Vibrant Mexican Sunol Wedding

If you love rich culture, big emotions, and jaw-dropping vineyard views, this Mexican wedding will live in your head rent-free. The couple began their sacrament of marriage at Our Lady of the Rosary Church in Union City—then celebrated under the white event tent at Nella Terra Cellars in Sunol, a private vineyard estate tucked into the rolling East Bay hills.

A Sacred Start: Our Lady of the Rosary, Union City

The day opened in the warm, welcoming community of Our Lady of the Rosary (affectionately “OLR”), a Roman Catholic parish in the Diocese of Oakland. It’s known as a neighborhood church that feels like family—exactly the spirit you want surrounding a couple at the altar.

The Cultural Heartbeat: Mariachi & Folklórico

After the ceremony, the soundtrack shifted to the unmistakable strum of mariachi. Guests gathered as the bride—once a folklórico dancer herself—surprised everyone by stepping onto the dance floor alongside her former dance company. Their colorful skirts, crisp footwork, and the joyful sound of gritos created a moment where tradition, memory, and celebration collided. It wasn’t just a performance; it was the bride honoring where she came from and sharing that part of her story with her new family.

Why Nella Terra Cellars Was the Perfect Match

Just a short drive from the church, Nella Terra Cellars delivered that “worlds away” feeling without leaving the Bay Area. The venue sits amid terraced vineyards and manicured gardens, creating a secluded, open-air canvas for a reception with views in every direction.

What couples love here (and we did, too):

• The Iconic White Tent. A pristine, custom event tent becomes an elegant blank slate—think chandeliers, twinkle lights, and the easiest rain plan you’ll ever make.

• Rolling Hills + Vineyard Vistas. Everywhere you turn, there’s a natural backdrop for portraits and candids. Golden hour here is pure magic.

• Spacious Grounds with Patio & Fire Pits. The cocktail patio invites mingling (and a late-night cafecito by the fire).

• Guest Capacity Up to 300. Plenty of room for big families, dance troupes, and a full mariachi band.

  
  

(If you’re picturing a large pond and fountain near manicured gardens and vineyard views—you’re spot on for the setting here.)

Drinks, Laughter, and the White-Tent Reception

Under the tent, trays of palomas and Topo Chicos circled while the couple’s parents greeted guests. Toasts flowed in Spanish and English; abuelitas wiped happy tears; and the dance floor never stayed empty once the mariachi and DJ alternated sets. The bride’s folklórico moment became a highlight replayed in conversations all night, reminding everyone that weddings are not only about two people but also about honoring the families and traditions that shaped them.

Photo Notes for Bay Area Wedding Photographers

For my fellow Bay Area wedding photographers planning Nella Terra coverage:

• Golden Hour: Aim for portraits on the terraces right before sunset for buttery light and layered vineyard lines.

• Tent Details: Chandeliers + neutral canopy = easy light balancing. Grab a wide establishing shot as the sides roll up at dusk.

• Cultural Moments: Folklórico skirts look best with a touch of backlight—give dancers space to spin and catch those crisp fan shapes.

• Guest Flow: Cocktail patio → tent → fire pits. Track the flow to anticipate candids and keep your second shooter stationed where laughter collects.

Planning Tips for a Mexican Wedding at a Vineyard Venue

• Live Music Logistics: Confirm mariachi arrival, break schedule, and procession cues with both church and venue.

• Dance Floor Readiness: Folklórico needs floor space; tape a soft boundary so guests can circle without blocking.

• Bilingual Timeline: Keep signage and the shot list in Spanish/English so everyone’s on the same page.

• Comfort Station: Hand fans and aguas frescas during outdoor portraits keep energy high pre-reception.

  
  

A Joy-Filled Finale

As night settled over the hills, the couple shared one last slow dance under the tent’s glow—surrounded by family, friends, and the music that shaped their story. From a heartfelt church ceremony to a vineyard party under the stars, this wedding was a love letter to culture, community, and the Bay Area’s most romantic landscapes.