The Love Story

Vanessa and Yonah first met through mutual friends during the pandemic. Although they attended the same undergraduate university and shared countless mutual connections, their paths had somehow never crossed. For Vanessa, it felt like proof that invisible string theory might actually be real.

She began to know Yonah was the one during their first concert date. For Valentine’s Day, he surprised her with tickets to see John Mayer. Between singing, dancing, and simply enjoying the night together, Vanessa looked at him and realized she could see herself doing life with him.

She knew they would always have fun together, feel completely comfortable being themselves, and laugh their way through life.

Their engagement came just as unexpectedly.

During a European summer trip in 2024, Yonah proposed on the hilltops of Montjuïc in Barcelona. The trip had originally been planned because they both love to travel and had friends in Europe at the same time. They planned to meet everyone in Italy and had no idea the trip would become the beginning of another chapter in their story.

About a week before they left, Vanessa’s father in law asked Yonah whether he planned to propose on their big trip. When Yonah said no, everyone was surprised. What Vanessa did not know was that the conversation prompted Yonah to go ring shopping that very afternoon.

Because they had gone ring shopping together once before, Yonah already knew the shape Vanessa loved. Their local jeweler did not have it in stock, but they found the stone they were looking for in the Los Angeles diamond district, had it overnighted, and somehow had the ring finished just two days before their departure.

On the day of the proposal, Yonah was so nervous that Vanessa noticed he disappeared several times. She had no idea why.

When they arrived at Montjuïc, another surprise was waiting. Yonah had arranged for photographers to capture the moment. Eventually, they made their way to the hilltops where Yonah got down on one knee. Vanessa was completely shocked and overwhelmed with emotion.

What began as a European summer adventure became one of the most unforgettable moments of their lives. Even better, they had the rest of their European trip to celebrate their engagement with their friends.

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The Wedding Location

Both Vanessa and Yonah are from California, so they always knew they wanted to marry somewhere in their home state.

When they began searching for the perfect setting, each had one non negotiable. Yonah wanted an open bar, while Vanessa wanted a winery without a barn. Finding a venue that checked both boxes ultimately led them to Paso Robles, a place they already loved for its wine and effortless beauty.

Rava Wines became the perfect setting for their celebration.

The couple wanted the property itself to take center stage, allowing the surrounding vineyard and natural landscape to create the foundation for the day. Their approach was intentional and understated, adding thoughtful details without taking away from the beauty already surrounding them.

Just as important as finding the right venue was finding a team of vendors they genuinely enjoyed working with. Vanessa wanted to feel surrounded by people she could trust, connect with, and rely on to understand their vision. Their San Luis Obispo County vendor team brought exactly that, creating a planning experience that felt seamless, collaborative, and personal.

 

 

The Aesthetic

The aesthetic was inspired by the natural beauty of Rava Wines, with a palette of cream, white, and green that felt perfectly at home among the vineyard.

Lush greenery provided the backdrop, while candlelight brought warmth and intimacy to the celebration. The overall feeling was romantic and Tuscan inspired, yet refined enough to let every detail feel considered rather than overly styled.

Hydrangeas were woven throughout the florals and décor as a special nod to Vanessa’s favorite flower. Their soft presence added another layer of personality to the day while creating a beautiful connection between the setting and the couple.

The celebration also brought together traditions from both of their families. Vanessa and Yonah incorporated Jewish traditions including the breaking of the glass and the Hora, while Latin music celebrated their Mexican families and kept the dance floor full well into the evening.

Some of the most memorable details were the ones that felt especially personal. Vanessa thrifted unique floral brooches for each of the groomsmen instead of traditional boutonnieres, giving each of them a keepsake to take home.

For the ceremony, the couple chose to have their co maids of honor, co best man, and siblings stand beside them while the rest of their wedding party remained seated. It created a more intimate setting and allowed the people closest to them to quite literally surround them as they began their marriage.

And because Vanessa has always loved live music, a saxophone player joined the reception, bringing an effortless sense of energy to the evening.

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The Dress

Vanessa approached wedding dress shopping with intention. Rather than visiting countless boutiques, she made one bridal appointment at Unveiled Bridal in San Francisco.

She had discovered Alyssa Kristin online and immediately connected with the designs. When she selected the five gowns she wanted to try, nearly all of them were Alyssa Kristin.

Then, just one week before her appointment, Unveiled received the new Alyssa Kristin Spring 2026 Collection.

Vanessa happened to see the Peyton gown and immediately thought, I need to try that dress.

Although Peyton was not one of her original selections, she asked the boutique to pull it for her.

It was the second gown she tried on.

When Vanessa stepped out to her mom, sister, and friends, she immediately began to cry. She continued with the rest of her appointment, but kept finding herself drawn back to Peyton. There was simply something about the gown that felt right.

Sometimes, you really do just know.

Vanessa modified her Peyton with an A line Mikado skirt and a row of buttons extending down the back, giving the gown an even more personal finish.

The Mikado fabric became one of her favorite details. Lightweight and breathable, it was perfectly suited to a summer celebration in Paso Robles. The skirt moved effortlessly with her throughout the day, allowing her to dance, celebrate, and enjoy every moment without ever feeling weighed down.

Her accessories carried their own stories. Vanessa chose to rent her wedding jewelry from the local jeweler who had created her engagement ring and wedding bands, making the pieces feel especially meaningful. Her mother in law also gifted her a beautiful pair of earrings to wear on the day.

For her veil, Vanessa discovered a lace design from an Etsy designer in Ukraine featuring delicate hydrangea detailing. She loved the contrast of the intricate lace against the clean simplicity of Peyton, while the flowers created a subtle connection to the florals throughout the celebration.

Yonah wore two looks throughout the day. He began in a classic black tuxedo with a white bow tie before changing into a white dinner jacket with a black bow tie for the reception.

The bridal party wore shades of sage, olive, and butter yellow. Rather than asking everyone to wear the exact same style, Vanessa gave each person the freedom to choose something they felt beautiful and comfortable in. The result was cohesive while still allowing each person’s individuality to come through.

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Favorite Moment

For Vanessa, the most memorable part of the day was seeing everyone they love together on the dance floor.

The celebration never seemed to slow down. Friends and family danced together throughout the night, only stepping away for a quick drink or a trip to the restroom before returning to the party.

Seeing the people they love most laughing, dancing, and celebrating together was exactly what Vanessa and Yonah had hoped their wedding would feel like.

And judging by Vanessa’s sore feet afterward, everyone made the most of the dance floor.

Advice to Future Brides

Vanessa’s advice to brides is simple: come with an idea, but leave room to be surprised.

Wedding dress shopping can quickly become overwhelming, especially after hours of researching gowns and saving inspiration. Having an idea of what you love can be helpful, but Vanessa encourages brides to remain open to the dresses that might surprise them once they are actually in the fitting room.

Most importantly, trust yourself.

Your gown does not need to fit someone else’s idea of what you should wear. It should feel like you, only elevated.

For Vanessa, Peyton gave her exactly what she was looking for. She felt beautiful, confident, comfortable, and completely herself.

And when the right gown gives you all four, sometimes there is nothing left to question.

Her other piece of advice is to truly take in the day. After months of planning, the wedding somehow passes in an instant. Between the excitement, emotion, and adrenaline, the entire celebration can feel like a beautiful blur.

Soak in the little moments. Look around the room. Stay on the dance floor. And, as Vanessa so perfectly recommends, get the videographer.