REAL WEDDING: Autumn Candlelight Wedding in Napa Valley, California

It's been too long since our last blog post...  thanks to Martha Stewart Weddings for keeping our phone ringing.  This one was worth the wait though.  Intimate weddings are some of my favorite and this custom wedding is extra special; the result of a great collaboration with some of the most talented people in the business.  Chris and Sandra came to us with a wish not only for a meaningful and beautiful wedding but a desire create an unforgettable experience for their friends & family - sharing of all of their favorite things in Napa Valley.  The wedding was not only a gift to each other, but a love letter of sorts to 25 of their favorite people.   Thanks to the incredibly talented Samuel Lippke who captured every warm, glowy moment!

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They chose a specific week in November due to scheduling issues - traditionally a little late for our season.  Nicole Sillapere and I turned some of the seasons limitations into assets and made it the perfect backdrop for their cozy autumn candlelight wedding.  

A designers dream bride, Sandra shared her love for bold and unique interiors, gave us a few items on her wish list and then trusted us to create the rest - a magical day beyond her wildest dreams. What guest would decline attending when they receiving this gorgeous, ethereal invitation created by Tiny Pine Press. 

A former ballroom dancer, Sandra loved the dramatic flair of this gown by Spanish designer Yolan Cris. 

Their intimate candlelight ceremony took place at dusk on a crisp November day.  The couple exchanged vows in the entry to the modern barn at a private estate in Napa Valley.   Sandra walked down an aisle lined with pillar candles to an acoustic version of Michael Buble's "Everything".  

The couple shared their handwritten vows before an group of family and friends under a ceiling of hanging candles.   Sandra's adorable niece stole the show as she skipped up and down the aisle during the wedding.

 The intimate ceremony was followed by cocktails and delicious tray passed bites,  as guests listened to acoustic songs sung by Jeff Campbell and kept warm by the outdoor fireplace.  

The fireside dinner was truly dreamy.   Guests were invited to be seated at a dramatic candlelit table beautifully designed by Nicole Sillapere.  Slate gray linens were the backdrop for white marble candleholders and white taper candles.- orange accents of persimmons and seasonal berries added a pop of Fall color to warm up the table.  

The couple presided over the T shaped table in a cozy love seat while guests were seated in chairs with white seat covers.  Each place was set with a letterpressed menus by Tiny Pine Press, continuing the look of the invitation design.

A 5-course chef's choice menu, designed to showcase the best of the season was prepared a-la-minute before guests in an open kitchen by Chef Ethan Mantle and his amazing team from Componere Fine Catering .  

Jeff Campbell continued his acoustic renditions of favorite classic tunes as guests enjoyed the meal and sang along.

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La Foret's Wendy Sherwood, alum of the French Laundry provided a divine finish to the meal with her salted caramel & chocolate wedding cake.   The room was alive with fun and celebration and the warmth of family and friends. 

 The couple is expecting their first child in a few weeks.  A lucky little one to join such a warm and loving family!