Modern Garden Wedding at Nella Terra Cellars

Cece and Eli’s wedding at Nella Terra Cellars was the kind of day that just felt good. It was sweet and romantic one minute, then full-blown celebration the next, and honestly, that mix of vibes is what made it so much fun to photograph. Set in the lush hills of Sunol, the day had everything: spring florals, stylish white-on-white outfits, a choreographed first dance, and money guns. Yes, actual money guns.

As a Bay Area wedding photographer team, we specialize in helping couples feel relaxed, confident, and free to be themselves in front of the camera. That’s when the real magic happens, when you’re laughing one minute, tearing up the next, and soaking in every moment without feeling stiff or posed. Cece and Eli brought that energy all day long, and it was such a joy to capture.

First Look Feels (and a Groom Who Couldn’t Stop Crying)

Let’s start with the first look. Eli was already emotional before Cece even tapped him on the shoulder. She told us later, “I’d say the fact that Elijah was a cry baby. Just cause I wasn’t expecting him to be crying as much as he did, since usually I’m the crier in the relationship.”

Between the emotional first look and their ceremony tucked beneath a canopy of greenery, this day was full of heart. Eli summed it all up perfectly: “I’d say the whole event.”

Spring Florals and a Garden Party Twist

“Nella Terra Cellars has beautiful greenery,” Cece said. “And I wanted to contrast the colorful florals with the greenery in the background.” Mission accomplished. Their florals were a total spring dream, with soft pastels, big textured blooms, and floral columns that wrapped around their sweetheart table in the most romantic way.

“Florals for a spring wedding? Yes, please,” she added. We couldn’t agree more.

As the sun started to dip behind the hills, we snuck away for a few golden hour portraits. One of the things we love most about Nella Terra is how the rolling hills change with the seasons. In the spring they’re lush and green, and by summer they turn this warm golden brown. For Cece and Eli, the hills were glowing, and it made the perfect backdrop for some quiet, just-married moments before jumping back into the party.

A Feel-Good Party with a Surprise Entrance

When we asked Cece what vibe they were going for, she said, “Definitely a ‘feel good’ kind of wedding. From sweet and romantic during the ceremony to playful and fun with surprises for our guests during the reception. It was perfect. No regrets at all!”

One of those surprises? Money guns during their entrance. “I wanted to do a little something fun,” Cece said. “Especially since I knew our group was a party group. I thought it would be a fun way to get things started.” Spoiler: it was.

They kept the surprises coming with a choreographed first dance. That one was Eli’s idea. “He did all the research,” Cece said. “Fun fact: we practiced our dance in 1 week, and we are not dancers at all.” Eli added, “The first dance was perfect because we did it without messing up.”

Why We Loved This Wedding So Much

Our whole approach is about making people feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. We are all about documenting the real stuff: laughter, happy tears, dance floor chaos, and creating images that feel effortless and totally you.

Cece and Eli’s day was a perfect example of that. It wasn’t about being picture-perfect. It was about being themselves, and that’s what made it so beautiful. We are so grateful they trusted us to capture all of it.

To Cece and Eli, thank you for letting us be part of the fun, the tears, the first dance triumph, and yes… the money guns.

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Cece and Eli’s Dream Vendor Team

Venue: Nella Terra Cellars

Planner: Simply Lovely Events

Photography: Onelove Photography

Florals: Flowers Valley

Video: JCPro Film Videography

Looking for a Bay Area wedding photographer who will capture your day in a way that feels fun, natural, and completely personal?

That’s our thing. Whether your day is all about romance, high-energy party vibes, or both, we’ve got you. Let’s create something beautiful together.

Get in touch!