Summer Wedding at Leal Vineyards in Hollister

If you’re dreaming of a romantic, sun-soaked celebration with a vineyard view, a Leal Winery wedding might just be what you’re looking for. Chantel and Matthew’s wedding at Leal Vineyards in Hollister, CA was not only stunning, it was filled with intentional choices that made the day feel entirely their own.

From the moment we arrived, the room was calm, warm, and full of anticipation. Chantel got ready on-site at the house with her bridesmaids, tucked away just steps from the venue spaces. Meanwhile, Matthew opted for a quieter morning with no camera coverage during prep and chose to skip groomsmen portraits altogether, a decision fully supported by Chantel. He was there for her, and it was clear every moment he did participate in was for her. (And honestly? That’s kind of the sweetest thing ever.)

The ceremony took place down by the pond under a willow tree, with a fountain bubbling in the background. The aisle ended in a rectangular arch draped in soft white fabric and framed with blush and cream floral arrangements. With 180 guests seated in the summer heat, parasols were provided for comfort, an intentional and thoughtful touch that speaks to the couple’s heart for hospitality and ensuring their guests were comfortable.

Their officiant? A full-circle moment. Not only was he a close friend, but he was also the unofficial chaperone for their first Tinder date (just in case the groom needed an escape plan). Years later, that same friend was standing with them as they said their vows.

After the ceremony, guests made their way to the nearby reception tent, a beautifully draped space with three chandeliers, soft white linens, and light wood chairs that struck the perfect balance between elegance and comfort. Eighteen tables were set with blush napkins, printed menus, and little bookmarks at each place setting. Half of the centerpieces featured lush arrangements of blush and white garden roses surrounded by tall glass candle cylinders. The other half included delicate bud vases and more candlelight for a romantic, glowy mix.

Chantel and Matthew made a joint grand entrance with their entire wedding party, a nod to their deep relationships with everyone by their side, and shared in parent dances before slipping out for sunset portraits.

And let me tell you…those portraits? Worth every second. We walked up the hill to catch golden hour overlooking the vineyards, and even from a distance, we could still hear music and laughter drifting from the tent below. There’s something magical about being part of the party… even from afar.

Just before we headed out for sunset portraits, Chantel shared a surprise mother-daughter dance with her mom to Martina McBride’s “In My Daughter’s Eyes.” As the last note played, the DJ transitioned into Shania Twain’s “Man! I Feel Like a Woman,” and invited every mother and daughter onto the dance floor—from grandmothers to mamas holding newborn baby girls. It was joyful, celebratory, and the perfect lead-in to a packed dance floor that didn’t let up for the rest of the night.

Desserts rolled out after portraits: cookies, cupcakes, fruit tarts, and a simple two-tier white cake adorned with garden roses. While the cake cutting happened in front of a neutral wall, the actual feeding moment was moved to the sweetheart table—set in front of a wood-stained pallet wall featuring a custom neon “C & M” sign and soft florals—to better match the elegant aesthetic of the evening. Hey, ya girl’s gotta look out for you somehow!

Chantel’s look was soft-glam perfection: a fitted, strapless gown with a modest slit, cathedral-length veil speckled with rhinestones, and a half-up, half-down hairstyle with intricate twisted detailing that helped keep her veil in place during breezy moments. We used an heirloom glass butterfly trinket box, passed down from her grandmother, for some of her detail photos, tying everything back to family and legacy.

If you’re considering a summer wedding at Leal Vineyards, just know that July can get warm, but with thoughtful touches like shaded willow trees, parasols, and a planner like Melissa on your team (who was a dream to work with start to finish), it’s absolutely possible to keep your guests comfortable without sacrificing style. The venue offers three ceremony/reception spaces: the pond (used for this wedding), the upper hill with vineyard views (the same view as our sunset portraits), and a cozy barrel room for more intimate events.

Whether you’re here for Leal Winery wedding inspiration or planning your own leal vineyards wedding, I hope this post gave you a real glimpse into what’s possible at this incredible Hollister venue.

And if you’re dreaming of a celebration that looks incredible and feels like you? I can help!

Leal Vineyards in Hollister Provided:
Coordination & Wedding Planning Services
DJ Services and Reception Entertainment
Rentals (chairs, linens, tables, place settings)
Culinary Experience & Beverage Services
LUXE Design+Décor Services
Videography: JBJPictures
Photography: JBJPictures & Kristen Campbell Photography
Florals: VandaFloralDesign