Real Wedding: Paloma & Juancarlos

Though Paloma Hernández and Juancarlos Colón met in 2003, they didn’t start dating until two years later. As their relationship took off, the University Heights couple began visiting Hotel Del Coronado every Christmas to see the lights. So, in 2011, Paloma didn’t suspect anything when they took a seat on a bench during their seasonal stroll. That is, until Juancarlos dropped down on one knee. They married at Temecula’s Ponte Winery—a fitting place for food-and-wine lovers Juancarlos, 29, Chef de Cuisine at Kensington Grill, and Paloma, 30, a marketing manager.
—By Christine Pasalo

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Harvest Colors

For their classic yet relaxed style, the couple drew inspiration from the season and their trips to California’s Central Coast wineries. The mustard yellows of vineyards in the fall were echoed in the bridesmaids’ dresses, the groomsmen’s argyles, and the polka-dot bowtie worn by Guinness, Paloma and Juancarlos’ beloved Yorkie. The soft greys in the bride’s sash and the men’s suits provided a vintage-feeling complement.

The Veil

Paloma wore her mother’s wedding veil, which was tea dyed to match Paloma’s ivory dress. “After 32 years, her veil was still in perfect condition,” says Paloma. “It meant the world to me to wear it.”

Something Blue

The soon-to-be Mrs. Colón walked down the aisle with “Laura Paloma Hernández, November 3, 2012” embroidered in baby blue on the inside of her bodice—a 1920s tradition honoring the last time the bride uses her maiden name.
OperaTIC

Best Man

Gerardo, Juancarlos’ best friend since their high school days in Chula Vista, sang “Ave Maria” at the outdoor wedding ceremony.

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Favorite Moment

Paloma and Juancarlos (known to friends as JC) sipped an on-the-spot mixed wine at the ceremony to symbolize the union of their families. Into the same wine glass, the bride’s mother poured a Merlot from Paloma Vineyards and the groom’s mother poured a California Rhone white from JC Cellars.

Marking the Occasion

At the reception, guests recorded their attendance by stamping and signing their thumbprint on a tree sketch drawn by Paloma’s brother. The resulting art piece hangs in the newlyweds’ home.

Parent Dance

Juancarlos and Paloma looked to their childhood, choosing songs they remembered dancing to with their parents. Juancarlos and his mother danced to “Cielito Lindo” by Vicente Fernandez. Paloma and her father danced to “Y Como Es El” by José Luis Perales.

Cupcake Walk

The new husband and wife offered their guests five different flavors of cupcakes for dessert—almond champagne, Bailey’s Irish cream, red velvet, limoncello, and pineapple.

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[box title=”Ponte Family Estate Winery, Photography by Captured by Aimee”][nggallery id=331][/box] [box title=”Get Their Style”]