Testarossa Winery Wedding Photos • Andi + Jaron

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I fondly look at these wedding photos because they encompass so much about what I love with wedding photography: an intimate yet unique setting I traveled to get to, friendship and great food and conversation, and of course the love of a decade between the bride and groom. Andi and Jaron’s wedding in particular was personal as I met Jaron at WPPI in 2015 and quickly learned of his fiance, Andi in our first conversation (a female name I wasn’t about to forget because I have a cousin, named Andie, and it’s a somewhat rare girl’s name.)

I’d ask him how his fiance was doing whenever we’d catch up over Facebook chat and one day he inquired about wedding photography; I was floored…and flattered (especially because Jaron knows a ton of photographers). Over a year later about 60 close friends and family members gathered an hour or so south of San Francisco (where Andi and Jaron live with their Jack Russell Terrier, Wesley) in Los Gatos, California, for their beautiful wedding.

Mikkel Paige Photography photo of Hotel Los Gatos California for a wedding at Testarossa Winery. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of diamond rings and a black wedding band at Hotel Los Gatos California for a ceremony at Testarossa Winery. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of an invitation for a California wedding at Testarossa Winery with getting ready images at Hotel Los Gatos.The day began nearby at Hotel Los Gatos, at the base of the Santa Cruz mountains, where Andi and her bridesmaids and bridesman and parents, and Jaron and his groomsmen, were preparing separately in two rooms. Mikkel Paige Photography photos of the groom getting ready at Hotel Los Gatos California for a wedding at Testarossa Winery.

Jaron helped put Matt’s cufflinks on at his wedding so Jaron enlisted him to help put on his clock cufflinks Andi gifted him one Christmas shortly before a part of the day Jaron was most looking forward to: giving his groomsmen their carefully selected gifts!

Mikkel Paige Photography photo of clock cufflinks at Hotel Los Gatos California for a wedding at Testarossa Winery. Mikkel Paige Photography photos of the groom getting ready at Hotel Los Gatos California for a wedding at Testarossa Winery. Mikkel Paige Photography photos of the groom getting ready at Hotel Los Gatos California for a wedding at Testarossa Winery. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the groom's details at Hotel Los Gatos California for a wedding at Testarossa Winery.

Jaron gave all his groomsmen a sports mug (okay, I admit it – I’m not into sports so I can’t really recall precisely what it was), a beautiful leather travel bag and then gave them all each additional individualized present that had to do with their personality.Mikkel Paige Photography photos of the groom getting ready at Hotel Los Gatos California for a wedding at Testarossa Winery. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of unique black bridesmaids gowns at Hotel Los Gatos California for a wedding at Testarossa Winery. Mikkel Paige Photography wedding photo of the bride getting ready at Los Gatos California Testarossa Winery. Mikkel Paige Photography wedding photo of the bride getting ready at Los Gatos California Testarossa Winery. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride's Valentino flats, black with metal studs, for her wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.

Over in the bridal suite at the winery, it was time to get Andi into her gorgeous Essense of Australia gown and slip her feet into her fashion-forward Valentino black metal-studded flats…and head to the first look!

Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom's first look for their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom's first look for their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom's first look for their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom's first look for their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.They opted to give each other gifts in person after their first look (as opposed to when they were apart, getting ready in the morning), which I love. Andi gave him a chef’s dream  – a top-of-the-line Japanese knife. He handed her a Tiffany and Co. bag (doesn’t every woman love seeing a Tiffany blue bag being handed to her?) and inside was a cute little “bean” bracelet, perfect to accompany her last name.Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride's gift to her groom for their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the groom's gift to his bride for their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom at their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.
Mikkel Paige Photography detail photo of the bride's white flower earrings for her wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the groom at Hotel Los Gatos for his wedidng at Testarossa Winery in California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom at their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.We were able to get some great photos at Hotel Los Gatos, about 5 minutes from the winery where they both did the majority of preparation for their day, and of course took advantage of all parts of Testarossa Winery, from the the beautiful stone exteriors of their buildings, to ivy covered walls and even awesome wedding party photos on one of their loading docks. (Photo opps are everywhere if you just keep your mind open and let the creativity in.)

Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom at their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.

Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride's pink and green bridal bouquet for her wedding at Testarossa Winery in California, with garden roses, Dusty Miller, Veronica, Dahlias and Hellebore.
Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom at their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California. Andi opted for simple, beautiful jewelry – enamel white flower studs – and carried a pink, green and white bouquet including Dusty Miller, Dahlias, Veronica, and Rosemary. I was a little surprised when I walked over to the loading dock with Andi and Jaron to see all but one of its barrels had been moved and a mint green pickup truck was in front of it. So I thought fast and decided it was awesome – and let’s roll with it. And I LOVE the results. How hot is this photo of them? And the hits kept coming…Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom at their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California with a vintage mint green pickup truck.Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom at their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom at their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography kiss photo of the bride and groom at their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California with a purple flower wall. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom at their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California with an Essence of Australia gown. mikkelpaige-testarossa_winery-california_wedding_photos-035 mikkelpaige-testarossa_winery-california_wedding_photos-034Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom at their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California with a purple flower wall.Mikkel Paige Photography Vogue photo of the bride and groom and their bridal party at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bridesmaids bouquets by Home Sweet Flowers at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of a bridesmaid's half up hair do by Charismatic Bride at a wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography Vogue photo of the bride and her bridal party at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography bridal photo portrait with cat-eye makeup for her wedding at Testarossa Winery in California.

I’m a little in love with this photo of Andi. She looks so classic and elegant in it with her sweetheart neckline and cat-eye makeup. Her gown’s highlight, for me, was the well executed cut the designer chose. And I loved how long the train was. It made for some impactful imagery! She also chose one of the best black gowns I’ve ever seen for her bridesmaids. The plunging neckline with criss-cross detail on the front and back was jaw-dropping yet tasteful. Of course the groomsmen – some of Jaron’s best friends from high school and college – were perfectly handsome! They wore boutonnieres from Home Sweet Flowers that had contained white Freesia, Brunia, Dusty Miller and seeded Eucalyptus.Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the groom and his groomsmen in front of an urban backdrop at his wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography boutonniere photo with brunia and seeded eucalyptus by Home Sweet Flowers, at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the groom and his groomsmen in front of an urban backdrop at his wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.Mikkel Paige Photography Vogue photo of the wedding party at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California.

Aren’t they picture-perfect?

Mikkel Paige Photography Vogue photo of the wedding party at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the bride and groom at their wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California with an Essence of Australia gown.Mikkel Paige Photography Vogue photo of the bride and her bridal party at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the groom and his parents at his wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of bridal party and the bride and groom's parents at a wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.

I loved that Andi and Jaron wanted a photo of their wedding party with both sets of parents. I’ve actually never had that request before but I think it’s one of the smartest combinations.Mikkel Paige Photography boutonniere photo with brunia and seeded eucalyptus by Home Sweet Flowers, at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.Mikkel Paige Photography photos of a wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photos of a wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.

Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the groom at his wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.

Mikkel Paige Photography ring photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photo of the framed table sign at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography photos of a wedding at Testarossa Winery in Los Gatos, California.Mikkel Paige Photography ceremony photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California.Guests enjoyed about half an hour of cocktail time and passed crostini hors d’oeuvres before they were asked to be seated in “The Cave” for their beautiful ceremony. The Friar Brad Reynolds, who traveled in from Washington to officiate, mentioned a list of 10 things to remember in marriage during their ceremony that was so touching and true to relationships and making them work I not only got teary-eyed but had to compliment him on it when I saw him during dinner.Mikkel Paige Photography ceremony photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography ceremony photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography ceremony photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography ceremony photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California.

It’s that moment when they walk back down the aisle – when any stress or nerves or tension from the day is totally released and they are just basking in the glory of being pronounced husband and wife – that’s my favorite.

Mikkel Paige Photography reception photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography reception photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography reception photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California.

Round tables were set up in the dinner room with plated beet and spring mix salads. The chef at Testarossa, Dave Page, is one of Jaron’s favorite and after eating their food I can see why. The bread, the salad and the main course (I had sweet potato gnocchi that was amongst the best I’ve ever had) were delicious. And the wine kept flowing! (Do you know “Testarossa” is Italian for “red head”? So naturally I had to taste some red vino…)

Their white buttercream cake, adorned with pink Garden Roses and white Lisanthus, matched their table centerpieces perfectly.Mikkel Paige Photography cake photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. White buttercream stacked rounds with fresh pink and green garden rose flowers. Mikkel Paige Photography reception photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography reception photo of a bridesmaid at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography reception photo of the bride and groom at their Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography reception photo of the groom and his father at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography reception photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography reception photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography reception photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California.

Mikkel Paige Photography reception photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography reception photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California. Mikkel Paige Photography night photo at a Testarossa Winery wedding in Los Gatos, California.

After dinner and some wonderful speeches by both Andi and Jaron, their fathers, and best man Matt and Maid of Honor Laura, everyone moved over to the tasting room for an evening filled with dancing, dessert and glow sticks! I couldn’t resist snapping this long exposure of the exterior of the winery before leaving an incredible day.

Congratulations, newlyweds! I’m so honored I could be an integral part of such a memorable day and once-in-a-lifetime occasion in the lives of friends.

Venue: Testarossa Winery / Getting ready: Hotel Los Gatos / Dress shop: Janene’s Bridal / Wedding gown: Essense of Australia / Shoes: Valentino / Bride’s earrings: Carolina Herrera / Florist: Home Sweet Flowers / Groom’s watch: Maurice Lacroix / Cake: Farmhouse Frosting / Invitations and signage: designed by the bride, printed through Minted / Hair and makeup: Teri, Charismatic Bride / Officiant: Friar Brad Reynolds / Bridesmaids gowns: Nordstrom, Jill Stuart / Bridesmaids earrings: Kate Spade / Wedding bands and engagement ring: Shane & Co / String Trio and DJ: Max Alegria, Gatsby Entertainment

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