Bride and groom exchanging vows under rustic pergola surrounded by lush greenery and guests.

Mike and Katy’s Rustic Ranch Wedding at Terre de Fitz


Katie and Mike originally had their wedding planned for 2020 at a completely different venue. Once they got the news that their venue was no longer doing weddings for the unforeseeable future, Katie and Mike searched tirelessly to find another Temecula venue like so many other couples in the past year and a half.


They stumbled upon this rustic gem behind Leoness Cellars off of the De Portola Wine Trail: Terre De Fitz. Upon arriving, you have to make your way through the parking lot of Leoness Cellars. Once you get to the end, make a left and the venue is located behind some large gates that say, “Terre De Fitz.”


When driving up the colossal driveway, the many gems of the venue became visible, we were in awe. Growing up in Wyoming, I have a great love for the rustic Americana style and the smells that come with it. I felt like I was back in the old west, what Temecula used to be about 100 years ago. Everywhere you looked, there was a great backdrop and plenty of western props.


All the elements came together so well: the emerald blue lake, large wooden structures, sliding barn doors, and rolling vineyard views. There is even a castle nearby but we didn’t get a chance to make it out there.


When Katie walked through those barns doors, I started to tear up. It was so beautiful to be part of such a special day. Thank you Katie and Mike for having me photograph your engagement, family portraits, and now wedding. Stay tuned at American Portra for the film!

Radiant bride in white ballgown walks down petal-lined aisle toward rustic wooden pergola ceremony arch.
Outdoor wedding ceremony aisle lined with white floral barrel arrangements leading to rustic wooden pergola.
Scenic vineyard wedding venue with a bridge over water and rolling mountains under a clear blue sky.
Bride in elegant white ballgown with lace train stands before rustic barn doors before her ceremony.
Newlyweds share a first kiss at the altar under a rustic wooden pergola surrounded by cheering guests.
Bride and groom exchange vows under a rustic wooden pergola surrounded by lush greenery and seated guests.
Smiling newlyweds ride in a classic white horse-drawn carriage through a sunny outdoor vineyard setting.
Groom in navy blue suit walking down aisle toward rustic wooden barn doors at outdoor wedding ceremony.
Young flower girl in white lace tulle dress holding wicker basket at outdoor wedding ceremony.
Flower girl in white dress walking down aisle toward rustic wooden barn doors at outdoor wedding.
Smiling bride in layered tulle gown holding white bouquet with windmill and barn in background.
Bride and groom exchanging vows before officier in police uniform at rustic outdoor wedding ceremony.
Bride and groom exchanging rings with police officer officiant at sunlit outdoor wedding ceremony.
Groom smiling at bride while holding hands during outdoor wedding ceremony with floral backdrop.
Newlywed couple walking hand in hand past rustic barn door with mountain views in background.
Wedding party family portrait with bride, groom, flower girl, and relatives under wooden pergola.
Bride and groom kissing in vineyard at sunset, bride holding white bouquet in rolling hills.
Bride and groom pose with flower girl under rustic wooden pergola surrounded by lush greenery.
Bride and groom share a romantic forehead touch at golden hour with glowing backlight.
Bride embraces groom in navy suit beside a vintage turquoise rusty truck at outdoor wedding.
Bride and groom kiss beside a white horse-drawn carriage in a sunny vineyard setting.
Bride and groom stand with white horses and elegant carriage on a rocky sunlit path.
Bride and groom share first dance on outdoor patio with wedding guests seated in background.
Groom lifts bride during joyful first dance at outdoor rustic wedding reception.
Black and white photo of groom dancing with young flower girl at outdoor wedding venue.
Smiling bride and groom cut wedding cake displayed on a rustic wine barrel outdoors.
Flower girl adjusts bride's lace gown in front of a lush green floral garden wall.
Bride in lace ball gown with flower girl in white dress embracing before ivy-covered wall.
Bride and groom sharing first look embrace outdoors under willow tree at wedding.
Bride in layered tulle gown tapping groom on shoulder during outdoor first look reveal.
Smiling flower girl with greenery crown in foreground as bride and groom kiss behind her.
Bride and groom laughing with flower girl wearing floral crown under large tree outdoors.

Hey, I'm Nicholas (Nick) Gonzalez

The founder and lead photographer at American Portra
Wedding photographer in black shirt holding camera at elegant outdoor evening reception venue.

I love to inspire and inform all of my couples through my blog posts. Visualizing your wedding is key when planning it. Browse around and check out local weddings venues, engagement session ideas, and pro tips!