From a slow-burning high school connection that quietly grew into everyday love to a rain-soaked proposal at home in Jersey City, step inside Dacey Trotta and Dylan Ix‘s intimate, sun-drenched wedding at Viansa Winery.
The story so far
Dylan and I met in high school, but it never felt like one of those instant, sweeping love stories. It was something that grew slowly and naturally, just becoming part of each other’s everyday lives over time.
He is steady, calm, and incredibly loving. The kind of person who makes you feel fully seen without needing to say much. Even now, he still wakes up every morning and says, “good morning my beautiful wife,” and it’s those small, consistent moments that have always meant the most to me.
He proposed in our first apartment in Jersey City, a place that already held so many of our memories. It was pouring rain that day, but somehow that made it feel even more perfect. Our wedding bands are engraved with “always and forever,” which is how we’ve always signed our cards to each other.
Venue
We got married at Viansa Winery in Sonoma, and we felt so grateful to celebrate there. It felt like a natural extension of our life now in California, but also of everything we’ve always loved, something open, warm, and surrounded by nature.
We didn’t want anything overly structured. It was important to us that it felt intimate and genuine, where everyone was part of it rather than watching from the outside.
The weekend unfolded in a way that felt very “us.” Our rehearsal dinner was at HopMonk Tavern, outdoors, casual, and full of life. The next day, we spent time wine tasting in Sonoma Square, which felt easy and joyful, just being together without any pressure.
Fashion
My gown and veil were custom designed by Lynne Carter, who brought so much care and craftsmanship into every detail. I wanted something that felt timeless, like it could have existed long before me and would still feel relevant years from now.
Later in the night, I changed into a lace mini, also custom by Lynne Carter, which felt lighter and more relaxed for the dance floor.
I wore Manolo Blahnik heels, my “something blue” was an heirloom pinky ring from Real Fine Studio, and my “something borrowed” was my Grandma Mama’s earrings, originally from my Poppy. They had the greatest love story I’ve ever known, which made it feel especially meaningful,
My sister also wrapped my bouquet with photos of my brother, Frank, and my Poppy. Having them with me in that way meant everything.
Bridal party
When I was planning my wedding, I found myself going back and forth a lot on bridesmaid dresses. I wanted everything to feel cohesive, but also didn’t want anyone to feel like they had to wear something that didn’t feel like them.
It was important to me that each girl felt comfortable and confident, especially on such a meaningful day. Everyone has a different style and body type, and I really wanted that to come through.
We ended up creating the bridesmaid dresses through Rumored, where each girl chose a silhouette that suited her, and we tied everything together through fabric and tone. We focused on silk and softer, bias-cut shapes so everything felt elevated but still easy.
It came together in a way that felt really natural. Nothing felt forced, and each look still felt personal to the person wearing it.
After the wedding, a few of the girls told me it was one of their favorite dresses they’ve worn, and something they’d actually wear again, which meant a lot to me.
Ceremony
The ceremony was the most meaningful part of the entire day for me.
We wanted it to feel deeply personal, and a big part of that was honoring my triplet brother, Frank. Each bridesmaid carried a single yellow rose and placed it on a chair beside my mom, next to his photo. Yellow was for “Yellow” by Coldplay, a song that has always reminded me of him.
There were so many moments where I felt his presence, but the one I will never forget was when a condor flew overhead during the ceremony. I later learned it symbolizes the connection between life and afterlife, and in that moment, it just felt like a huge sign that he was there with us.
There wasn’t a dry eye during the vows, and standing there, sharing those words in front of everyone we love, is something I will carry with me forever.
Tablescape
We kept everything soft and simple, with white roses and baby’s breath, and let the candlelight and vineyard setting create the atmosphere.
Food & drinks
The menu was farm-to-table and local to California, which felt really special given how much incredible produce the region has.
The hit of the night was our signature drink, the “Po-loma,” named after our dog, Po, which felt like such a fun and personal detail.
Entertainment
Our first dance was to “Do You Remember” by Jack Johnson. It’s always felt like our song, about meeting young and continuing to grow together over time.
Beauty regime & wellness
I kept things simple and focused on consistency leading up to the wedding, staying hydrated, taking care of my skin, and working with Shadi Malek (@makeupbyshadi), who made me feel like myself.
Favourite Wedding Gifts
My best friend Kiara made a film book filled with photos from the weekend, which is something I’ll treasure forever. But truly, having all of our family and friends there was the best gift I could’ve asked for.
Honeymoon
We went to Thailand, planned by Athena (@travel.pame), and it was an unbelievable experience we feel so grateful to have had together.
Advice
- Try not to get too caught up in the small details, they matter far less than you think in the moment.
- Be as present as you can, the day goes by very quickly.
- And focus on what feels true to you, that’s what stays with you long after the day is over.
With Thanks
Bride / Groom: Dacey Ix @daceytrottaix and Dylan Ix @dylan_ix97
Photographer / Videographers: Weddings by MD, @weddingsbymd
Venue: Viansa Winery, @viansawinery
Custom Bridesmaid Gowns: Rumored @rumored_
Planner: Stephanie, Quintana Events, @quintanaevent
Caterer: Park Avenue Catering, @parkavenuecatering
Dress: Lynne Carter Atelier @lynne_carter_atelier
Florist: Julie Stevens Design @juliestevensdesign
Rentals: Encore Event Rentals, @encoreeventsrentals
Stationery: Type & Trim, @typeandtrim & Tamborine Press, @tamborinepress,
Welcome Sign: Esthetic Bride AU, @esthetic.bride
Content Creator: Madeleine, The Candid Bride, @thecandidbride_
Wedding Rings: Image Gallery, @imagegallerywayne
Makeup: Shadi Malek, @makeupbyshadi & Lupita Moreno @lupitamorenobeauty
Hair: Vianca @flourishwithv & Laura Paniagua @bridalby_laura
Wedding Cake: Baker & Cook Sonoma, @bakerandcooksonoma
DJ/Band Trio: Golden Bell Music, @goldenbellmusic
String Quartet: Sonoma County String Collective @sonomastringcollective
Decor: Twilight Design, @twilightdesign.biz
Honeymoon: Travel Pame, @travel.pame
