Let me preface this next wedding by saying this…if I wasn’t friends with Jose Villa, he would DEFINITELY be a little scared of me. Every time I get one of his weddings, I automatically become a class A lunatic, gushing like gushing was going out of style. I don’t know whether he is simply the world’s best photographer and can make any wedding look spectacular or he is blessed with super cool clients that know what style is all about, but whatever the case, I’ve never received a single Jose wedding that I didn’t frantically get up on SMP. Case in point, this next little number that he collaborated on with the fabulous Beth Helmstetter. Oh and before I let you loose with these images, we have a super cool Jose Giveaway coming up next! Click here to see even more!
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Natalie & Pat wanted nothing more than to provide an intimate and unique experience for their wedding celebration and bringing together their family and friends from both coasts to Napa, offered just that! After many a trips to Napa, Natalie & Pat thought there would be no better a location for their day. Natalie’s never ending passion for interior design fueled the process with me and her design team referencing architecture, restaurant design and the like for inspiration for her day. She certainly didn’t want a day that looked like any old wedding and in the end, I think we accomplished just that. Sleek and modern with just the right amount of charm played off of the juxtaposition of the venue’s industrial meets rustic design. For the ceremony, Natalie chose the Apple Orchard as the place to exchange vows and kept the area understated with simple black X back chairs and shepard’s hooks. The main statement piece at the ceremony was the black baby grand piano that played Coldplay’s Reign of Love as Natalie walked down the aisle.
During cocktail hour, the pianist continued as guests enjoyed elderflower champagne and wines selected during several trips to the Napa area by the bride and groom. For dinner, we had a true Napa Valley inspired menu that included seasonal ingredients straight from the valley. For design, based on a color story inspired from the interior of a cathedral that Natalie couldn’t get enough of, we worked with a pale slate blue as the base for everything from the invitations to the linens. To keep the look clean and streamlined, Natalie had her heart set on ghost chairs designed by Philipe Starck and the design team was happy to oblige. Clean vessels filled with soft white flowers added romance to the look while maintaining the sophisticated vibe and touches of whimsical yet mod butterflies for everything from place cards to random moments on the drum shades to the picture display.
The evening ended near the outdoor fire place surrounded by modern meets romantic lounge furniture and an elaborate S’mores display. Guests enjoyed, cocktails, cocoa and sweets until the wee hours of the morning when Natalie & Pat said their goodbyes to all of their guests that traveled so far to celebrate with them in true Napa style.
Photography: Jose Villa / Event Planner: Beth Helmstetter / Floral Designer & Rentals: Kathleen Deery / Linens: La Tavola / Venue: Carneros Inn / Cake: Perfect Endings / Stationery: Village Invites / Entertainment: Patrick Numair / Ceremony & Cocktail Hour Music: Michael Udelson / Piano Rental: Santa Rosa Music Center / Calligraphy: Laura Hooper / Macarons: Paulette Macaron Dress: Oscar De La Renta / Shoes: Manolo Blahnik / Bridesmaids Dresses: Amsale