A Colorful Park Winters Wedding – Hazel Photo Weddings

Sam and Skye’s wedding at Park Winters was like stepping into an Alice in Wonderland dream world. A vibrant, whimsical, and joy-filled event where every detail was infused with color, creativity, and personality.

From the moment guests arrived, Park Winters set the tone. With its lush English gardens, Victorian inn, and secret-garden atmosphere, it felt like we had been transported into a hidden world of romance and charm. Skye, a designer by trade, contributed her expertise and eye to the day’s aesthetics, and Taylor Rae’s planning brought every colorful vision to life.

Steeped in history, Park Winters is a five-star country estate nestled amidst the verdant farmlands of Northern California. Originally built in the late 19th century, its grand Victorian inn has been carefully restored to preserve its original architectural charm. The main inn boasts tall ceilings, intricate plaster moldings, stained glass windows, and wainscoting. The property features formal gardens, a chic event barn, and a wraparound porch.

The decor choices for Sam and Skye’s wedding were bold and playful—bright florals in shades of pink and pastels, retro keychain table finders that doubled as fun keepsakes, and table numbers painted onto vintage books. It was a wedding that didn’t just embrace color; it celebrated it.

One of the most memorable and meaningful design elements was the stationery, which Skye designed herself. Each piece was produced with exquisite letterpress detail: the invitation itself, a “bus ticket” packed with wedding details, and a card catalogue-inspired insert that charmingly outlined their love story. The save-the-date bookmark included a delicate ribbon, and the entire suite arrived in an envelope adorned with large-scale, beautifully flourished calligraphy across its face—marrying storytelling with design and setting the tone for the day well before guests arrived.

The groom and his groomsmen embraced a beach-casual vibe, opting to forgo ties, while his golden bee cufflinks added a charming, regional touch—a fitting choice for a wedding surrounded by thousands of acres of farmland in California’s Central Valley. Guests leaned into the theme, too, with floral patterns appearing throughout the crowd.

Skye’s dress was ethereal and delicate, with a bodice of hydrangea-esque applique and detailed bead work that sparkled in the sunlight. The soft tulle skirt was echoed in the shoulder ties and her bridesmaids hair bows.

The ceremony took place in the late afternoon, with the sun hovering just behind the grand Victorian inn, casting golden sunbursts over the couple. Guests, encouraged to wear formal garden attire with an emphasis on color, contrasted beautifully with the lush landscape.

During cocktail hour, guests mingled at the outdoor bar under the shade of early fall maples. Conversation starter cards encouraged lively interactions, and lawn games—including a particularly photogenic, colorful croquet set—kept the energy light and fun.

Dinner was an experience all its own. A pair of long banquet tables stretched beneath the bistro lights, creating an intimate yet festive atmosphere. At each place setting, guests found a personalized card and colorful Christmas cracker—a nod to a beloved holiday tradition shared by both Sam and Skye. At the beginning of dinner, Sam and Skye asked everyone to cross their arms, grasping one side of a Christmas cracker while their neighbor grasped the other. As the crackers popped, revealing colorful paper crowns, the entire evening took on an even more whimsical, party-like quality. Fresh fruit adorned the table, and Grandpa may or may not have sneaked a few bites of the juicy, unsuspecting cantaloupe.

As the sun dipped lower, the magic continued. The reception space, with its lofted roof and dramatic lighting fixture, turned into a lively dance hall. A particularly enthusiastic moment saw Sam dancing so hard his pants ripped—a testament to just how much joy filled the night. Outside, guests lounged by the fire pit on a grand sectional couch near the dance hall.

Park Winters provided the perfect canvas for this unforgettable day. Whether wandering through the groomed gardens or discovering a hidden pomegranate tree, guests felt like they were part of something truly special.