Stepping onto the grounds of the iconic Sunstone Villa in Santa Ynez is less like arriving at a wedding venue and more like waking up inside a French Chateau fever dream. With its limestone walls, centuries-old roof tiles, and sprawling vineyard views, the property is a literal feast for the eyes.

At Sunstone Villa, the sun doesn’t just shine; it glows, bouncing off the warm stone and illuminating every rustic kitchen nook and hidden courtyard in a way that feels nothing short of divine.

The Concept: The Beautiful Juxtaposition

While the Villa is rooted in timeless, romantic tradition, the design team at Club Amore decided to flip the script. Instead of leaning into the classically romantic aesthetic, they chose to juxtapose the venue’s soft, romantic qualities with sharp, edgy, and modern details.

The aesthetic was a masterclass in balance:

• The Palette: Moody, deep-toned florals that popped against the sun-drenched masonry.
• The Texture: A sleek metallic bar that brought a contemporary, industrial pulse to the center of the winery.
• The Atmosphere: A sophisticated blend of “Heritage France” and “Modern Metropolitan.”

“Your Name On It”

One of my favorite details—and a total hit with the guests—was the martini welcome table. Moving away from the standard champagne wall, the couple greeted their loved ones with personalized elegance. Each martini glass featured a guest’s name delicately etched into the side.

It was the ultimate “welcome to the weekend” gesture. At this wedding, if you were on the guest list, there was literally a martini with your name on it.

Sunset in the Santa Ynez Valley

The result of this editorial was something truly original—a celebration that honored the history of the architecture while firmly planting its feet in modern style.Santé! to a day that proved you can have your vintage cake and eat it too—with a side of gin and an olive.

Creative Team

Planning | Club Amore Weddings

Venue | Sunstone Villa

Photography | Jess Onesto

Florals | J. Flores Design

Beauty | Santa Barbara Hair & Makeup

Content Creators | The Hopeful Romantic and MH Content Creation

Models | Tara & Chris

Getting Ready Outfit | Anoea

Gown | Taylar Made Dresses

Bar | The Bottega Bar, Till Death Do Us Party

Glass & Metal Etching | Dusted Dirt Designs

Catering | La Dolce Vita

Rentals | Bright Event Rentals & Avenue Twelve 

Linens | BBJ La Tavola

Rings | Ever the Jeweler