For me, “Napa Valley” and “incredible al fresco weddings” are pretty much one and the same. And this dreamy summer lovefest planned by Rosemary Events and designed by Nicole Sillapere only further proves my point. Photographed by Samuel Lippke Studios, it’s got all the elements for a storybook day – Vera Wang gown and five-tier creation by Sweet On Cake included. Go get lost in The Vault for a weekend that’s officially off to a perfect start.
From Rosemary Events… Just one day of venue scouting and Brittany & Justin fell head over heels for the beautiful Beaulieu Gardens Estate in Napa Valley. It was the perfect location for their fabulous and glowy evening under the stars.
Joined by 150 friends and family, the couple exchanged vows on a gorgeous summer day under a Chuppah covered with Amaranthus (Brittany’s favorite) in the beautiful sunken garden at Beaulieu Gardens. Guests were greeted with Blackberry Lemonade and Minted Iced Tea then seated in rustic wooden chairs under linen covered cabanas shading them from the July sun.
Justin looked handsome in a classic black tuxedo and began the procession walking in with his Mom. Bridesmaids wore dresses by Love Shack Fancy in complementing fabrics and carried bouquets of peach garden roses with raspberries and thistle. They walked in, accompanied by Justin’s groomsmen, to “Here Comes the Sun” by the Beatles. Brittany looked stunning in her Vera Wang gown and carried a beautiful bouquet of white garden roses and Amaranthus. Both her Mom and Dad accompanied her down the aisle to an instrumental version of the song from her favorite childhood movie (the one she used to play over and over) “If We Hold on Together”.
Most important to Brittany and Justin was that the ceremony incorporated all the special religious and family traditions representing their respective backgrounds. They worked together with Rabbi Brian and Pastor Larry who created one of the most moving and special ceremonies I have had the pleasure of witnessing. It appropriately ended as the couple walked out through a shower of rose petals to the instrumental version of Pharrell Williams’ “Happy,” by performed by Ever Music Group.
Guests mingled after ceremony enjoying cocktails and delicious bites from Paula Le Dec Fine Catering and jazz by Ever Music Group. When it came time for dinner, they collected seating cards from wooden shutters placed along the beautiful vine covered path leading to the dining arbor.
The dining tables were a magical backdrop for the extraordinary feast prepared by Paula Le Duc Fine Catering. A continuous golden ribbon stretched the length of each of the long tables and wove through each place setting. Casa de Perrin chargers of Italian glass and 24K set each place, then were finished with a gold flatware, gold napkin, a mix of crystal and Riedel glassware, menus by Tiny Pine Press, a pair of individual crystal salt & pepper cellars for each guest and a golden ribbon monogrammed with each guest’s name. Footed bowls held stunning arrangements of yellow and creme garden roses accented with berries and thistle, spilled with amaranthus. These gorgeous arrangements lined the tables and were accented with smaller arrangements each displaying single ingredients of the larger arrangement and bowls of floating candles. The arbor was twinkling with beautiful gold chandeliers. The pool was aglow with white globes of varying sizes.
Guests ate an amazing Salad of Peaches and Arugula, Salmon on a Cedar Plank served w/ Farro and main course of Bavette Steak. Laughter and toasting followed, Brittany and Justin cut their cake and took the dance floor for a romantic first dance to “Shining Star”. Ever Music Group appeared for a lively Hora dance and then a friend of Justin’s, DJ Chris Fox from Boutique DJs, spun their favorites and kept the dance floor hopping.
It was a magical departure as guests walked through a sea of bubbles and were offered Strawberry Ice Cream Sandwiches as a sweet finish to the party but the fun continued at an after party at the nearby Reddwood restaurant.
The evening was absolutely magical and glowing. What was so incredibly wonderful about Brittany and Justin (and Brittany’s wonderful parents) was the effort they took to make sure that each and every guest felt special and taken care of. The mood was infectious. There was so much love in the air.
Photography: Samuel Lippke Studios | Cinematography: Weddings on Film | Event Planning + Design: Rosemary Events | Floral + Event Design: Sillapere Eco Events | Wedding Dress: Vera Wang | Cake: Sweet on Cake | Bridesmaids' Dresses: Love Shack Fancy | Catering: Paula LeDuc Fine Catering & Events | Hair + Makeup: Jam Leonard | Lighting: Got Light | DJ: Boutique DJs | Ceremony Music: Ever Music Group | Venue: Beaulieu Garden | Alterations: Heidi Johnson | Invitations + Stationery: Tiny Pine Press | Linen Rentals: BBJ La Tavola | Rabbi + Pastor: Rabbi Brian & Pastor Larry Keen | Rentals: Classic Party Rentals Napa | Rentals: Bright Event Rentals | Sound: Delicate Productions | Tabletop: Casa de Perrin