Kaitlyn and Braden couldn’t have chosen a more fitting place to celebrate their wedding than Faulkner Winery in Temecula, California. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and sweeping views of Temecula Wine Country, the venue created the perfect backdrop for a day that felt relaxed, joyful, and intentionally focused on what mattered most: spending time with each other and the people they love.
From the warm California sunshine to the gentle breeze that moved through the vines, every part of the day felt effortless. And as the sun began to set, the entire vineyard was covered in the kind of golden light photographers and videographers dream about, making their evening portraits some of my favorites from the day.
A Wedding That Never Felt Like a Production
One of the things Kaitlyn and Braden shared with me before their wedding was that they didn’t want their day to feel overly posed or staged.
They weren’t looking for a production. They weren’t interested in spending hours performing for a camera.
Instead, they wanted to experience their wedding naturally and trust that the moments would be documented as they happened.
That’s exactly how I approach every wedding I photograph and video.
Rather than constantly interrupting the day or placing couples into stiff poses, I believe the best images and films come from giving people space to simply enjoy being together. I’ll gently guide you when needed, but so much of the magic comes from allowing real moments to unfold naturally.
Because at the end of the day, your wedding isn’t a photoshoot.
It’s one of the most meaningful days of your life.
Getting Married at Faulkner Winery
Faulkner Winery offers everything couples love about a Southern California winery wedding.
The vineyard views stretch across Temecula’s rolling hills, creating beautiful scenery throughout the entire day. Whether you’re exchanging vows in the Italian cypress or sneaking away for sunset portraits in the vineyard, every corner of the property feels peaceful and romantic.
One of my favorite things about the venue is how beautifully it photographs throughout the day. The bright California sun creates vibrant colors during the afternoon, while golden hour transforms the entire vineyard into a warm, glowing landscape.
For couples dreaming of a destination-style wedding without leaving Southern California, it’s easy to see why Faulkner Winery is such a popular choice.
A Sunset Worth Waiting For
One of my favorite parts of the day happened after dinner, when Kaitlyn and Braden slipped away from the celebration for a few minutes together. The sun was beginning to dip behind the hills, filling the vineyard with the dreamiest golden light, and a soft breeze moved through the vines as they wandered hand in hand.
We weren’t in a rush to get anywhere or trying to recreate a Pinterest pose. They were simply enjoying the first quiet moments of marriage together. They laughed, talked about the day, and took it all in while I documented everything as it unfolded.
Those are the moments I find myself coming back to again and again. They’re genuine, unhurried, and full of the little interactions that make every relationship unique. Beautiful portraits will always matter, but it’s those in-between moments that tell the story of how your wedding day actually felt.
A Different Way to Relive the Day
Along with their photography, digital wedding film, and Super 8 footage, Kaitlyn and Braden chose to include guest camcorders as part of their wedding day.
Throughout the celebration, friends and family passed the camcorders around, recording little moments as they happened. Some shared messages for the couple, others documented conversations during cocktail hour, and a few captured the energy on the dance floor in a way that only a guest can.
I love offering this because it gives couples another perspective of their wedding day. While I’m documenting the big moments and all the in-between details, your guests are capturing the celebration through their own eyes. When you put everything together, it tells an even fuller story of what the day actually felt like.
Why I Love Winery Weddings
There’s something about winery weddings that naturally encourages couples to slow down.
The scenery invites people to linger a little longer during cocktail hour, enjoy conversations with family, and soak in every part of the celebration without feeling rushed.
When beautiful landscapes, meaningful relationships, and intentional moments all come together, documenting the day becomes less about creating perfect images and more about preserving genuine memories.
That’s always my goal.
Whether I’m photographing your wedding, filming it, or documenting it with Super 8 film, I want you to spend your wedding day living it, not performing for it.
Planning a Wedding in Temecula?
If you’re dreaming of a wedding in Temecula Wine Country, I’d love to help you create photographs and video that feel honest, relaxed, and true to your day.
Whether you’re planning an intimate vineyard celebration, a destination wedding with family and friends, or an adventurous Southern California weekend, my approach is always the same: helping you stay present while documenting the moments you’ll want to relive for years to come.
If that sounds like the kind of experience you’re looking for, I’d love to hear what you’re planning.
Wedding Vendor Team
Venue / Catering: Faulkner Winery
Videography / Super 8 Film / Guest Camcorders: Jessica Thigpen Photo + Video
Photography: Bairly Media
Planning & Day-of Coordination: Cassie Gieling
Officiant: Don Lorfing (Family Friend & Pastor)
Hair & Makeup: Alyrose Beauty
Florals: Sweet Pea Floral Creations
Cake: Bakes by Yasmine
DJ: Pro Sound DJs
