Some weddings carry a sense of timelessness—woven from tradition, anchored in faith, and wrapped in the warmth of community. Julia and Isaac’s celebration at Monserate Winery was just that. Their day honored generations of love, family heirlooms, and deep-rooted faith, creating a wedding that felt both personal and enduring. From a custom shared last name to sentimental jewelry passed down from grandmothers, every detail was intentional and deeply meaningful.
Surrounded by dear friends and talented vendors they knew personally, the couple created an atmosphere of joy and connection. With a double first look, t-shirt toss instead of traditional bouquet tosses, and music sung and choreographed by family, the entire day radiated authenticity and heart. It was a true testament to building a marriage on shared values and honoring the legacy of love that came before.
“Love isn’t just about butterflies or cinematic moments. It’s about choosing the person who inspires you to become your best self and walking hand-in-hand with them as you grow into that version together.”
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We met through mutual friends, serendipitously really. I was actually set up to meet Isaac’s best friend, but we clearly didn’t click. Thankfully, that friend brought Isaac along, and that’s when everything changed. From the very beginning, we were drawn to each other’s shared sense of adventure, values, and intentionality when it came to dating. Our conversations were filled with wit and playful banter, and it felt like we’d known each other for much longer. Ironically, the friend who originally brought us together ended up being the best man at our wedding!
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
As someone with a Type-A personality, I love knowing and planning every detail, but Isaac had other plans. He decided he wanted a “first look” too. I wasn’t allowed to know the color or style of his suit until the wedding day. I tried everything; messaging the groomsmen’s girlfriends, digging through bank statements, even attempting to log into suit rental accounts, but he kept it perfectly under wraps. The reveal was totally worth the suspense, and it was a hilarious (and humbling) reminder that not everything has to go according to plan.
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
Family legacy was woven into every part of our wedding day. I wore my grandmother’s ring, my other grandmother’s bracelet, and my mother’s earrings; three generations of love and strength wrapped around me. Our cake topper had been passed down through five generations. Our guest book/photo booth was themed “Photos Through the Ages,” featuring wedding portraits of family members and vintage cameras for guests to capture their own moments. It was a beautiful tribute to where we came from and the love stories that led us to ours.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
Our wedding was a celebration of partnership and equality. We both chose to take each other’s last names, combining them into Newton Schwantner. We wrote our vows together, making equal, intentional promises to one another. We also ditched the bouquet and garter tosses and instead together threw custom t shirts into the crowd. Our faith was also a central part of the day. One of the most touching moments was when my mother and Isaac’s father prayed over us—it was deeply emotional and incredibly grounding.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
Hands down, the best part was planning with our incredibly talented friends. We decided to support people we know in the industry—our photographer, videographer, makeup artist, day-of coordinator, and even our jazz band are all dear friends who brought so much heart and creativity to the planning process. We carried this idea through even to the smaller elements of the day. For example, our maid of honor sang our first dance song, and Isaac’s sister, a professional dancer, choreographed it. It not only supported the people we love, but also allowed us to be surrounded by even more love on the day itself.
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Celebrate every step along the way. Booked the venue? Pop some champagne. Got your first wedding gift in the mail? I threw on a veil to open them. Finished addressing the invites? Reward each other with a hand massage. It makes the journey so much more joyful.
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
Love isn’t just about butterflies or cinematic moments. It’s about choosing the person who inspires you to become your best self and walking hand-in-hand with them as you grow into that version together.
Photography: My Sun and Stars Co / @mysunandstars.co
Videography: Moore Pictures / @moorepictures.co
Venue: Monserate Winery / @monserateweddings
Hair & Makeup: Emily Lynn & Co / @emilylynnandcompany
Florals: Flowers by Árvore De Luz / @flowersbyarvoredeluz
Coordinator: Lindsey Co Events / @lindseyco.events
Rentals: Outdoor Luxury Events / @outdoorluxuryevents
DJ: Timmy D Productions / @timmydproductions
Dress: Luv Bridal / @luv_bridal
Bridesmaid Dresses: Birdy Grey / @birdygrey
Suits: Suit Supply / @suitsupply
Publisher at The White Wren and Bajan Wed, Award Winning Photography + Videographer at Live View Studios, Dad, 80s music lover, crunchy health advocate
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