Okay. It’s true. If I could have a wedding day do-over it would most certainly have to be in Napa Valley. I’m totally convinced there is no location more timeless and elegant as Napa. And this gorgeous wedding, designed by the geniuses at Laurie Arons Special Events and photographed by the equally talented Meg Smith is certainly no exception to that rule. First of all, her dress? Amazing. And the beyond perfect tablescapes completely covered with white flowers? To die for. I can only imagine how magical the evening became once the sun went down and the hanging flowers were lit up with tiny lights. Yup, totally swooning here. Join me in the gallery for a good old fashioned swoon-fest, won’t you?
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From Laurie Arons Special Events: The bride and groom are both from the South, and wanted a beautiful private wedding with classic sophistication and unique touches. Dabney, an interior designer with an amazing sense of style, was passionate about the look and feel of the wedding. Rob cared most about having their friends and family experience his favorite Napa Valley resort, Calistoga Ranch. Together we created a wedding weekend in wine country that was truly special and memorable.
From the Bride: We come from a family of interior decorators, so naturally it was important to find a wedding planner who could understand our vision and lend us theirs in the process. Laurie Arons was the planner, without question, who far exceeded her reputation as one of the most professional and tasteful wedding planners around.
We decided to get married at Beaulieu Garden in Rutherford because it echoed my late grandmother’s estate in Virginia- a spectacular place that felt authentic and familiar and where our story began. The day of, guests arrived by way of a long tree lined driveway, adding suspense for what lay ahead. They were welcomed with refreshing pear cocktails, served in a rose garden bursting with colorful flowers at the height of perfection. Marc Andrews, Bishop of California and my former boarding school minister back in the day, officiated our ceremony in the serenely beautiful sunken garden. After our vows, guests meandered under the trees to the soft tune of a string trio towards magnificently decorated long tables set under a blooming vine trellis. Glass bud vases were filled with candles and massive peonies hung from the vines above the table. The overall feel was both classic and cerebral, as the table began to glow as soon as the sun went down.
The dance tent was bathed in white, with subtle hints of pink, grey and green. Every detail worked together, creating a sublime unified setting. Eventually we were whisked away in a white antique Packard and on our way to the Wine Cave at Calistoga Ranch for more dancing to a DJ. As the after-party continued into the late night hours, we snacked on goodies like mini grilled cheeses, French fries and mini croque madames. On a last minute whim of mine, I started to worry that guests might also want something sweet at the after-party. I was blown away when Laurie arranged for pedestals of Perfect Endings cupcakes, monogrammed with our initials to match our invitations. All with one day’s notice!
Wedding Planner: Laurie Arons Special Events / Venue: Beaulieu Garden / Caterer: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering / Wedding Photographer: Meg Smith Photography / Wedding Cake + Groom’s Cake: Perfect Endings / Floral Design: Kathleen Deery Design / Invitations + Menus: A Day in May Design / Dress: Oscar de la Renta / Calligraphy: Barbara Callow / Custom Escort Cards & Place Cards: PS Paper / Reception Music: Durell Coleman Band / Officiant: Bishop Marc Andrus, Episcopal Diocese of California / Transportation: Antique Tour Limousines / After-Party Music: DJ Solomon / Bride’s Hair + Make-up: Wallett Weddings (Wallett Luberich & Anya Pfeiffer)