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Weddings in Houston

04.11.12

Wine and Dine: Imagine exchanging your vows beneath a lush grapevine arch. After you say your “I do’s,” your guests dine and dance among oak aging barrels as the afternoon’s last, lingering sunbeams dip behind the verdant vineyards. Winery weddings offer much in the way of Italian or French romance, without the transatlantic airfare. In addition to exuding rustic charm, vineyards are full of activities and attractions to indulge guests during weekend destination weddings.

Outdoor I Do’s: Winery wedding ceremonies often take place outdoors, among the vineyards or beside a body of water, if the property permits. Ceremony décor typically mimics the surrounding vineyards: grapevines and grape accents, touches of deep red, purple and vibrant green. Consider an arch or chuppah crafted entirely out of grapevines and laden with purple-centered Picasso lilies, dahlias, blue and green hydrangeas and lavender. These same hues can be carried down an aisle lined with grapevine baskets overflowing with hydrangeas and lavender, hanging from shepherds’ hooks.

Shine On: Vineyard weddings can be chic, too! “More contemporary brides are doing a lot of black and metallic color schemes with accents of purple and green,” says Merrill Bonarrigo, co-founder of Messina Hof Winery & Resort in Bryan.

Right Site: A wineries barrel room provides an intimate, cozy backdrop for smaller receptions or pre-wedding events, such as rehearsal dinners of tastings. Larger receptions can be held on outdoor patios and in gazebos overlooking the vineyards, or in dedicated event spaces, such as Messina Hof’s Art Gallery.

Special Sip: Wine can and should play a large part in any vineyard reception menu. At Messina Hof, wedding couples can offer guests bottles of their own personal vintage, complete with commemorative labels featuring their love story. And winemaking elements can easily be incorporated into the reception décor and displays. Split corks, for instance, make excellent table number and place-card holders. And Bonarrigo suggests port-wine chocolate truffles as favors at each place setting. Wedding cakes can get in on the winery theme, too, with cascading grape embellishments instead of flowers.

Weekend wedding: Wineries are well suited to hosting weekend-long weddings and can schedule tastings, tours and wine-related activities to entertain family and guests. Be aware that many wineries close during their harvest time to attend to the work at hand. Messina Hof, however, remains open, and offers exclusive weekend wedding packages that include special entertainment like grape picking, stomping ( a la Lucille Ball!) and talent shows by guests.