Coleman and Haley’s worlds first collided in college, where they became friends and stayed in touch after moving away and starting their careers. But when Coleman’s work moved him to Haley’s home of Dallas, the two finally met up again in person, quickly finding themselves falling in love.

“We reconnected over dinner with friends, and from then on, we were inseparable,” Haley said. “Looking back, it feels like we were always meant to find our way back to each other.”

Beyond the obvious allure of California’s scenery and temperate weather, the couple decided a wedding far from home would provide the perfect way to have a vacation-like, intimate celebration with friends and family. From the beginning of the planning process, Haley and Coleman sought a venue that could play into their goal of transporting guests to the Italian countryside.

“As we searched for a place that captured that feeling, we discovered Cielo Farms, a breathtaking winery that felt as though we had stepped into the heart of Tuscany,” Haley said. “With its rolling hills, natural beauty, and unmistakable Italian charm, it was everything we had imagined and more.”

With the expert help of their planner, Kelly Patrice(opens in new tab), and the bride’s mother (who has a background in interior design), Haley worked to bring the couple’s vision to life. “Their shared design sensibility allowed us to create an aesthetic that felt organic, timeless, and quietly luxurious, while remaining connected to the natural beauty of the venue,” Haley said.

A few trips to California throughout the planning process and an organized vendor team helped the couple settle on details like a soft, layered color palette and organic textures for the floral arrangements, tablescapes, and understated decorative elements.

When the sun rose on Cielo Farms on an early September day, Haley and Coleman’s wedding dreams started to come true. Selecting a traditional ceremony, the couple honored their family by incorporating them into the festivities, with Haley’s uncle officiating the whole thing.

The vision of bringing Tuscany to Southern California extended seamlessly into the reception, framed by rolling hills, natural scenery and subtle Italian architecture.

Guests gathered around thoughtfully curated tablescapes and floral arrangements designed by Michelle Selko-Cohen of Creative Light Design(opens in new tab). Pausmith Group(opens in new tab) provided dinner catering, while Teehan Cake Design(opens in new tab) crafted the couple’s wedding cake. For entertainment, The DJ Collective(opens in new tab) kept the celebratory energy high throughout the evening.

Reflecting back on the wedding planning process, Haley and Coleman emphasize the value of trusting your vendor team. Planning from afar presented real obstacles, including navigating regional uncertainty when the devastating Palisades Fire shut down Pacific Coast Highway during the planning period. However, working with vendors who helped them remain calm and focused and understood their desired aesthetic ultimately made the overall journey enjoyable.

For other couples planning a destination wedding, the bride offers simple advice: “Create a celebration that feels authentic to you and your partner,” Haley said. “There is no right or wrong way to design or celebrate your day. It is a reflection of you as a couple, and you only get one.”