Some love stories begin long before the wedding day. For Makenna and Spencer, theirs started when they were just eight years old. After growing up together, sharing the same schools, and spending years as friends, their relationship eventually became something more during college. Years later, they celebrated that history with a romantic fall wedding at Montage Healdsburg that brought their personalities, favorite people, and love of summer into every detail.

As a professional baseball player for the Detroit Tigers, Spencer’s schedule meant the couple couldn’t have the summer wedding Makenna had always imagined. Instead of letting that change the vision, they found a way to bring summer to Wine Country in November. Soft blush, fresh greens, and chocolate brown accents created a palette that felt warm and romantic while still capturing the fresh feeling Makenna loved about summer. Have a look at their Montage Healdsburg wedding that’s featured on Wedding Chicks! 

A Surprise Proposal Years in the Making

Spencer knew Makenna wanted a proposal she would never see coming, so he spent an entire weekend making sure she had no idea what was coming. Friends and family kept her busy throughout the weekend, creating the perfect distraction while Spencer put the final pieces in place.

After a visit to the botanical gardens, the two returned home, where Spencer directed Makenna toward their courtyard. At first, she thought a neighbor had played a prank. Then she realized what was actually happening… Spencer was proposing.

And the surprises didn’t stop there. As Makenna took in what was happening, she spotted her mom in the window. Spencer had secretly flown in her entire family and gathered friends to celebrate with them.

That same thoughtfulness carried into their wedding day, where every detail was designed around the people and experiences that mattered most to them.

A Summer-Inspired Fall Wedding

Makenna had always pictured herself getting married in the summer, but baseball season made a November wedding the better fit for their schedule. Rather than completely change direction, the couple found a way to reinterpret the season they loved.

Soft blush florals and fresh greenery brought a light, summery feeling to the day, while chocolate brown accents added warmth and depth. The combination worked beautifully against the natural beauty of Montage Healdsburg and the surrounding vineyards, creating a look that felt fresh and romantic without fighting the season.

It was a great example of how you don’t have to let your wedding date dictate your entire design. Instead, you can take the elements you love and reinterpret them in a way that makes sense for the season and setting.

A Golden Hour Ceremony in Wine Country

With an early November sunset in mind, Makenna and Spencer exchanged vows during golden hour. The timing allowed them to take advantage of that beautiful late-afternoon light while creating a naturally romantic atmosphere for the ceremony.

Makenna’s bouquet carried one of the most meaningful details of the entire day. A pendant featuring a photograph of her grandmother was tucked among the blooms, keeping someone incredibly special close as she walked down the aisle.

After the ceremony, the couple brought their dog into the celebration for portraits. It was a sweet, personal addition that made their photos feel even more like them.

Dinner and Dancing Under a Glowing Tent

After the ceremony, guests gathered for cocktails and passed bites before heading to the Grand Lawn. Dinner and dancing took place under a glowing tent, with the vineyards providing the perfect Wine Country backdrop.

For Makenna, one of the most memorable moments came when she entered the reception with her new husband. The ceremony was behind them, the nerves had finally faded, and she could fully settle into the celebration. She had changed into her second dress. Guests were already waving napkins in the air as the dance floor was coming alive. She describes it as the moment when the day truly shifted from wedding to party.

Their Montage Healdsburg wedding reception was exactly the kind of experience Makenna and Spencer had hoped to create. It was beautiful, but more importantly, fun and completely focused on celebrating together.

A Montage Healdsburg Wedding Designed Around the Guest Experience

Guest experience was a priority throughout the entire celebration, and the evening continued well beyond dinner and dancing. An ice cream cart and slices of pie gave guests a sweet late-night treat before everyone moved into the ballroom for an after-party.

Rather than ending the night when the reception wrapped, Makenna and Spencer created another space for everyone to keep celebrating. It was one more way they made sure their guests felt taken care of while keeping the energy high well into the night.

Featured in Wedding Chicks

Makenna and Spencer’s Montage Healdsburg wedding will also be featured in Wedding Chicks, which feels like a natural fit for a celebration with so much personality and thoughtful design. From the summer-inspired fall palette to the sentimental details woven throughout the day, their wedding is a beautiful example of how a celebration can feel both polished and personal.

Your Montage Healdsburg Wedding Planners

Makenna and Spencer’s wedding was a beautiful reminder that your wedding doesn’t have to follow a traditional formula. A November date became an opportunity to reinterpret a summer-inspired vision. A professional baseball schedule became part of the story rather than an obstacle. And thoughtful details, from Makenna’s grandmother’s photograph to their late-night treats, made the celebration feel extremely personal.

If you’re planning your own wedding at Montage Healdsburg, we’d love to help you create a celebration that feels just as personal, thoughtful, and unforgettable. Inquire with us to learn more about how we can help bring your vision to life.

Montage Healdsburg Wedding Vendors

Planner + Designer: Carly Saber Events
Venue + Food + Beverage + Cake + Hotel Room Block: Montage Healdsburg
Photographer: Victoria Beardslee
Content Creator: Content by Audra
Videographer: Meg Cook
Entertainment: Justintertainment – DJ Justin
Floral: Fig & Vine
Rentals + Linen: Encore Events Rentals
Tent: Encore Events Rentals
Transportation: Pure Luxury
Lighting: The Lux Productions
Hair: Kay Hairstylist
Makeup: Stefanie Fritz
Signage + Stationery: Blushtype
Photo Booth: Mirmir
Cake: Costeaux French Bakery
Ice Cream Cart + Pie: Noble Folk