Sunstone Winery Wedding Photoshoot: Golden Hour

There’s something about California light that feels like magic. The way it kisses the hills, lingers on the skin, and glows like honey through the vines—it’s something you truly have to experience to believe. And when that golden light meets the rustic charm of Sunstone Winery? Well, that’s the kind of setting dreams are made of.

I had the opportunity to photograph a styled wedding shoot at this iconic Santa Ynez Valley location, and to say I was inspired is an understatement. Sunstone Winery is known for its Provencal-style architecture, stone walls, and lavender-framed pathways that make you feel like you’ve been transported to the South of France. It’s elegant, earthy, and effortlessly romantic.

As the sun began to dip toward the horizon, everything around us transformed. The warm light flooded the property, wrapping the entire scene in a golden embrace. It was the kind of light photographers chase, and we had front row seats to watch it pour through the vineyard rows and across the courtyard.

The couple—dressed in timeless wedding attire—were the perfect complement to the setting. The bride wore a flowing gown with delicate lace details that fluttered in the breeze, and her loosely gathered bouquet mirrored the colors of the California sunset: soft peach, pale pink, golden yellow, and ivory, with dried elements that brought texture and warmth. Her groom looked effortlessly classic in a tailored beige suit, the perfect neutral palette against the vineyard greens and warm stone walls.

One of my favorite elements from this shoot was the intimate tablescape we styled just as the sun began to fade. A rustic wooden table set beneath a vine-covered trellis held flickering candles, delicate glassware, and layered linens in soft earth tones. The floral centerpiece spilled down the middle of the table like a garden had bloomed right then and there. It was all about creating a space that felt warm, inviting, and real—something you could imagine sharing with your closest friends and family as the sky turned to lavender and the stars slowly began to appear.

Styled shoots like this one are where creativity thrives. They allow me to collaborate with other talented vendors, play with new ideas, and showcase what’s possible for future couples looking for something more meaningful and curated. I’m not just photographing pretty things—I’m telling a story, capturing a mood, and inspiring people to plan a wedding that feels like them.

At the heart of this shoot was simplicity—letting the natural beauty of Sunstone Winery shine through. There was no need for over-the-top details or extravagant backdrops. The setting was the story. All we had to do was let it unfold.

We wrapped the evening with some portraits in the vineyard, where the last light shimmered through the leaves and the couple danced barefoot in the dirt. It felt carefree, authentic, and wildly romantic—the way love should feel.

If you’re dreaming of a vineyard wedding in California that blends European elegance with that golden West Coast charm, Sunstone Winery is truly a gem. The light, the landscape, the architecture—it all works together to create a backdrop that’s effortlessly stunning at every turn.

And if you catch it during sunset? That’s where the magic lives.

Be sure to check out my last blog where I talk about the importance of styled shoots.