Emma and Taylor’s wedding day was a seamless blend of Italian charm and California cool — a fusion they lovingly coined “Italifornia.” The couple’s story began on the Amalfi Coast, where Taylor proposed along the Positano cliffs. When it came time to choose a venue, Viansa in Sonoma felt like the perfect extension of that dream — with sweeping vineyard views and Tuscan-inspired architecture.
Intentional details made their celebration deeply personal. Guests discovered handwritten notes from the couple tucked beneath their menus, a heartfelt touch that reflected Emma and Taylor’s gratitude. Their branded ice cubes in signature cocktails added a playful, modern twist to timeless traditions. From the sun-soaked vineyard ceremony to late-night pizza shared among friends, every moment was infused with meaning and joy.
The day was not only beautiful but deeply authentic, honoring family ties and love at the heart of it all. Emma, raised by a single mother, was walked down the aisle by her mom — who later shared a surprise mother-daughter dance. Surrounded by family speeches, laughter, and the golden glow of Sonoma’s vineyards, Emma and Taylor created a wedding that was as intentional as it was unforgettable.
“Take the risk, do something different. You won’t regret it, and it will feel way more authentic and true to you.” – Emma & Taylor
How did you two meet? What were your first impressions of one another?
We met at a bar in college, our last semester of our senior year. My first impressions of Taylor was that he was confident, reliable and of course, good looking! After we met, he consistently texted me first, made an effort and planned a date within the next week. Taylor’s first impression was “she was wearing a tight hot pink dress and I had to meet her”.
Tell us a funny story relating to your wedding day or relationship!
Our wedding day was so smooth (thanks to the best planner ever, Mary!) but I’d say, we were both so nervous that neither of us slept the night before. It was also soo hot during the ceremony and Taylor was so anxious that he was profusely sweating up there! Let’s just say our first kiss as a married couple was a wet one (and not in a good way!).
Related to how we met, we met at a bar that we all called The D. So it was always a funny anecdote that we met at the D!
Describe a hurdle you had to overcome in your relationship or during your wedding planning.
After we graduated college, I was staying in Orange County and he was moving to San Diego. While not super far, we spent our first two years together doing “long distance” which was challenging. But it taught us communication (and that we had a lot of work to do to improve communication), empathy and understanding, and independence.
During the wedding planning process, I almost pulled the plug to completely replan our wedding in Italy! We overcame that and brought a little of Italy to Sonoma but I’d say the biggest priority in wedding planning for us was creating an experience that was authentic to us for our guests. After attending so many weddings that all seem to blend together, we really wanted ours to embody who we were and be true to us!
Any special ways you incorporated your family or family history into your wedding day?
I was raised by a single mother who is single handedly my best friend and role model. To honor her, she walked me down the aisle and I surprised her with a mother daughter dance.
Our wedding speeches also only included family so Taylor’s brother and sister gave a speech and my mom.
What part of your wedding day was/is most important to you?
Anyone can get so caught up in the details of wedding planning, the design, timeline, etc and we definitely did, but on the day of our wedding the most important and significant part really was our wedding vows. We wrote our own and read them aloud in front of all of our guests. It felt so real and meaningful and truly the reason why we were all there!
What is the best thing you’ve learned from one another?
How to have an open mind and compassion — we are very similar but also very different. Having a more open mind has allowed us to learn and grow both as a couple but also as individuals.
What is your favorite thing about each other?
Taylor’s dependability and the way he sees and loves me.
Emma’s work ethic and loyalty.
What was your favorite part about planning your wedding?
I loved the design phase of wedding planning! Having a vision, staying true to that vision and seeing it come to life was so fun! I also loved how many amazing people / vendors we met through the process. We had the best vendor team and it really allowed us to be stress free and trust them! Some honestly now feel like friends!
If you had one piece of advice for other couples, what would it be?
Do what you want and trust your gut!! So many wedding now feel the same, cookie cutter even. Take the risk, do something different. You won’t regret it and it will feel way more authentic and true to you.
I loved that we served pasta even though everyone recommended not to! Also personal touches – can’t tell you how many people loved our personal hand written notes to every guest.
Advice from my husband, “happy wife, happy life” for all the fellow grooms haha
What is the most honest thing you can say about love?
It is hard and takes work!! You have to get uncomfortable sometimes.. It stretches you and forces you to grow. And yet, it’s the most amazing, rewarding and beautiful thing in the world. At the end of the day, and at the end of our life, love is truly all that really matters. What a gift to love & be loved.
This wedding is featured in The White Wren Volume 7, a fine art printed magazine celebrating stories of love & family. Order your copy here.
Photo / Ashley Carlascio / @ashleycarlascio
Coordination & Design / Curated by Grace & White / @curatedbygw @maryfinallyhicks
Venue / Viansa / @viansasonoma
Rentals / Encore Rentals / @encoreeventsrentals
Signage / Velvet Fox Designs / @velvetfoxdesigns
Dance Floor Rentals / Bickner Dance Floors / @bicknerdancefloors
Beauty / All Dolled Up / @alldolledup_norcal
Cinema / Kory Weddings / @koryweddings
Florals / Blossoms by Lisa / @blossomsbylisa
Entertainment & DJ / Extreme Productions / @extremeprodjs
String Quartet / Bellarosa String Quartet / @bellarosastringquartet
Catering / Park Avenue Catering / @parkavenuecatering
Content Creator / Cejour Creations / @cejourcreations
Transportation / Pure Luxury / @pure_luxury_transportation
Ice / BLOCK Ice Co / @blockiceco
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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