This Couple's Wine Country Wedding Had the Most Energetic, Colorful Décor

From as early as 2007, it seemed as if Whitney Bouquet and Shane Conway were destined to be together. "We met because we went to the same high school," says Whitney, who was a freshman to Shane's sophomore; the pair slowly got to know each other in a class they shared. They became a couple in Shane's senior year and dated for two more before parting ways for college—but life brought them together again as adults, and this time, their relationship stuck.

When it came time to plan their wedding, the pair agreed upfront to prioritize their guests' comfort, maximizing the element of fun for the day. "Of course the ceremony was all about Whitney and me," Shane says. The dazzling and historic Santa Ines Mission in Solvang, California, served as the service site; the moments following the Catholic mass were particularly memorable for the groom. "Walking up the aisle with my new wife in front of all those who support us was so powerful and uplifting," he says. "It gave me even greater confidence in us."

For their reception, the pair opted to celebrate at another historic site: Mattei's Tavern—a former stagecoach stop—in Los Olivos. "We chose this area because we knew the weather would be great no matter what," says Whitney, "and we chose Mattei's Tavern because we got such a cozy, fun vibe from the venue when we visited." Bungalows surrounding the property kept out-of-town loved ones close.

While Whitney took the reins with planning, the couple also invested in a wedding planner, who melded the essence of California wine country with classic southern charm. The result? An event filled with warm, sunny tones against the clean white backdrop of the reception venue. "I can't recommend Vanessa Vierra of Vanessa Noël Events enough," says Whitney. "Our wedding would not have been anything close to what it was without her!"

As their team of vendors helped keep stress to a minimum, Whitney and Shane found themselves enjoying each other and their guests on the big day. "I tried to remember that the day is not about the wedding, it's about the marriage," Whitney says, while Shane offers this advice to other couples: "The less you try to be in control of the day, the more you will enjoy it."