We met Samantha and Mike sometime ago and the more we heard about their elegant and easy going outdoor wedding the more exited we got to photograph it. They were describing their venue – Clos La Chance Winery – as a unique site, elegant but informal, with white stucco walls, a red-tile roof and immaculate landscaping. It sounded like something belonging in France and it was hard to believe it’s just twenty miles from Silicon Valley. We could hardly wait to finally see it!
Well, I can tell you that you won’t believe you’re in California anymore when you see the Clos La Chance Winery. It surrounds you with beauty and elegance the minute you enter the grounds and it’s a true winery experience.
We have a million favorites from this beautiful day and here are just a few:
We absolutely fell in love with all the details of this majestic venue and the wedding itself, so I’ll be sharing quite a few of the detail photos here :)
Samantha was getting ready in the Clos La Chance Bridal Suite – a big and bright suite full of charm and character. I thought that this vintage weathered dresser perfectly off-set Sam’s brand new sparkly heels!
We were happy to have a lot of time for Samantha and Mike’s portraits and right after their First Look we went all around Clos La Chance, taking full advantage of the winery’s nooks and crannies:
Mike and I absolutely loved this beautiful, flower-studded petite courtyard right at the entrance to the winery, complete with a bubbling fountain and ivy-covered entrance. Sam – you looked gorgeous!
The ceremony was held on the Grand Lawn overlooking acres after acres of green vineyards and golden oak-studded hills of the Hayes Valley:
I couldn’t get over the spectacular views; the wooden arbor, laced with climbing roses, framed the golden hillsides so well!
With some time left for portraits after the ceremony, Samantha and Mike were ready to go along with anything and climb a hill or two for photographs. For this one Mike was shooting from the next hill over and I was coordinating the movements over the phone :)
Every part of a wedding day has its place at Clos La Chance and every scene seemed prettier than the last. The Grand Terrace, paved with flagstones and surrounded by rose bushes, was the perfect setting for an evening dinner. Loved every detail of it:
Fun – and funny – toasts:
And here’s the wide view of the Terrace. Told you it looked amazing!
Just a few more details of this elegant ivy-covered winery:
And a few more, complete with the Cake Room!
Love this first dance photo with a gilded mirror reflecting the light of the wrought-iron chandelier. So pretty!
Guests moved into the Grand Salon for the dancing and this room included French Doors, a large stone fireplace, and dark wood ceiling – do I have to say more? It was the perfect place for the end to this evening. The father-daughter dance:
This is my favorite cake-cutting photograph ever! Love all of the guests’ reactions :)
And a few more evening portraits in the Cellar Room:
Our fellow professionals of the day:
Ceremony & Reception Venue: Clos LaChance Winery
Hair & Makeup: Tracy Shelor
Florals: Bloomster’s
Catering: Cafe Primavera
Wedding Cake: Jen’s Cakes
About Choco Studio: This is the blog of award-winning San Francisco wedding photographers Mike and Nat. We appreciate you visiting our blog and invite you to view more galleries and connect with us!
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Looks like a fantastic venue! Great job yet again.
Gorgeous!!
Fantastic!
P.S. why in the world were you not our photographers for the wedding?? :/
You guys are truly talented!
Beautiful!!!
Thank you guys, we loved shooting this wedding! Naira, we’d be happy to photograph you guys :)
Gorgeous photos! This is one of the best ever!
GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!
You look so BEAUTIFUL Sam!
You both look so happy
Amazing details and love love their portraits at the end! Beautiful work!
Such a beautiful wedding to share with family and friends. Certainly a day to remember for all of us.
Gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous! Beautiful photos; it must have been spectacular.
Beautiful Bride..Handsome Groom..Gorgeous Location and Memories to last a Lifetime! So glad we were able to share them with you both!
What beautiful memories your photos brought back to me! It was a very special day! Thank you for including me!