Vienza at Europa Village

Meet Us In Temecula

Wedding Day

Ceremony

Cocktail Hour

Reception

1909

After Party!

Our Wedding

It all started with a change of plans. In early 2021, Lauren was living at home in the suburbs of Chicago and working remotely in marketing when she decided to visit her dad in Cape Coral, Florida. What was meant to be a quick two-week trip turned into a three-month stay after a mix-up with her flights and maybe a little gut instinct telling her Florida felt like home. With sunshine, palm trees, and the idea of a new adventure, Lauren decided that Florida would likely be her new home. Meanwhile, Rex was escaping the Minnesota winter and working remotely as well, staying with his brother Roy in nearby Fort Myers. Lauren, determined to meet new people and explore the area, made a few connections and said yes to a Sunday brunch with a new friend. That same week, on Friday, April 9th, 2021, the two headed to happy hour in downtown Fort Myers. After leaving a spot called Lucky Strike, they began walking through a lively plaza to their next destination. It was Lauren’s first time in the area, so naturally, she was busy taking in the sights and completely missed the fact that someone had noticed her. That someone was Rex. He looked up from his phone and noticed her walking by—something about her caught his eye instantly. Turning to his brother Roy, he said, “Should we go talk to them?” But the girls were already getting farther away. So, without thinking twice, he quite literally ran after her. Lauren turned around to find a very handsome, well-dressed guy getting their attention. What followed was an hour of conversation that felt easy, fun, and like something special was beginning. They ended up at a local bar called SOHO, and not long after, they were inseparable. From beach days and mini golf to long-distance visits—Lauren back to Chicago, Rex to Minnesota—their connection only grew stronger. Rex spent a month in Australia for a Netflix show. They took trips to Vegas, visited each other’s hometowns (Cedar Falls, IA, and Lindenhurst, IL), and made countless memories along the way. Rex accepted a job with Chipotle that brought them both to Orange County, California. It instantly felt like home. Lauren embraced a lifestyle of long scenic walks, pilates, and creative work, while Rex dove into golf, tennis, and pickleball. On October 9th, 2023, Rex proposed in Laguna Beach—one of their first-visited and favorite spots. It was perfect. Now, they’re getting married in another California gem: Temecula. With its rolling vineyards, mountain views, and Tuscan-meets-California feel, it’s a place that’s held a special spot in their journey. They are beyond grateful to call Southern California home—and even more thankful to share the beginning of their next chapter with you. Thank you for being part of their story. 🍊🧡

Our Story

Meet Us in TemeculaThursday, August 21st7:00 PM – 10:00 PM Europa Village Winery &amp; Resort – Vienza41150 Via Europa, Temecula, CA 92591 Join us for a winery chic welcome gathering as we kick off the wedding weekend! We’ll have a reserved area at Vienza at Europa Village where you can mix, mingle, and settle into the Temecula vibes with light bites and drinks. Dress Code: Elevated Cocktail Attire - Winery ChicStop by when you can. To RSVP please revisit the RSVP tab above. We can't wait to see you🧡🍷

Parking

Parking Information:There is plenty of parking available throughout Europa Village. For the most convenient access to the Vienza Garden, we recommend parking in the areas marked with a ★ on the map. Questions?Please reach out to the Mother of the Bride,Ms. Jody Stoughtenger – (847) 812-3753 We can’t wait to celebrate with you!

Wedding Day Details

Wedding Day DetailsFriday, August 22nd, 2025﻿Casa Vinedo Heights – Temecula, CA44390 Camino Gatillo Temecula CA 92590 Please arrive no earlier than 3:30 PM and no later than 3:50 PM. The ceremony will begin promptly at 4:00 PM. Our wedding will be held at a private estate nestled in the hills of Temecula—so allow a little extra time for the scenic drive. Attire: Upscale Italian-Inspired Garden PartyOur wedding will be a joyful blend of rustic charm and refined elegance—set in a private Temecula estate with the warmth of California and the romance of the Italian countryside. Think bold color, effortless chic, and polished comfort.For men: linen, sport coats, and dressy separatesFor women: elevated maxi or midi dresses Please no black or white—bold tones, colorful patterns are encouraged. Wedges, block heels, or dressy flats are best, as the ceremony and reception will be on grass. Weather ForecastExpect warm sunshine and golden hour glow! High: ~93°FLow: ~64°F Skies: Likely clear or mostly clear—August in Temecula is known for dreamy, cloudless evenings. We recommend sunglasses for the ceremony and a light layer or wrap for the evening as things cool off under the stars. Parking &amp; TransportationValet will be available on-site. If you're planning to enjoy a few glasses of wine (which we fully support!), please consider Uber or a designated driver. Timeline4:00 PM – Ceremony4:30 PM – Cocktail Hour5:45 PM – Dinner &amp; Reception9:50 PM – Event Concludes (Temecula’s noise ordinance) After-PartyThe night isn’t over yet! Join us at 1909 in Old Town Temecula to keep the celebration going. Cheers to a night to remember! 🥂

Wedding Day - Dress Code

✨ Attire: Upscale Italian-Inspired Garden PartyOur wedding will be a joyful blend of rustic charm and refined elegance—set in a private Temecula estate with the warmth of California and the romance of the Italian countryside. Think bold color, effortless chic, and polished comfort.

👞 For the Gentlemen:Channel a relaxed Riviera style: linen suits, light sport coats, polos with slacks, and loafers. Creams, olives, warm earth tones, and soft citrus shades are all encouraged. Feel free to skip the tie—dressy but breezy is the goal. Please no stark white, black, or full formal suits needed.

🎀 For the Ladies:Wear something that makes you feel beautiful and festive—think colorful, bold, and garden-glam. Flowy floral dresses, elegant silhouettes, and statement hues inspired by citrus, olive groves, and Tuscan wine are all welcome. Please no white, black, creams, or pale pastels—we want the palette to stay rich and vibrant for the day and photos!

Dress Code

Registry

Drive Time to Temecula: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutesA smaller, stress-free airport with easy car rental access and fewer crowds. Great option for domestic travelers looking for convenience and efficiency.

John Wayne Airport

Distance: Approximately 30 minutesHighlights: Luxurious villas with private patios, an on-site spa, and a renowned winery.Ideal For: Guests seeking a full resort experience amidst vineyards.

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa

Distance: Approximately 20 minutesHighlights: An adult-only boutique hotel featuring five uniquely designed villas, each offering luxurious amenities such as rainfall showers, 55-inch Smart TVs with streaming services, and furnished patios. Guests can enjoy a complimentary continental breakfast, a plunge pool with vineyard views, and exclusive packages like hot air balloon tours and in-room massages.Ideal For: Couples or guests seeking a serene, romantic retreat with personalized services and a tranquil vineyard setting

The New Inn

Distance: Approximately 20 minutesHighlights: Boutique inn perched on a hill with panoramic vineyard views, European-inspired decor, and a gourmet two-course breakfast prepared by an in-house chef.Ideal For: Guests looking for a romantic, serene escape with vineyard charm and elevated hospitality.

The Inn at Europa Village

Distance: Approximately 25 minutesHighlights: Boutique hotel offering elegant rooms, beautiful vineyard views, and fine dining options.Ideal For: Couples and guests desiring a romantic and upscale stay.

Ponte Vineyard Inn

Distance: Approximately 10-15 minutesHighlights: Comfortable rooms, free hot breakfast, and proximity to Old Town Temecula.Ideal For: Guests desiring reliable amenities at a reasonable price.

Hampton Inn & Suites Temecula

Distance: Approximately 20 minutesHighlights: Modern suites with kitchenettes, pet-friendly policies, and complimentary breakfast.Ideal For: Guests planning longer stays or traveling with pets.

Home2 Suites by Hilton Temecula

Hotels

Drive Time to Temecula: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes A smaller, stress-free airport with easy car rental access and fewer crowds. Great option for domestic travelers looking for convenience and efficiency.

Drive Time to Temecula: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutesA larger airport with more flight options, especially for guests traveling from farther away. Offers beautiful views on the drive up to Temecula.

San Diego International Airport

Drive Time to Temecula: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutesA scenic and relaxing drive through Southern California. This airport is especially convenient if you’re planning to explore the desert or stay in the area before or after the wedding.

Palm Springs International Airport

Temecula is a sprawling area with limited public transportation. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are also available, but their coverage may be limited in wine country.Let us know if you have questions. We can’t wait to see you there!

Rental Cars are recommended

Travel

Staying in Temecula All Weekend!

We’ll be lingering in the valley all weekend, soaking in the sunshine, family time, and the best of Temecula. Here’s what we have in store:

Saturday (8/23)

Morning:Head to the Old Town Farmers Market, where local vendors, fresh produce, breakfast bites, and charming shops await. It’s the perfect way to start the weekend in Temecula’s historic heart. Midday:Enjoy a pickleball session and pool time—Rex loves hitting the court, and Lauren will be cooling off with the whole crew to kick back and relax. Afternoon – Evening:Get ready for the nightly spectacle: sunset followed by a hot air balloon watch. Even if you're not floating up yourself, seeing colorful balloons drift across the Temecula Valley sky is unforgettable.

Sunday (8/24)

As the weekend winds down, we’ll be saying our goodbyes and giving warm hugs to family and friends. It’s bittersweet—sad to see such a special weekend come to an end, but our hearts will be so full. We’ll be heading back to Orange County, and we know many of you will be traveling home too. Whether you’re sneaking in one last winery brunch, a spa visit, or simply enjoying a slow morning, we hope you carry the joy of this weekend with you. Thank you for making the trip and celebrating this unforgettable weekend with us. Our hearts are full! 🧡

Get a Taste of Temcula

Sunrise Hot Air Balloon Ride with Champagne over vineyards—it’s romantic, scenic, and a Temecula classic. Wine Tasting &amp; Tours at beloved wineries like Europa Village, Leoness Cellars, Wilson Creek, Callaway, and Baily. Schedule a tasting with vineyard views to sip and savor. Horseback Ride through the vineyards for that cowboy wine country twist—gorgeous and adventurous. Spa &amp; Pool Day at resorts like South Coast Winery Resort &amp; Spa, the Bottaia pool at wineries, or The Cove at Pechanga for cabanas and relaxing vibes. Shopping &amp; Exploring in Old Town Temecula—historic buildings, boutiques, antique shops, speakeasies, local dining, and even a community theater or museum stop. Unique local stops like the Alpaca Hacienda (feed alpacas!), the Ricardo Breceda Sculpture Garden, or the Temecula Valley Museum to learn local history. Gaming, live music, spa, and casinos at Pechanga Resort—pools, shows, great restaurants, and entertainment shine here. For more information: Visit Temecula Valley<a href="https://www.visittemeculavalley.com" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.visittemeculavalley.com</a>

Lauren & Rex

Lauren & Rex

Q&A

Q&A coming soon!