Isabela & Patrick’s Sonoma Forest Sanctuary Wedding

Patrick and Isabela’s wedding brought together so many different pieces of who they are and where they come from, all in one incredibly beautiful day. Most of it unfolded at Sonoma Forest Sanctuary, a hidden little retreat tucked into the hills of Cazadero (and not far from where they got engaged!), where they got ready in the morning before heading into town for their ceremony.

Their ceremony took place at St. Elizabeth’s Roman Catholic Church, which already held a pretty special place in Patrick’s family history: his parents and grandparents were married in the very same church. We even recreated some of those photos from decades ago! We just love when a wedding location carries a story from one generation into the next, and watching Patrick and Isabela stand at the altar surrounded by their families made that connection feel especially meaningful.

Back at the Sonoma Forest Sanctuary, another part of their celebration reflected Isabela’s Persian heritage. A beautiful Sofreh Aghd had been arranged with symbolic items representing sweetness, prosperity, and a happy life together. Patrick and Isabela sat together beneath the veil for the traditional sugar-rubbing ceremony as everyone took turns performing the ritual. It was a colorful contrast to the Catholic ceremony earlier in the day, and we loved seeing both families and traditions woven together.

Of course, we also had to take advantage of that gorgeous Cazadero landscape! We wandered around the property for portraits among the greenery before sneaking away later in the evening to a nearby hilltop. The sweeping views and soft evening light were absolutely worth the little adventure, and Isabela’s extra-long veil caught the breeze perfectly.

Then, just when we thought the scenery had given us everything it had, the sky over their outdoor party turned completely pink. Isabela surprised Pat a cowboy hat, and they kicked off the party on the deck with one of the most spectacular sunsets we’ve seen at a wedding. From the meaningful traditions and family history to a packed dance floor under that crazy sky, Pat & Isabela’s day felt unmistakably theirs, and we had so much fun capturing it all!