Malibu, California. A casual, yet chic beach town made up of tasty restaurants, stylish shops, wineries, gorgeous hillsides, years of culture, the rich and the famous, and let us not forget the warm sandy beaches. Imagine finding a venue atop the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains with overlooking views of this spectacular city for exchanging your vows. Thanks to Cielo Farms Winery, a spot this amazing does exist and with a wedding having recently transpired at this dreamy winery, the proof of all the perfection that took place is in the pics!
We recently were given the opportunity to sit down with Kelly from Wild Whim Design + Photography where she gave us the 411 on the styled wedding that she photographed. From the vineyards to the mountains to the sun-soaked hills, this vintage estate proves to be a remarkable backdrop for a picturesque wedding. It’s obvious that the team of designers, photographers, and planners, worked their Malibooties off to make this event as special and memorable as it was. For more details on this magical day, check out the inside scoop that the Wild Whim Design + Photography team provided us with! You won’t be sorry!
Words + Photography by Wild Whim Design + Photography
Tell us about some of the highlights of your experience at the venue?
Cielo is a wonderfully intimate and beautiful venue, nestled in the hills of the Santa Monica Mountains. Although you're only minutes from Malibu, it's easy to fool yourself into thinking you're hillside in Italy's majestic wine country.
Tell us a little bit more about the venue.
A smaller wedding venue, Cielo sits atop a peak overlooking the Santa Monica Mountains in Malibu, Ca. It has a beautiful cobblestone barn that makes for a wonderful indoor venue for intimate weddings and gatherings, or can be used as the dance floor for weddings that choose to do reception seating outside. *Not sure the maximum capacity, but I would say this is definitely a venue for smaller size weddings.
What made this venue an ideal location for the styled shoot?
We wanted a venue with European vibe to match our Bohemian Gypset/Travel theme.
What type of celebration did you photograph?
This was a styled wedding shoot and workshop we did to showcase the venue and contributing vendors.
As a photographer, were there any areas that you thought lighting was the best?
The barn offers wonderful open shade during peak sun hours. Golden hour anywhere on site is incredible, considering the 180 degree view you get of the surrounding mountains. The vineyards and open views offer a great deal of variation in scenery, which bodes nicely for photos.
What other types of events do you think this venue is suitable for?
Everything from Rehearsal Dinners, showers, dinner parties, workshops to weddings -- all are suitable here.
Are there any fun existing design elements at the venue?
The cobblestone barn, terraced vineyards and sweeping views make this venue incredibly beautiful and unique.
Did you meet anyone at the venue that you connected with or made a lasting impression?
Tania, the event coordinator for Cielo, was wonderful in making everything come together!
Any inside tips?
There is no parking at the venue, so you'll need to make accommodations for an on-site shuttle."
With the perfect airy location and the European feel, this vineyard is straight out of a fairytale and way too good to pass up. Nature has clearly #blessed this spot with some amazing qualities that we can guarantee will leave you and your guests longing for more. Our suggestion would be to head to Malibu with your boo and check out Cielo Farms Winery when considering venues for your big day, or any day for that matter!
Credits
Photography + Videography: Wild Whim Design + Photography | Planning + Design: Skills+Frills | Venue: Cielo Farms Winery | event styling + Florals: Laura Giuliani | Signage + Wall Installation: Laura Stewart | Hair: Danielle Williams | Makeup: Crystal Guerrero | Food: Simon Booth Events | Cake: Skiffs Cakes | Rentals: Pretty Vintage Rentals | Fiat: Shaver Automotive Group, Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram Fiat, Westlake Village Auto Mall | Dress: Wisteria Bridal in Thousand Oaks | Invites: Loudhouse Creative
