Planning weddings for a living gives you a unique perspective on what truly matters on a wedding day, and yet, nothing quite prepares you for planning your own. Carly’s wedding at Harrow Cellars in Sonoma, California was a deeply personal celebration rooted in family, food, and intentional design. Set in late April at the very start of vineyard season, their day blended romantic garden party elements with relaxed Wine Country charm.
As the owner and lead planner of Carly Saber Events, Carly approached her wedding with a clear vision to experience the day as a bride, not as a planner. The result was a celebration that felt layered and meaningful.
An Outdoor Harrow Cellars Wedding Ceremony
Set against the rolling landscape of Sonoma, Carly and Devin exchanged vows outdoors in a ceremony that felt intimate, heartfelt, and effortlessly romantic. Because late April marks the very beginning of vineyard season, the vines themselves were still waking up. It opened the door for a design approach that brought the garden to life through florals.
Baskets of lush blooms lined the aisle and created the spring garden feeling Carly envisioned. The ceremony felt romantic without being overly formal, which was perfectly aligned with the relaxed elegance Harrow Cellars is known for.
Spring Garden Design with Personal Details
When it came time to plan the reception design, Carly leaned fully into a spring garden party aesthetic. Soft pastel florals, layered textures, and a fresh, airy palette created a look that felt both elevated and joyful.
Food and family played a central role throughout the design. The seating chart doubled as guest favors, with each guest receiving a custom spice blend created by Carly using a recipe passed down from her mom. It was a meaningful way to share a piece of family history while giving guests something personal to take home.
Additional experiential touches included a live cigar roller, which was a nod to Devin’s love of cigars. Also, they included gelato and espresso service inspired by their engagement trip to the Amalfi Coast and Devin’s Italian heritage. Even the paper goods told a story. Along with the dinner menu, each place setting featured one of three family recipes printed on the back, tying the celebration back to the people and traditions that shaped them.
One of Carly’s favorite design moments was the cake. Instead of fresh florals, it featured hand-piped pastel florals, making it a true statement piece that felt whimsical, artistic, and completely unique.
A Harrow Cellars Wedding Reception to Remember
Dinner was served family-style, which was a deliberate choice rooted in shared values. For both Carly and Devin’s families, gathering around a table and sharing food has always been deeply meaningful, and the communal dining experience at their reception reflected that perfectly.
As the evening unfolded, guests lingered over plates passed between hands, glasses raised in celebration, and conversations that flowed easily. The atmosphere felt warm, connected, and full of life. It was exactly the kind of experience Carly and Devin hoped to create!
Featured on Loverly
Carly and Devin’s Harrow Cellars wedding was later featured on Loverly, a true honor and a meaningful milestone. Seeing the day through an editorial lens was a reminder that weddings rooted in authenticity, family, and care resonate far beyond the celebration itself. Scroll through the feature to get inspired for your spring wedding day in Sonoma, CA.
Planning Your Own Wedding as a Wedding Planner
Planning weddings is Carly’s profession, but planning her own was an entirely different experience. Collaborating with longtime favorite vendors, making design decisions purely from the heart, and finally seeing a personal vision come to life was incredibly fulfilling.
And yet, the most meaningful part came on the wedding day itself. She took a step back, trusted her team completely, and allowed herself to be fully present. Letting go of the role of planner and embracing the role of bride made the day even more joyful, emotional, and unforgettable.
Your Harrow Cellars Wedding Planners
Carly and Devin’s wedding at Harrow Cellars was a celebration of love, family, and intentional design. It was romantic without being overly styled and elevated while still feeling warm and welcoming.
At Carly Saber Events, we believe the most beautiful weddings are the ones that reflect who you truly are. If you’re dreaming of a romantic, design-forward wedding in Sonoma or beyond and want a planning team that values both experience and heart, we’d love to create something meaningful together. Get in touch today to begin the planning process!
Vendors
Planner: Carly Saber Events
Venue, Food & Beverage: Harrow Cellars
Cake: Flour and Bloom
Signage: Blushtype
Photographer: Taylor Mccutchan
Videographer: Sam Bennett Media
Hair & Makeup: All Dolled Up
DJ & Ceremony Audio: DJ Sir Edgar
Live Musician: Justin Diaz
Floral: La Flora Designs
Rentals, Linens & Lounge: Encore Rentals
Lighting & Production: Got Light
Transportation: Beau Wine Tours
Espresso & Gelato: Cafe Apae
Cigar Roller: Entire Production
Content Creator: The Candid Bride
Bridesmaids’ Attire: Reformation
Bridal Gown: Justin Alexander
Groom’s Suit: Louis Thomas
Groomsmen’s Attire: Generation Tux
