Bill and Shannon are not only the breathtaking couple pictured below, but they are also the owners and creative masterminds behind Aviation Vineyards, one of Southern California’s premiere wedding venues. The couple just opened their jaw-dropping mountainside estate to the public after saying their own vows during an intimate summer ceremony on June 3rd, 2017. A beautiful wedding made even more meaningful by taking place at a venue they built from the ground up.

UPDATE: It is with heavy hearts we must inform all the brides and grooms out there that Aviation Vineyards is no longer accepting weddings.  If this changes we will most definitely let everyone know.  It has been a true pleasure to be a part of the many weddings we photographed here, and the memories made will not soon be forgotten.

The venue is nestled in the boulder adorned hills of Temecula, California. After the winding drive up the venues private road you’ll see the unique and totally amazing airport hangar that boasts the groom and bridal suites which are equally as epic. Bill and Shannon truly poured their hearts into every detail of this California wedding venue. Their attention to detail is reflected everywhere, the luxurious bridal suite is the epitome of any girls dream bed and bath situation, complete with a clawfoot tub! But its the little things, like the large glass table with ample room for hair and makeup prep, the many mirrors and (hallelujah!) huge windows (natural light is best for makeup ladies!) and shimmering overhead lights that will make your glam squad giddy to get you wedding day ready.  The groom prep room also features all of the essentials and of course the luxuries, like big screen T.V., foosball table and a massage chair that will have you loosened up for that long walk down the aisle. Cocktail hour takes place within the airport hangar and allows guests to get views of the fighter jet perched above, all while sipping cocktails and enjoying the warmth and crackle of a fire in the gorgeous stone fireplace. To get to the ceremony and reception site guests are led over a wooden bridge dressed with the soft flicker of market lights.

The ceremony site is centered around the all beautiful mother nature with only a wooden beam arch and iron chandelier to accent the natural beauty. The green mountainous backdrop allows boulders to peek through and without towering trees (don’t get us wrong we normally love them!) you get an unobstructed view of clear skies and the mountain all drenched in the beautiful California sun. There are plenty of opportunities for photos on the grounds, one of our favorites is on the concrete alter that rises out of the pool which lends itself to some dreamy floating on water pictures. The reception site is lush and green with trees featuring cascading leaves adding to the whimsy of the secret garden feel. A weathered antique door leads to the open space where the tables and rustic bar rest beneath a canopy of market lights, the perfect place to dance the night away under the stars.

We are so energized by everything this venue offers, from the rustic, earthy elegance of the ceremony backdrop, beautiful weathered blue door leading to the reception site and the massive sunbathed boulders resting beneath clouded skies, Aviation Vineyards is truly a diamond in the rough. Last month Emry was invited to Aviation Vineyards for a stylized shoot which we were so honored to be a part of but while we were there we found ourselves so inspired by the venue that we had to get Bill and Shannon back into their tux and gown for some impromptu bridal portraits. We hope you see not only the magic this venue offers but also feel the magic as we did between its owner’s, Bill and Shannon.

So if you are a couple wanting unadulterated mountain views and a wedding night spent beneath the stars contact us or Bill and Shannon and tell them Emily and Ryan from Emry referred you.  Check out this beautiful video we did for them recently that gives you a glimpse into the beauty they provide.

Dress: Martinalianabridal