Falling for Fall: 9 Ways to Capture Autumnal Romance at Stonepine Estate

With the crunch of leaves underfoot, scent of pine, and an accompanying sense of coziness, fall is widely regarded as one of the most anticipated times of year — especially in Northern California. Though California gets a bad rap for peeping crimson colors, the state still has its own special way of putting the “awe” in autumn. For starters, the air is crisper. The late afternoon sun is tempered but warm. And yes, if you know where to look, you can catch a front-row seat to fall’s color show, when rows and rows of grape vines turn into a fiery spectacle of corals and crimsons. 

It’s no surprise, then, that many couples choose the months between September and December to celebrate one of the happiest moments of their lives with their loved ones. Stonepine Estate’s wedding venue lends itself naturally to embracing the season’s rustic charm. Our 400-plus acre property is tucked within the scenic Carmel Valley hills, surrounded by majestic oaks and pines and anchored by Chateau Noel — a century-old Tuscan-inspired villa that is perfectly suited for fall weddings. So, if you’re looking to swap vows this time of year, take an inspirational scroll through harvest-inspired tablescapes, decor, and floral installations that amp up the coziness factor at Stonepine Estate.

1. Experiment with Color

Gold, copper, and crimson are fall classics for a reason, but this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t venture beyond this tried-and-tested palette. There are many other colors that evoke the same kind of autumnal warmth. Think: Burgundy, wine red, mustard-y yellows, and rich greens. Take, for example, this Stonepine bride, who infused touches of plum into her bouquet by way of trumpet-like calla lilies — mixed in with coral-hued blooms and wispy greenery.

2. Opt for Nontraditional Florals

From bouquets and flower arches to boutonnieres and table arrangements — fall is the perfect time to play around with your florals. Of course, you can never go wrong with traditional blooms like dahlias, chrysanthemums, and roses in warm amber and burgundy tones, but the season can also inspire nontraditional picks like ferns, eucalyptus, and persimmon branches. Bring in texture with dried botanicals and greenery that climbs and spills down the steps of our estate — like this couple did for their nuptials.

3. Lean Into Unexpected Elements

Autumn is harvest season, so it’s a fitting time to highlight nature’s bounty with fun and offbeat centerpieces that go beyond the ubiquitous gourds. Build your tablescape around peak produce, like artfully arranged apples, plums and pluots, pomegranates, and cranberries. Better yet, pay homage to this wine-growing region by decorating your surfaces with cascading grapes. At Stonepine Estate, one couple even went further into the creative territory by incorporating garlic bulbs (yes, you read that right) into their wedding-day vignettes.

4. Wear Autumn’s Palette

One of the best ways to channel a fall theme? Your wedding-day look! For example, brides can do away with crisp white and opt for something with yellow undertones, like ivory or champagne. For bridesmaids’ attire, you can mix and match gowns in an autumn palette — think burnt orange, copper, golden mustard, olive, plum, or wine. Grooms and their parties can incorporate velvet or other warm textures into their look — whether it’s through a jacket, tie, or pocket square.

5. Weave in Vintage Linens

Fall also presents the perfect opportunity to experiment with prints and patterns that tap into the rustic charm of the season. So, don’t be afraid to dress up your tables with vintage-inspired fabrics to create a rich, lived-in feel. You can also customize the look of your table with a bold runner — or even your grandmother’s embroidered linen for a sentimental touch. Don’t forget: From dinner plates to drinking glasses, your tableware will also play a big role in setting the right mood.

6. Add Cozy Lighting

If there’s anything that instantly turns up the coziness dial to its max setting, it’s lighting. Correction: It’s warm, soft, golden lighting. Soft glows from candlelight, lanterns, or string lights create an inviting ambiance that feels both romantic and intimate — perfect for crisp autumn evenings at Stonepine Estate. Just take a look at this intimate al fresco setup at Chateau Noel’s lush garden.

7. Let Your Cake Shine

Your wedding cake is the sweetest way to celebrate the season. What’s more, a fall-inspired cake can double as a showpiece — and a conversation starter. There are plenty of ways to run with the theme here; autumnal flavors, sugar embellishments, fresh flowers, and moody colors are just a few. This three-tiered confection, for example, boasted a painterly, golden-brushed buttercream finish, decorated with well-placed flowers in shades of orange, blush, and pale peach.

8. Serve Seasonal Cocktails

Cocktails are a big part of any celebration, so there’s no reason why you shouldn’t extend the theme to your beverage offerings. Take your big-day drinks into fall territory by playing up warming spirits like whiskey and brandy. Mulled wine, hot apple cider, and maple-anything are also great choices. Clever garnishes will help complete the picture and add a pop of color and texture. Think: cinnamon-sugar rims, rosemary sprigs, or cranberry ice cubes. Take a look at this cocktail, which was finished off with dried flowers and served at a recent Stonepine Estate wedding.

9. Embrace Natural Materials

Another way to tap into that cozy feeling? Create an inviting atmosphere informed by natural, raw materials like wood, linen, stone, or rattan. These tactile elements ground your design and bring an effortless warmth to your setting. Inside our recently renovated Blacksmith Bar and Carriage House, you’ll find wood-clad interiors that give off a decidedly organic and relaxing feel — especially when paired with woven chairs and earth-toned dinnerware. However, the setting (as is the case with every venue space on the property) is flexible enough to accommodate any vision, no matter the season.

Looking to make the most of your stay and extend your celebrations at Stonepine Estate? Contact us to start planning an unforgettable multi-day gathering.