Healdsburg Wedding Photographer at Villa Chanticleer | Photos And Experience You’ll Love

If you’re dreaming of a wedding at Villa Chanticleer in Healdsburg, you’re in for a beautiful blend of old-world charm, sweeping wine country views, and a celebration space that feels both intimate and grand. As a Villa Chanticleer wedding photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing some incredible love stories here—and Christina and Bryan’s day was one I won’t forget.

Their June wedding was filled with vibrant energy, heartfelt traditions, and a whole lot of dancing. From the moment Bryan rolled up in a vintage Mustang to their bubble-blown exit at the end of the night, the celebration was packed with personality and joy.

A First Look Outside the Villa

Christina and Bryan chose to share a quiet first look just outside the villa, with its charming white columns and classic architecture setting the scene. The soft breeze, warm sunshine, and quiet moment before the day unfolded made for one of the sweetest parts of their story. During this time, they exchanged handwritten vows privately, reading them aloud to one another in an emotional, heartfelt moment that truly set the tone for the day.

Ceremony Overlooking Sonoma Wine Country

The garden at Villa Chanticleer is also an ideal setting for wedding party and family portraits. With its lush greenery, natural light, and a mix of open space and shaded areas, it offers a clean and timeless backdrop that keeps the focus on the people you love most.

The ceremony took place in the upper garden, framed by oak trees and distant views of the valley below. Their vows blended both traditional and personal elements, and guests witnessed a union that honored both families and cultures—including nods to Christina’s Russian heritage throughout the day.

Reception Traditions: Toasts, Treats, and Triads

Once inside the historic reception hall, guests were treated to heartfelt toasts in both English and Russian. There were nods to the “Triad” tradition—three symbolic toasts throughout the evening that brought laughter, tears, and cheers from the crowd.

Their cake cutting was classic and sweet, but true to form, it didn’t take long before the music turned up and the dancing began. From traditional Russian folk songs to American classics, the dance floor was never empty.

Mustangs, Moves, and a Bubble Exit

Bryan’s vintage Mustang made a statement from the very start, and it became the perfect prop for a few just-married portraits as the sun began to dip. As golden hour hit, we snuck away down the road, just the three of us, to capture the last bits of light under a canopy of eucalyptus trees.

The soft, golden glow filtered through the leaves, giving us a dreamy and romantic backdrop that felt like pure magic—some of my favorite frames from the day.

To wrap up the celebration, Christina and Bryan were sent off in a shower of bubbles under the starry sky—a lighthearted and magical end to a day that was equal parts elegant, joyful, and uniquely them.

If you’re planning a Villa Chanticleer wedding and looking for a photographer who knows the ins and outs of the property (and how to capture golden hour just right), I’d love to connect. Whether your day includes vintage cars, cross-cultural traditions, or a raucous dance floor—I’m here to preserve it all with natural, timeless photography.

Ready to plan your own Villa Chanticleer wedding photos? Contact me here to chat!