For anyone that is a regular SMP reader you know that I am a total sucker for two things…perfect white weddings and anything Jose Villa. So what do you get when you put those two little numbers together? You get a very happy blogger who just happens to be dorking out on many different levels…from squeals of glee, to wedding butterflies, to maybe even a high kick or two. Or three. You get a dancing, twirling, whirling, counting-my-lucky-stars-to-have-the-best-job-on-the-planet blogger who can’t wait to share all of the Jose Villa gorgeousness with you. Designed by the crazy talented Rosemary Hattenbach of Rosemary Special Events…this little wedding just might be what heaven looks like. Oh and not to fret, we’ve got a buying guide coming up for all of you crafty DIY and budget brides out there. Click here to see the whole shebang!
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From Rosemary Special Events… From my first meeting with Lauren & Joe when we met to scout out venues in the Napa Valley, I just knew working with them would be a pleasure… they are such a great couple… so much fun and sweet! They wanted a simple, elegant celebration that featured the beauty of Napa Valley… classic and natural with just a touch of modern style.
They decided on Holy Family Mission, a charming and historic Catholic church built in 1912 set in the midst of the vineyards in Rutherford. For the reception they selected the Calistoga Ranch, a beautiful 48-room resort tucked in a private canyon just outside the town of Calistoga.
The wedding took place over Memorial Day weekend. Lauren wanted the wedding day to feel bright, summery and natural so we chose a palette of white and taupe with subtle green accents to keep it light and airy. We had a little weather scare with rain leading up to the wedding but in the final days the weather miraculously turned and they enjoyed temperatures in the mid-80s all weekend.
The traditional ceremony was intimate, simple and gorgeous. Lauren’s parish priest flew up from San Diego to perform the ceremony. Lauren looked absolutely stunning in an ivory, strapless Vera Wang gown. She carried a white bouquet of peonies, hydrangeas and garden roses that was finished with a vintage silk ribbon that her mother had found on a trip to France. Her bridesmaids wore full-length Kirstie Kelly dresses in a blush tone and the men looked very handsome in classic black tuxedos. Bunches of simple white hydrangea behind the altar and on the pews were the perfect accent to the gorgeous wood beamed ceilings and hand painted walls of church. A vintage lace French altar cloth given to the couple by Lauren’s mom graced the altar.
After the ceremony, guests were transported by shuttle up to Calistoga Ranch where they mingled over cocktails, sampled delicious bites of Calistoga Ranch’s spectacular cuisine and took in the 180-degree view of the surrounding lake and canyon. Designer, Nicole Sillapere blew everyone away with her absolutely stunning florals and event décor. In order for guests to savor every moment of sunlight and the natural surroundings, dinner was served under a soft and beautiful white Raj Tent with open sides. Nicole kept it clean and modern with contemporary white chairs, a mix of square, round and long tables with crisp white linens. Fluffy white peonies, Star of Bethlehem, lily of the valley, white tulips and white hydrangea were grouped separately in mixed sizes of white and glass vessels. The programs, escort cards, menus and place cards were gorgeous… each finished with taupe custom stitching. Place settings were accented with a taupe woven ribbon and a single gardenia leaf.
Guests enjoyed a delicious 3-course meal and listened to jazz standards performed by Ever Music Group. Once the sun went down and it started to get chilly, we ushered everyone into an underground wine cave that had been transformed into a chic, candlelit lounge for dancing. There wasn’t a dry eye in the house when Joe, a really talented singer/songwriter surprised Lauren with an original song he had written for her…. it was very romantic! They had a blast dancing the rest of the night to the sounds of DJ Goyo and enjoyed the chocolate wedding cake created by the pastry chef at Calistoga Ranch. It was such a fun and romantic celebration for such a fabulous couple. Congratulations Lauren and Joe!
Wedding Photography: Jose Villa / Wedding Gown (silver belt): Ivy & Aster, Sweet Pea/ Wedding Invitations: Tiny Pine Press / Other Paper Goods: Mira Aster / Event Planning: Rosemary Hattenbach of Rosemary Special Events / Floral Design & Event Décor: Nicole Sillapere / Wedding Ceremony Location: Holy Family Mission, Rutherford, CA / Wedding Reception Location & Catering: Calistoga Ranch / Wedding Cake: Calistoga Ranch / Tent: Raj Tents / Hair & Makeup: Darcy Hunt & Elise Newman of Primped Napa Valley / Band: Ever Music Group / DJ: DJ Goyo of Uptempo Productions / Wedding Dress: Vera Wang / Bridesmaid Dresses: Kirstie Kelly / Film Work: Richard Photo
