An Italian-Inspired Wedding at Faulkner Winery in Temecula, California

Written By Sarah Boller

Some weddings are beautiful because of the setting.
Others are beautiful because of the people.

Josh and Keren’s wedding at Faulkner Winery in Temecula, California was both.

Set among rolling vineyards that feel more like the Italian countryside than Southern California, their day was full of warmth, meaning, and joyful celebration—made even more special by the history we share.

I met Josh and Keren through church shortly after I moved to Los Angeles. Josh was one of the first people I met, serving as the photography team leader, and photographing their wedding felt incredibly full-circle. Their day wasn’t just thoughtfully designed—it was deeply personal.

Bride and groom walking away from the camera at a winery during golden hour
faraway shot Bride and groom embracing between tall Italian cypress tress with land in the distance
Bride and Groom kissing in front of Italian cypress tress at golden hour

Faulkner Winery: A Slice of the Italian Countryside in Temecula

Faulkner Winery is one of those venues that instantly transports you. With its architecture, vineyard views, and old-world charm, it’s perfect for couples who love the romance of Europe but want the ease of a California wedding.

The ceremony took place surrounded by tall Italian cypress trees, with the vineyards stretching out in the distance. Warm sunlight filtered through the trees, setting the tone for a day that felt relaxed, intimate, and timeless.

wide shot of wedding ceremony. Ceremony site is surrounded by greenery and Italian cypress tress
A shot of wedding details. The brides shoes, wedding bands, vow books, florals and the veil is laying over them
shot of wedding guest sitting at ceremony site. Some guest are holding white umbrellas up to block the sun

A Color Palette That Felt Like Golden Hour

Keren’s vision came through in the most beautiful, intentional ways.

The bridesmaids wore silk dresses in shades of green, yellow, and gold, catching the light as they moved and perfectly complementing the natural tones of the winery. The palette felt soft, elevated, and organic—like golden hour woven into fabric.

It was effortless and refined, never overdone.

close up shot of bride and bridesmaids holding bouquets. Bridesmaids are wearing yellow and green dresses
bride and bridesmaids walking toward the camera with tall Italian cypress tress in the background. Bridesmaids are wearing yellow, green, and gold dresses
bride and bridesmaid posing for the camera under some tress. Some of the bridesmaids are holding white umbrellas.
Bride posing and looking at the camera in front of some bushes and Italian cypress trees
Shot of bridesmaids fluff the brides dress
Black and white photo of groom sitting in a chair outdoors under some trees. He is adjusting his suit
Close up shot of Groom under some tress, He is look off to the side
black and white photo of groom and groomsmen walking towards the camera as they adjust their sleeves and suit

Thoughtful Details That Reflected Who They Are

Every part of the day felt unmistakably Josh and Keren.

At the reception, guests were greeted by a book photo booth wall, a thoughtful nod to Keren’s love of Pride and Prejudice and classic literature.

Later in the evening, a Handel’s Ice Cream cart rolled in, delighting guests and adding a playful, nostalgic touch to the celebration. It was one of those details that instantly brings people together—no matter the age.

A shot looking down the aisle towards the bride and she walks with her parents through the guest.
Black and white photo of bride and groom hugging her parents at the start of the ceremony
Shot of groom looking at his bride and she reads her vows
Shot of bride and groom holding hand during their ceremony
Shot of Groom kissing his bride cheek as she smiles
Bride and groom sitting on ground with a patch of sunlight hitting their faces as they lean into each other
Overhead shot of Bride laying down with her head on grooms leg
Bride and groom embracing with her veil over them
Shot of groom standing close to the camera slightly burry and bride stands farther away in focus
Close up of bride and groom walking from waste down. You can see they are holding hands and groom is holding bouquet
Shot over grooms shoulder as he look to his bride farther down the path

Sunset, Music, and a Dance Floor That Never Slowed

As the sun dipped behind the vineyards, the energy shifted in the best way.

One of the groomsmen’s bands began playing live as the sky moved from golden light to a canopy of stars. What followed was pure joy—guests dancing under the open sky, laughter spilling across the winery, and a feeling that no one wanted the night to end.

It was the kind of celebration that feels unhurried and genuine, where the best moments happen naturally simply because everyone feels at ease.

Groom kissing brides cheek in from of book wall.
Close up of Bride and grooms hands with their rings in front of open books
Wide shot of wedding reception as wedding party enters
Black and white photos of groomsmen lift up the groom
Bride and groom running into their receptions with smiles on their faces as guest cheer
Shot of bride and groom dancing their first dance with their nose touching
Shot of bride and grooms first dance. Shot over grooms shoulder and you can see bride looking at groom
Bride and Groom dancing on a dance floor and guest seen in the background
Shot of guest watching the speeches with string light overhead and the sky turning purple.
Shot of guest cheering at wedding reception
Black and white photo of 3 wedding guest sitting at a table as speeches are happening

A Wedding Rooted in Community and Joy

Josh and Keren’s wedding wasn’t about trends or performance. It was about community, faith, friendship, and celebration—all unfolding in a place that felt warm and welcoming.

Even as the evening turned a little chilly after sunset, the joy and connection in the air never faded.

Photographing their day was an honor—not just because of how beautiful it was, but because of who they are and the life they’re building together.

Close up of Bride and groom looking lovingly into each others eyes
Bride and Groom walking away from camera towards tall cypress trees.
Bride and groom walking towards the camera looking at each other and holding hands

Why Faulkner Winery Is Perfect for Romantic, Experience-Driven Couples

Faulkner Winery is ideal for couples who want:

  • A European-inspired setting without leaving California

  • A relaxed, wine-country atmosphere

  • Space for organic moments to unfold naturally

  • A celebration that feels both elevated and deeply personal

It’s a venue that allows beauty to breathe—and that always leads to the most meaningful photos.

Wide shot of vineyard at golden hour.

Planning a Winery Wedding in Temecula?

If you’re dreaming of a wedding that feels effortless, emotional, and rooted in connection—set in a place that feels like you’ve stepped into the Italian countryside—I’d love to hear your story.

→ Inquire here to begin planning your wedding photography experience.

If candid, in-between moments matter to you as much as the beautiful details, there are a few things couples don’t always realize can quietly affect how those moments are captured.

I shared them here: 3 Things That Will Keep You From Getting Beautiful, Candid Wedding Photos

It’s a helpful read as you plan a day that truly feels like you.VENDORS:

Venue: Falkner Winery

Coordinator: Classy Kay Events

Dress: Luv Bridal

Florals: Beautiful Chaos

Suit: INDOCHINO

Sarah Boller
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