It wasn't hard to fall head over heels for this Calistoga Ranch soiree captured by the amazing IQphoto. Nope, all it took was one look at the soft pink hues, gorgeous lakeside setting, garden party meets vintage vibe and stunning bride and groom and I was IN LOVE with every last darling detail designed by Rebecca Reategui Weddings & Special Events. Not to mention that cake by Perfect Endings, which has completely blown my mind with its gorgeousness. Wow. I predict a Tuesday spent obsessing over all of this lovely, so you know where I'll be. Join me in the gallery for even more!
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From IQphoto... Rachel and Matthew both live in Michigan and, as restaurant owners, have extensive culinary backgrounds. It was only natural that their destination wedding be located in a haven for food and wine lovers – the Napa Valley. They chose Calistoga Ranch for its seclusion, cuisine, and serene natural beauty. The organic aesthetic of the resort provided a lovely backdrop for Rachel’s vision of a stylish, rustic-chic, feminine wedding with some vintage-inspired touches. She chose a romantic color scheme of white and cream, pale green and shades of pink.
They fell in love with a peaceful lake on the Calistoga Ranch property and decided it was a perfect setting for their wedding. Rachel and Matthew were married under a wrought iron arbor, woven with blooming branches and accented with soft cream flowers as if they were growing on the structure. The delicate floral detail of Rachel’s Monique Lhuillier gown inspired the custom ceremony chair covers (and later, the beautiful Perfect Endings cake!).
Cocktail hour boasted a variety of culinary taste treats, which included a ceviche station and a local cheese and charcuterie table with beer and wine pairings. Guests relaxed on slip-covered, white cotton lounge furniture, which paired nicely with coffee tables made from old wine barrels. The escort cards, with a pink vintage print, were displayed on reclaimed wood tablets and guests were given fleur-de-lys topped wine stoppers to commemorate their trip to the wine country.
For dinner, guests were invited into a long canopy draped in sheer white fabric. An eclectic mix of crystal chandeliers that hung over the rustic wood dining tables added a glamorous touch. The tables were dressed with delicate table runners, etched glassware including a pink pressed water glass, ivory chairs and table settings with a French-country nod. Lush floral arrangements were designed in an eclectic mix of glass, mercury glass and antiqued silver containers, featuring peonies, sweet peas, garden roses and ranunculus, which added a beautiful softness to the tables. It was the perfect setting to enjoy a gourmet meal, which included spring pea and lemon coulis, local crab timbale, crispy pork belly, and slow-braised short ribs with morell mushrooms, fava beans and a cabernet reduction.
After dinner, the guests transitioned into the wine caves for the real party to begin. Rachel and Matthew wanted to surprise guests with a chic environment with an unexpected design. To contrast to the light, airy outdoor design, there were deep tones of teal, gold and red in the lounge, with elements of Moroccan décor and Chinese symbolism (a nod to the bride’s heritage). A mix of bejeweled and Asian lanterns, lush red drapery and hundreds of colored glass votives welcomed guests into the cave. The lounge featured an ice bar carved with the Chinese symbol for Double Happiness and a sumptuous dessert bar. The result was a richly colored, glowing den of candlelight where guests danced the night away.
Event Planning + Design: Rebecca Reategui Weddings & Special Events / Wedding Photography: IQphoto / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals / Linens: La Tavola / Ice Bar: Clear Memories / Wedding Cake: Perfect Endings / Floral Design: Tapestry Flowers / Wedding Ceremony Music: Synchronicity Strings / Cocktail + Dinner Music: Turnaround Jazz / DJ: Dave Tutton / Wedding Gown: Monique Lhuillier / Hair + Make-up: Sherrie Long / Wedding Day Stationery + Calligraphy: Union Street Papery / Transportation: Napa Valley Tours & Transportation / Moroccan Furnishings In Cave: Raj Tents / Wedding Venue: Calistoga Ranch