenced.

The most dreamy Folktale Winery wedding

After their picture-perfect ceremony, the bride and groom snuck away with me for some golden hour portraits. I cannot tell you how obsessed I am with these. Seriously! I wish I could say it was a rare moment, but the Summer season consistently brings this beauty to Carmel Valley’s fields and hills. Pair that with a setting sun, and you have struck gold – literally!

Romance in the vineyards

This was an especially romantic moment for Amanda and Cory, dancing through the dappled sunlight of the vineyards. I can’t blame them – there was so much to smile about and celebrate after their Folktale Winery wedding. And the dancing definitely wouldn’t stop there!

Celebrating with family

With live music by Johan Sotelo, it was hard to resist dancing while I held the camera. Everyone had such genuine joy together, plain to see in the photos.

They also enjoyed donuts by Marina’s small business Tart and Tin Cakes, yum! Surely the best way to end the night.

If this looks like the wedding of your dreams, contact us here! We’ll make it happen.