Photography by: Meg Perotti
About the Venue
Testarossa Winery, located in the historic 19th century Los Gatos Novitiate, feels worlds away. However, the rambling old-world buildings are located only half a mile from adorable downtown Los Gatos, offering abundant and easily accessible lodging and great daytime activities for guests.
To keep things light and bright, host an outdoor ceremony at the courtyard patio which offers brightly colored flowers and is backed by a grove of towering trees. The space is laid out perfectly for ceremonies with its two-step wooden deck flanked on one side by ivy and on the other by trees. Or host cocktails there instead, with a string quartet on the deck and guests mingling around the music makers. Have the bar set-up on oak wine barrel bars which can be rented from Hartmann Studios to add some wine country rustic charm.
For a more sultry and unexpected ceremony site, consider the 19th century cave, with its vaulted ceilings and hundred-year old sandstone walls. Lighted by soft romantic chandeliers, this space glows with possibility. Guests will walk down to find their seats following a photo-history of the Novitiate to their left and original artwork on the walls to their right.
Ask the Expert
The castle-like stone buildings of Testarossa conjure up dreams of the perfect fairytale wedding. Although beautiful, the history-rich dark stone masonry buildings of Testarossa Winery are ideal when spiced up and a splash of color is just the way to do it! A lively palette will allow you to bring your own personality into the event spaces. The bright pink used here is incredibly sweet, but if a fairytale wedding is not your cup of tea, you can use bright shots of color to a completely different affect. If you are feeling especially creative, try ditching the regimented color scheme and go for a chic vintage look by using a rainbow of flowers in orange, yellow, purple, and pink. Brightly colored ribbons in lace and satin can be wrapped around the bouquet, hung from the backs of ceremony chairs, or tied around vases lining the center of the aisle to add whimsy and color to the ceremony site.
Keep linens light for your reception in the Castello Room and let your colorful flowers pop. Check out the variety of cream and white options in La Tavola Linen’s Dolce collection…many of the linens have beautiful beading and texture in floral motifs. Mercury votive candles and a compilation of small vessels like silver-plated julep cups and vintage crystal vases filled with brightly colored peonies, tulips, and dahlias complete this vintage garden look. Pair with a Mahogany chiavari chair with a light cushion to bring in some contrast, or for a more formal look try the Crossback Bentwood Chair from Hartmann Studios in Oak. Greenery also works great in softening up this space – olive trees around the edges bring the outdoors in.
I Do Venues wants to recognize the talented team of wedding professionals who helped to make this bride’s dream a reality: Photographer – Meg Perotti, Florist – Lindsay Catterton of The Wild Geranium.
