The Happy Couple
For Leila Khalil and Tony Lewis, red-letter moments always involve a celebratory bottle of wine. Tony proposed at a winery in Paso Robles, California, with their favorite vino, Grgich Hills Estate Fume Blanc, and a round diamond in a 1920s-style setting. "The moment he pulled out that bottle, I knew what was happening," says Leila, the owner of a public relations firm in Los Angeles.
A vineyard wedding was a no-brainer, as was a palette of green, the bride's favorite color. Here, the bride, in Carolina Herrera, and her Banana Republic–clad groom stop to smooch in the orchard where they wed.
The Bouquet
Greenery reigned supreme in Leila's bouquet of mint, hellebores, ranunculus, and parrot tulips, adorned with her mother's locket.
Welcome Bags
When they arrived at their hotel rooms in Santa Ynez, in the heart of wine country, guests discovered burlap totes stocked with area info, snacks, water, and (what else?) mini bottles of vino.
Pre-Ceremony Embrace
Leila and Tony's embrace before the ceremony.
The Bridesmaids
The bridesmaids wore the same Jenny Yoo gown in different shades of green.
Groomsmen
Green ties in different patterns and thistle-and-olive branch boutonnieres accented the guys' Banana Republic suits.
Ties
The couple picked out neckwear in a mix of prints from Banana Republic and The Tie Bar and let each guy choose his favorite. Here, they're all displayed on a vintage wooden tie rack.
Jewelry
The bride's baubles -- floral studs, a gift from her sister, and her mother's locket, a present from her parents -- were displayed in her grandmother's antique jewelry box.
Boutonnieres
Thistle-and-olive-branch boutonnieres were trimmed with twine.
Invitations
Guests received fig-themed invitation booklets and welcome bags tied with exuberant greeting tags.
The Ring Bearer
Ring bearer Dylan Lewis cheered on the couple.
Littlest Attendants
Dylan and his sister, Grace, carried a paper flag and a wooden basket of blooms.
Cocktail Fare
To represent their backgrounds, the couple went with a "Midwest meets Middle East" theme at cocktail hour, offering hors d'oeuvres such as fresh dates, which are popular in Lebanese cuisine, and cheeses from Tony's home state of Wisconsin.
Nontraditional Guest Book
In lieu of a guest book, cards and pre-stamped envelopes were on hand so guests could mail their well-wishes.
Antique Decor
Vintage wine decanters used as decor added to the reception's theme.
Dinner
Guests enjoyed a meal of lamb and lemon chicken at long tables set in rows on the grass.
Cute Condiments
Here, decanters are trimmed with artful tags.
Seating
To create relaxed cabanas, curtains, shelves, and shutters were hung over tables from ladder-like structures. Mason jar lanterns filled with candles were suspended from antique riddling racks, once used to store wine, for a rustic chandelier effect.
Creative Display
A massive oak hung with photos served as a family tree.
Sweet Saying
The newlyweds held a banner that references Tony's proposal, when he asked Leila if she'd be with him "for all my days."
Cake Display
Simple white cakes, some with ribbons and fresh figs, were displayed on a bookshelf. "I love the outdoors and all things green. The color symbolizes growth and renewal, which is what weddings are all about," says Leila.
A Parade of Cakes
Fresh figs pop against a sheet of snowy fondant on this red velvet cake with cream cheese filling.
Candy Bar Cake
A "candy bar" cake (vanilla with a chocolate ganache, peanut butter, and salted caramel filling) was finished with buttercream and fresh olive branches.
Red Velvet Cake
Another red velvet cake was trimmed with scalloped buttercream ruffles and a satin ribbon.
Chocolate-and-Peanut Butter Cake
Tiers in nontraditional sizes give a chocolate-and-peanut butter cake, clad in fondant and sugar ruffle bands, a modern look.
Candy Cake
Green helleborus blossoms ringedv a candy bar-flavored cake covered in smooth fondant.
Engagement Ring
Leila's round diamond rests in a 1920s-style platinum setting with a pave diamond band. The prongs, which are arranged in a north-south-east-west formation, are a unique touch.
Cocktails
A beverage station was stocked with carafes of cucumber-, melon-, and mint-infused water and basil lemonade. A vintage cabinet that belonged to Leila's mother anchored the display.
The Lounge
To create the feeling of being at home with family and friends, the couple set up a cozy seating area with living room furnishings and a coat rack draped with pashminas for guests to borrow.
Surprise Ending
Once the party was in full swing, the arrival of a cigar roller was the only thing that lured guests away from the dance floor, says Leila.
Sources
Location: Demetria Estate
Event Planning: Cortnie Purdy of Canvas and Canopy
Catering: Contemporary Catering
Flowers: Carissa Jones of JL Designs
Stationery: Mimio Papers
Additional Stationery: Alchemy Fine Events & Invitations
Music: Rembrandt
DJ: Hey Mister DJ
Wedding Photography: Jose Villa
Wedding Filmography: Joel Seratto Films
Custom Flags and Banner: Joyful Joyful Designs
Cakes: Sweet and Saucy Shop