FAIRYTALE WEDDING WITH A HORSE DRAWN CARRIAGE AT MONTELEONE MEADOWS | MURRIETA, CA WEDDING PHOTOGRAPHY

Romantic Monteleone Meadows Wedding | A+H’s Timeless Celebration in Murrieta, CA

There’s something magical about a wedding at Monteleone Meadows in Murrieta, CA—and A+H’s celebration was the perfect example of that charm. From sweeping views and a flower-filled gazebo to the rustic romance of a horse-drawn carriage, their day was straight out of a fairytale dream. As a Southern California wedding photographer, venues like this are a gift, offering an incredible variety of backdrops that let me tell a full, dynamic story from getting ready through the last dance under twinkle lights.

This wedding was heartfelt, stylish, and full of thoughtful, personal touches—and I’m so excited to share a look into A+H’s beautiful day.

Before the whirlwind of the ceremony, I always carve out time to photograph the meaningful details—those little pieces that often carry so much heart. A’s diamond ring was a showstopper: classic, brilliant, and full of sparkle. I captured it nestled in soft petals, catching the morning light just right. These types of shots are more than just pretty—they’re heirloom moments, frozen in time.

One creative little decision I made during their detail photos ended up becoming a gallery favorite—placing A’s bridal shoes in a neon pink flowering bush. It was a playful, slightly cheeky touch that gave the romantic details a fun edge and made the shot stand out. Sometimes, the best editorial moments come from noticing beauty in unexpected places.

Getting Ready: Pajamas, Cheers, and a Little Spice

The day began with laughter and anticipation. A looked radiant even in pajamas, sipping champagne with her bridesmaids in the bridal suite. The girls were all smiles in matching sets—perfect for cute, cozy group photos before changing into their dresses.

But before stepping into her wedding gown, A chose to carve out a quiet, intentional moment for something a little different: a bridal boudoir session. It was soft, romantic, and incredibly elegant—captured in the gentle natural light of the getting-ready suite. We tucked it in just before she got dressed, with enough time built into the schedule that it felt unrushed and completely comfortable. Whether it’s a lace robe, a delicate slip, or something a little more daring, bridal boudoir on your wedding morning can be such a beautiful way to embrace your femininity, celebrate this moment in your life, and create something truly personal for yourself or your partner.

Logistically, all it took was setting aside 15–20 minutes, choosing a window-lit corner and a mirror, and making sure we had a quiet space without too many people around. It flowed seamlessly with her timeline and added a deeper layer to her gallery—images that felt intimate, graceful, and full of quiet confidence. And A? She absolutely owned it.

If you’re looking for a way to do something a little spicy but still elegant and true to you, adding boudoir to your wedding morning is one of my favorite recommendations. It doesn’t need to be a big production. Just a private moment carved out before the whirlwind begins—one that becomes a lasting memory (and a set of stunning images you’ll be obsessed with).

Meanwhile, H and his groomsmen were relaxed and joking around while getting ready in the groom’s quarters. They raised a toast in classic fashion, and we snapped a few candids before heading outside to the open fields for some laid-back portraits with the guys. The soft golden light and the natural setting gave us the perfect backdrop for effortlessly cool group shots.

A Sweet First Look & A Ride to Remember

Before the ceremony, A shared a first look with her dad—a moment full of emotion that I’ll never forget. The joy and pride on his face said everything. Just afterward, the fairytale kicked into high gear when A arrived at the ceremony in a horse-drawn carriage, her veil trailing and the wind catching just right. Monteleone Meadows offers a sense of countryside magic that feels transported from another time—and this was one of those moments you just can’t recreate anywhere else.

As I captured each unfolding part of the day, my editorial-documentary approach allowed me to preserve not just the events, but the feelings behind them—always keeping an eye out for the in-between moments, like a hand squeeze or shared glance. I gently guide couples through portraits when needed, while still making space for authentic emotion to shine through.

The Ceremony: Under the Gazebo with Bear the Ring Bearer

The outdoor ceremony took place beneath the white gazebo, framed by lush greenery and blue and white floral arrangements that echoed the day’s soft, romantic palette. A’s father walked her down the aisle, and I captured one of my favorite images of the day: an over-the-shoulder view of A and her dad, with H’s expression sharp and filled with emotion.

Adding to the charm? Their Labrador, Bear, as the ring bearer. He trotted down the aisle like a pro and melted everyone’s hearts. The couple exchanged vows under soft sunlight and sealed it with a kiss as friends and family looked on beneath the swaying trees.

And just after their "I do's," the magic continued—A horse-drawn carriage whisked the newlyweds away for a private post-ceremony ride around the property. It was a moment to breathe, to soak it all in, and to share their first quiet minutes as husband and wife, wrapped in countryside stillness and soft summer air.

Bridal Party Portraits: Chic, Sharp, and a Little Cinematic

The bridal party portraits were such a standout part of the day—stylish, bold, and full of personality. The bridesmaids wore sleek black dresses, giving the group a timeless, fashion-forward look that popped beautifully against the natural greens of Monteleone Meadows. The overall vibe was effortlessly elegant, but with just the right amount of edge.

For one of my favorite setups, we leaned into a moody, Downton Abbey-meets-modern-gangster kind of feel. Everyone lined up in a strong formation, straight faces, eyes locked on camera—it was sharp, dramatic, and so different from your typical bridal party photo.

I love weaving in editorial-style concepts like this to bring variety and personality to the gallery, while still staying true to the couple’s style. It was the kind of shot that felt like it belonged in a magazine spread—and A+H’s crew nailed it.

Soft Romantic Couple Portraits Among Nature

After the ceremony, we explored the Monteleone Meadows grounds for couple portraits, and this is where the real magic happened. A looked absolutely breathtaking in her classic gown and cathedral veil.

One of the standout shots of the day was a kiss with her veil billowing perfectly in the breeze—romantic, ethereal, and completely timeless. We made our way around the venue: under the trees with a view of the vineyard, by the lake with swans drifting in the background.

From soft, emotional embraces to joyful spins and under-the-veil close-ups, I made sure their couple portraits had a variety of both poses and backdrops—something I always aim to offer.

This variety doesn’t just make for a gorgeous gallery, it tells the complete story of your love in a way that feels both cinematic and deeply personal. A+H mentioned how much they appreciated having both quiet, emotional portraits and fun, spontaneous moments captured—all while feeling relaxed and natural in front of the camera.

That’s always my goal as a photographer: to help couples feel like themselves while creating imagery that feels elevated and artistic.

The Reception: Dancing Under the Twinkle Lights

The reception unfolded in Monteleone Meadows’ covered open-air hall, with vaulted wooden ceilings strung with romantic twinkle lights. A+H shared their first dance surrounded by family and friends, followed by parent dances that brought a few tears—and a few laughs.

Later, their bridal party surprised them with cheeky photos of each other (taken earlier in the day) that made for some hilarious reactions and priceless candids.

The cake cutting turned into a party when the whole bridal party joined in, reaching toward the cake for one hilarious group photo that perfectly captured the vibe of the night.

And speaking of fun, the couple didn’t hold back on making their celebration their own, and it showed in every detail. Once the dance floor opened, the energy was electric. I used some creative lens drag techniques to capture the movement and mood—photos that feel like motion, like music, like the best night of your life.

Planning Your Monteleone Meadows Wedding?

If you're planning a wedding at Monteleone Meadows or anywhere in Southern California, you're in for something incredibly special. The natural beauty, whimsical touches like swans and carriages, and romantic ceremony settings are just the beginning. As a wedding photographer in Murrieta, CA, I love helping couples not only document their day but elevate it—with imagery that feels cinematic, genuine, and full of heart.

Looking for a wedding photographer in Southern California or Murrieta? I’d love to capture your love story with intention, artistry, and care.

Curious to see how I tell the full story of a wedding day, from the quiet morning moments to the last dance under the lights? You can view A+H’s complete Monteleone Meadows wedding gallery here. This gallery is part of my curated sample portfolio so couples can get a true sense of my style, flow, and attention to detail throughout every part of the day. Whether you're planning a wedding in Murrieta, Southern California, or beyond, this collection is a great example of how I approach each wedding with a blend of editorial artistry and documentary heart.