Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery Wedding
Laura and Billy’s winery wedding at Casa Real in Pleasanton this past weekend was the stuff photographer’s dreams are made of; each of the carefully curated details made our photographer hearts go pitter-patter with joy.
They met by fate just after New Years in 2011, when Billy helped Laura over the phone as a customer service representative for the cable company. He spent all day on the phone with her, trying to get her cable installed over the holiday (and he succeeded!), and Laura was so grateful for his help that she did something she never in a million years would have normally done: she went in to the store he worked at and asked him out to dinner. It was love at first sight for the both of them, and the rest, as they say, is history.
Ashley has known Laura for a couple of years now; they worked together at a wedding that Ashley was assisting at a couple of years ago (Laura is one the East Bay area’s premiere florists – LC Floral Design and Laura’s sister is Karey, who is not only one of Ash’s best friends but also one of the best wedding photographers in the East Bay area – check her out at Hazy Lane Studios!). About a year ago, Karey called Ashley and told her that Billy was finally going to propose on Laura’s birthday in March and that we had to keep it a secret from Laura. So we waited … and waited … and waited for March to roll around and finally, the big day arrived! Laura thought that her nieces and nephews were surprising her with a homemade birthday cake after a day of pampering, but little did she know that Billy had invited all of their friends and family over for a birthday/proposal surprise party. The photos Karey took of Billy down on one knee brought tears to our eyes – we were so excited for Laura!!
Once they settled on a date (which happened to be what would have been her grandparents’ 62nd wedding anniversary), Laura asked us to come up to the East Bay to photograph their wedding – and we couldn’t have been more excited and honored. The wedding was one of the most beautifully designed events we’ve ever attended, from the champagne up-lighting to the crystal chandeliers and candelabras, and the ceremony site? To die for: floating candles, dark pink rose petals and a gorgeous flower wall in front of a blazing fire. We couldn’t have imagined a more perfect and romantic nighttime ceremony (even if we were getting hit with a crazy rainstorm outside, thank you El Nino!)!
The reception that followed was equally romantic and stylish, with clear and gold table settings, lit by candles. The wedding cake had 7 tiers with hand painted roses and gold filigree; it was the most exquisitely designed cakes we have ever seen in real life – it looked like a piece of art (we almost hated for them to cut into it, it was just so dang pretty!). The newly minted Mr + Mrs sat a sweetheart table with a plush loveseat, flanked on either side with farmhouse tables that sat their bridesmaids and groomsmen. During Karey’s speech as the Matron of Honor, she brought out a Spiderman action figure and a Belle doll, so Billy + Laura could play a “Who knows the other person the best” type game – answering questions like “who does the cooking?”, “who got the last ticket?”, “who takes longer to get ready in the morning?” and the like – it was so much fun to see them answering (everyone was cracking up laughing at some of the answers, too!).
This wedding was extra rad because it was also a mixed culture wedding – Billy’s family is from Afghanistan, so we dined on Middle Eastern cuisine and listened to cultural music mixed in with the other jams the DJ was mixing on the spot. The dance floor was never empty, the atmosphere was absolutely perfect and filled with overwhelming love and joy. Not to mention, there was baklava – which might be one of our favorite desserts! Halfway through the reception, a late night treat of french fries and donuts were set up for guests – both of which were super tasty and a fun addition to what was already a perfect wedding. It was such a fun day from start to finish, we were sad to see it end.
We are so happy for our dear friends, Laura + Billy … We wish you both a lifetime of happiness and joy. Congratulations on your happily ever after! xoxo
Vendor Love
venue + fry bar | Casa Real at Ruby Hill Winery
coordinator | Kaelyn Brazil with Lindsay Lauren Events
florist | Enchantment Floral
officiant | Helder Silva
videographer | Matter Video
cake | Ma Petite Maison Cake Design
donut bar | Harvey’s Gourmet Donut Company
chair + charger rentals | A Grande Affair
additional rentals | Pleasanton Rentals
linens | Napa Valley Linens
lighting + draping | Fantasy Sound
dj + photo booth | Entourage Events SF
hair stylist | Missy Craig, Hair by Missy
makeup artist | Adele Nader, Makeup by Adele
bridal headpiece | Something Treasured
invites + paper goods | Natalia Maria Designs
truffles | Le Belge Chocolatier
signage | Sweet & Crafty
catering | Maiwand Kabob House
bridal gown | J’aime Bridal
groom suit | Gucci
bridal + groomsmen jewelry + ties | Nordstorm
groom jewelry | Gucci + David Yurman
spray tans | Apres Soleil Tans
bridesmaids jewelry | Stella & Dot
robes | loveophelia
decorative Mr + Mrs pillows | Nostalgic Revivals (*this shop is owned by one of our RAD wedding brides!!)
Are you looking for a wedding photographer in Lake Havasu?
Hey there, I am Ashley Durham, a western Arizona wedding photographer specializing in unposed, authentic and romantic intimate weddings that capture the love, fun and realness of couples and wedding days.
I am happy to serve couples from Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Prescott, Kingman, Skull Valley all the way to Palm Springs, Southern California and anywhere I can drive or fly. Are you ready to have an incredible time together for your wedding?? DM me!!
