Eclectic and Organic Wine Country Wedding at Zenith Vineyard in Salem

Miranda and Mike wed at Zenith, which is owned by Miranda's family, in a ceremony that was jubilant and meaningful.

Written by

Emily Sweet

For the last twenty years or so, Miranda Ramey has watched Zenith Vineyard's continued transformation into a stylized event venue and seen countless couples utilize the venue's grounds for their wedding day. The Ramey family took ownership of the vineyard in 2002, and it only made sense for Miranda to wed Mike Rhine on the property that already encompassed so much meaning to her. The couple initially connected back in high school, when they shared an affinity for Mock Trial. In perhaps one of the wedding day's sweetest touches, their former Mock Trial coach turned close friend Drew Moneke made an appearance as the wedding's officiant, a heartwarming nod to the couple's roots together.

My primary inspiration for the design of my wedding was two-fold: firstly I wanted color everywhere, and secondly, I wanted all aspects of the design to feel organic and natural.

— Bride Miranda

Miranda and Mike's initial ideas for their wedding day brought organic and whimsical florals and décor designed to compliment Zenith's gorgeous outdoor spaces. The day was a unique combination of eclectic and bohemian with elevated influences, featuring an opulent array of colorful accents. While the couple did not envision a specific palette for their nuptials, the hues that found themselves centerstage were blues, sages, yellows and blush pinks; the resulting combination was a splendid showcase of individual style. Miranda's gown was a nod to bohemian style with an off-the-shoulder cut and effortless flow. Mike brought his own take to his look, featuring a bold blue suit and a floral button-up. The couple's officiant brought special meaning to the ceremony and hand-drawn invitations and menus by Crystal Ochoa (a Salem native) reflected the day with ease.

Florals were centered around the idea of a "spring garden party" with a specific focus on natural elements from around the property. Grandiose chandeliers were adorned with moss and ferns, and Miranda's bridal bouquet was a lush mixture of color and texture. A Thundercloud plum tree was accessorized with dangling snapdragons and roses as the ceremony locale, where hanging florals gently swayed in the Salem wind as our newlyweds exchanged their first married kiss. Food and drinks were key to the day for Miranda and Mike, who served delectable dishes from Willaby's Catering and Events and opted for intentional and delicious wine options. In addition to many of Zenith Vineyard's own selections, three red Bordeaux's from Miranda's birth year found themselves on the menu, each option in an original wooden case (a case of Grand Puy Lacoste, a case of Sociando Mallet and a case of Lafon Rochet). The three options had been purchased 25 years ago and preserved expertly in the family's wine cellars for a special occasion in Miranda's life.

Of course, no celebration is complete without sliders and fries chicly arranged in Martini glasses and a mobile Photo Booth. The entire event was a true infusion of Mike and Miranda's own personalities and shared histories that made for an intimate and sumptuous celebration.