Four years before they said “I do,” Meghan DeGroot and KC Daters met at an Italian festival in San Francisco. “We connected over our shared love of wine, travel, music, and food,” smiles Meghan. 

After three years together and four months quarantining in their San Francisco apartment, the couple planned a trip to Zion National Park, beginning with a night in Las Vegas. Though KC planned to propose on a hike later in the trip, the moment just felt right in their Bellagio hotel room. “It was totally unexpected and perfect,” confirms the bride. 

Planning to exchange vows just one year later, the first order of business was to book a ceremony and reception site. “After we secured the venue – and working under a Covid-constrained timeline – we had about four months to plan the wedding,” Meghan shares of the tight window. “I was surprised by how much we were able to accomplish in only four months… I think having a shorter planning period helps you be decisive.” 

As KC is from the Sierra Foothills area of California, the betrothed selected a location close to where he grew up. “Murphys is a charming small town that not too many people had been to, which had a nice appeal during Covid,” explains Meghan. 

They found a private Tuscan-style estate featuring beautiful views of the mountains, which allowed everyone to feel comfortable throughout the summer celebration. “We let the charm of the venue and natural beauty of the area largely speak for itself and added personal touches of framed photos and personal signage alongside fresh flowers,” she adds. 

“We were inspired by our Italian heritage, and we wanted to draw on the stylistic elements of both modern-day Northern California and old-world Italy.”

When planning the design scheme of their nuptials, “we were inspired by our Italian heritage, and we wanted to draw on the stylistic elements of both modern-day Northern California and old-world Italy,” the bride describes. 

Desiring a classic, romantic look, a soft color palette of blush tones, gold, and greenery was incorporated throughout the ceremony and reception décor. “We weaved in the Italian theme with custom invitations and programs, Aperol Spritz cocktails, and after-dinner espresso,” Meghan says. 

To lean into the theme, Meghan and KC worked with their caterer to create a three-course menu of Italian-inspired fare including Tuscan chicken with burrata ravioli, filet mignon, or a stuffed Portobello mushroom. Desserts included cannolis, cupcakes, and slices of a rustic spoon-line wedding cake decorated with fresh florals, as well as espresso drinks served by a mobile barista. 

The pair also selected wines from their favorite producers: a sparkling Ariston Aspasie “Réserve” Brut Champagne as guests arrived, a Domaine Cherrier Père & Fils Sancerre during cocktail hour, and a Hawley Winery Oehlman Vineyard Pinot Noir and Black Stallion Estate Winery Cabernet Sauvignon at dinner. 

Loved ones were overjoyed to gather together to witness the vow exchange of Meghan and KC, dine together under the stars, and dance the night away to music curated by the couple, which included “lots of saxophone, electronic music, and some country and classic rock,” affirms the bride. “We wanted our guests to have a good time and reunite with family and friends after Covid.” 

The newlyweds are also so appreciative of the love they felt from their dearest loved ones: “We are so grateful for the love and support of our parents, Julie and Kim Daters and Ginny and Jim DeGroot. It meant the world to have our siblings standing by our side as we said ‘I do.’”


Some of the links included may be affiliate; however, everything we feature has been independently selected and reviewed by our editorial team. When you make a purchase, we may receive revenue. Thank you for your support!