Elegant Black-Tie Summer Wedding With a Classic Napa Valley Feel
The Planning
Design / Vibe / Vision
From Erin: Cali and Justin's wedding was truly a timeless and elegant black-tie wedding with a classic Napa Valley feel. We wanted to incorporate the landscape into their wedding design and feel like their wedding really was part of the rolling hills of the Carneros Region. I worked closely with Cali and her Mom on all the little details of the day that made it unique and special. The lighted tent structure by Bright rentals was truly a show stopper and set the tone for an amazing night of celebration with family and dear friends! Their wedding was an overall white and ivory palette with an ode to timeless romance in the garden. White blooms, lush greenery, and touches of black details were carried throughout the whole design. Everything was perfectly captured with Caitlin O'Reilly behind the lens. Cali and Justin are the sweetest and the whole team loved bringing their day together for them and their dear families!
Proposal Story
It all began on Cali’s first day of her new job in NYC. Cali was on her way to her desk when Justin first spotted her. Justin turned to his friend and said, “I’m never going to be able to get any work done.”
It didn’t take long for Justin to come up with multiple excuses a day to go over to Cali’s desk. “Do you have a pen?” It's an office, every single person has a pen. The small talk continued, multiple work outings and late nights were had- they were becoming closer than ever.
Eventually, Cali was able to score Warrior tickets from work. Somehow Justin finagled his way into getting the second ticket and the two went to their first of many Knicks vs Warriors games together. It must have been when the Knicks were losing by 20 that Justin realized Cali is the one for him.
Getting Ready
Bridal Portraits
Flat Lays
First Look
The Fashion
Wedding Gown
Cali wore an Oscar De La Renta gown from Oscar De La Renta in New York.
Her fun reception dress was Carolina Herrera from Bergdorf Goodman.
Bridesmaid Dresses
Bridesmaids dresses are from BHLDN
Groomsman Attire
Justin's tux was from Snider’s formal wear on Long Island
Wedding Party
Ceremony
Cocktail Hour
The Details
Food & Drink
We built the menu with the wonderful culinary team at Carneros resort. We kept the food farm-to-table with an ode to Napa Valley and Northern California. A beautiful mix from the garden, sea and land. The wine for the evening was generously donated by Chuck Wager of Caymus Vineyards and The Wager Family of Wines, he is a dear friend of the Grandparents of the Bride.
Tray passed champagne upon arrival to the ceremony started the afternoon off just right, signature cocktails were enjoyed at cocktail hour, and delicious drinks and beautiful food were abundant throughout the evening ending with late night bites of mini cheeseburgers and fries and mini Irish coffees
topped with whipped cream & Carneros Resort's famous Boon Fly Donuts!
Florals & Decor
Darwin from Florali knocked it out of the park with the floral design, flowing greenery, beautiful texture, and floral elements that looked as if they were sourced directly from the hillsides of South Napa and the gardens at the resort. One of my absolute favorite details of Cali and Justin's evening was the custom hand painted seating wall designed by Shimmer & Stain and the foliage by Florali that accompanied the design. Simply perfect!
Wedding Cake
We had a blast cake tasting and bringing this beauty to life with the team at Flour & Bloom. Cali and Justin settled on three flavors for their cake, Almond Apricot, Vanilla Raspberry and Chocolate Chip Cake with Caramel Buttercream.
The 4-tier cake was covered in fondant and finished with focal points of handmade white sugar flowers of garden roses and peonies.
Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs
Beautiful words of love, a special wine sharing ceremony, the stomping of the glass, and celebration!
Special Detail #1
Print materials and signage complimented the evening and style of the black tie affair from invite to custom cocktail napkins.
The Hora and all the fun dancing!! Epic dancing and awesome band!
Special Detail #2
The 50'x110' open tent structure was created by Bright rentals and covered with 9,325 linear feet of twinkle lights. They brought our vision to life perfectly, it was a design request from the start of planning and really set the tone for the reception. The structure over the head table was a little something special for the bride and groom and wedding party. The foliage and greenery that was interwoven into the structure was simply lovely and felt like it belonged up at Carneros Hilltop.
Special Detail #3
Cali had a great time getting ready for her wedding with her ladies and the Bella Bridal Team. Jocelyn, Owner and Master stylist with Bella Bridal kept Cali's makeup natural and truly the perfect Summer glow. Her hair was pulled back in a timeless and elegant low bun.
Couple Portraits
Reception
