Great Bear Vineyard – Savannah + Scott’s Elopement

Savannah and Scott’s Elopement at Great Bear Vineyards

Savannah and Scott booked me for their wedding photography pre-Covid.  During our consultation, they had discussed how they had originally wanted to elope, but it was important to their family to be there, so they wanted to have a small wedding for their families. They set their hearts on a local vineyard close to Savannah’s parents’ house, a place they frequented often, Great Bear Vineyards.

Soon after, Covid hit, and it became clear that they would not be able to move forward with the wedding as planned. Instead of putting their wedding on hold, they decided to go through with it on a smaller scale, closer to their original elopement plans.

Although it was an alternative wedding, we still got to do a few of the more traditional celebrations. They did an emotional and fun first look where Scott teared up upon seeing his beautiful wife. They celebrated with champagne and cake. And for the finale, they frolicked through fields of lavender at sunset. It was simply magical. Savannah and Scott’s wedding may have been smaller in size but did not lack in beauty, laughter and love.

Great Bear Vineyards

Great Bear Vineyard is owned and run by husband and wife team Jenny and Marcus Meadows-Smith. When they bought the property to build their land, they wanted to make sure it spoke to both of them.  The vineyards have a very Moroccan vibe with some English feel. It was hard for Marcus to find the right architects that understood his specific vision, but eventually they were able to build the house of their dreams. And boy, do we love their vision and how it turned out! The building has these beautiful Moroccan and Spanish vibes that make you feel like you’re right by the Mediterranean.

They actually built the property specifically with sunsets in mind! So you can be sure that the sunsets there are simply breathtaking. There’s a big beautiful vineyard of course, that makes the most amazing wine. They have a lavender field that blooms each May, and they even have an olive grove! The Great Bear Vineyards property has so much to offer and truly transports you to another place.

I’d love to capture your unique love story! If you’re looking for a California wedding photographer, contact me here! I’d love to talk with you.

Vendors

Venue:  Great Bear Vineyards

Hair and Makeup:  All Dolled Up

Florist:  Hillside Blooms Floristry

Dress:  Theia Couture

Suit:  Generation Tux

Cake:  Savannah Savory Sweets

Shoes:  Badgley Mischka

Stationary:  Minted

For more Great Bear Vineyard wedding inspiration…check out this desert inspired elopement!

Modern Desert vibes with a Spanish flare.  Lots of terra cotta and chocolate floral hues, wooden beads, and dried palm fronds.  There is even an amazing balloon arch as the ceremony centerpiece.  Come see it here for yourself!

Great Bear is tucked away in the heart of Davis, California, and most people don’t know about this hidden gem. If you’re unfamiliar with Davis, it’s a cute small college town with lots of unique activities. Here’s a few things you can do locally if you ever get to visit:

Top 3  Things To-Do in Davis

Davis Arboretum

UC Davis arboretum is a slice of nature hidden in the middle of a town.  It’s over 5,300 acres and includes the Putah Creek Riparian Reserve.  In this space, includes a beautiful Redwood Grove as pictured below.  Come take a stroll along side the stream and picnic by the pond.

Campus Eggheads

There are five ceramic sculpture installations that are spread out throughout the school Campus.  Each one reflecting the particular location of where they are located.  It’s fun to explore the campus, find the eggheads and capture some creative fun with them.  Psst….that’s what Joe and I did for our engagement session.  That’s us below.

Photo credit: Anita Martin Photography

Jan Shrem and Maria Manetti Shrem Museum of Art

A fan of art or architecture?  Then be sure to stop by and check out this spot.  Not only is it fun check out their part, but even the building itself is a piece of art.  You can hang out of the field across from it or even explore around and take photos  there.  Lots of fun!

Photo credit:  María Francisca González