Dramatic sunset sky with golden rays behind historic tiled rooftops and a bell tower silhouette.

“We love our local vendors and they love us!”


Where and how do your couples find you?


Most of our amazing couples find us through The Knot or Wedding Wire. However, our social media team does an amazing job at representing is so well, that we do get couples through that channel.


What are some things you do that keep you inspired and current on the year’s trends?


I love following year trends, but what I find more inspiring is hearing our couples’ vision! It could be a color palette, the perfect up-lighting, personalized menus to repurposed flowers. Our couples are so creative! When meeting with them, the first thing I ask is for them to tell me their vision or the MOST important thing for them. Hearing their response is always exciting and that is when it all starts. We share ideas to make their dream wedding turn into reality.


What is trending for the upcoming wedding season and/or what trends would you love to see go away for 2026 weddings and beyond?


This wedding season, I am seeing couples go away from a sweet table and replacing with a nice charcuterie station. This would be a great end of the night snack for guests. Since I am a big cheese and charcuterie meat person, I love to see this trend develop and know all wedding guests will love to nibble on some fine cheeses. Who wouldn’t, right?

Bride and groom share a romantic moment surrounded by candles and floral arrangements at an elegant wedding reception.
Bride and groom smiling at wedding altar with lush greenery arch, white floral bouquet, and candlelit decor.
A couple shares a tender embrace at their wedding reception, surrounded by candlelight and lush greenery.
Smiling couple in wedding attire pose together, groom in navy suit seated, bride in white gown standing behind him.
Bride and groom share a romantic moment at elegant wedding venue with floral greenery and candles.
Bride in white gown holding lush wedding bouquet of blush pink and white roses with eucalyptus and pink ribbons.

What advice would you give to your newlyweds when booking a wedding venue, or wedding coordinator?


You found your soulmate, now find your perfect venue! Everyone has a vision of what they want their wedding to look like. Therefore, I would recommend for them to do their research and book the venue they fall in love with. Never settle! Temecula Wine Country is full of beautiful venues.


How do you spend your time off?


In addition to spending time with my two incredible boys, I enjoy staying home and watching Netflix. I also enjoy visiting new restaurants and trying new food.

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!