wine country weddings, summer 2012, issue no. 1
DESCRIPTION
Wine Country Weddings is a niche online publication devoted to providing couples with all the resources and inspiration they need to plan the quintessential wine country wedding.TRANSCRIPT
rustic yet refined,casual & elegant.
visit us atnapastyle.com/registry
Give your home the perfect contrast of
old with new,
wedding gift
the premier issueWine Country Weddings is a niche online publication devoted to providing valuable
editorial, stunning imagery, and a variety of bridal vendors and venues specifically for couples
planning a wine country wedding.
PUBLISHED BY ROMANTIC TRAVEL PUBLISHINGCOVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY
CAROLINE WINATA, TINYWATER PHOTOGRAPHY
Autumn
his magazine has been a labor of love. My inspiration for the magazine was the
beloved readers of my first book, Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples, who over the years have emailed me sweet stories of proposals, anniversaries and romance in Napa Valley.
Writing about weddings for local and national bridal publications, I also become inspired by the romanticism that wine country held in many couple’s hearts. In time, these sentimental assignments set forth a chain of events that lead to the birth of the magazine; a place where couples can feel connected to wine country, and utilize our insider information and knowledge to successfully plan their own wine country wedding.
In our premiere issue we present our readers with the latest food + wine trends that are seeping into weddings and bridal-related events (page 28), and recommend only the best spring and summer sparkling wines for any warm-weathered celebration chosen by our own Sommelier, Gianna (page 46). In addition, we feature an inspired styled-shoot that showcases romantic details of a wine country wedding affair (page 54), and showcase chic, playful and stunning bridal gowns designed by San Francisco-based Sara Seven (page 36).
Thank you for becoming our first readers! Please let me know your feedback on this issue, and what we can bring you in our next issue to make it even better. Email me directly below.
In the meantime, please become a fan of our Facebook page and visit our Blog daily for continued inspiration + resources. And more importantly, relish and savor each page of our first issue.
Autumn Millhouse and Ellie
letter from the editor
To your happliy-ever-after,
Tyler KyleMANAGING EDITOR
Fifth-generation Napa Valley native,Spanish Professor, Author & Translator.
Best Part of Working on Premiere Issue:Being able to introduce brides to the best
wine country has to offer!
Sonoma State University Communications Graduate, Los Angeles native & foodie.
Favorite Wine Country Hotspot: Spoon Bar inside h2 Hotel in Healsburg.
C O N T R I B U T O R S
Angie GarciaMARKETING ASSISTANT
AmandaOne True Love
Vintage Rentals
LaurelElsa Events
AndreaSift Cupcakes
and Dessert Bar
Leigh + AllisonCrimson Horticultural
Rarities
Atlanta native Graphic Artist for over 20 years and Illustration Professor at
SCAD-Atlanta.
Favorite Wine:Mondavi Pinot Noir
Jay MontgomeryCREATIVE DIRECTOR
Author of Decantress Wine Diary Blog & Google’s Marketing Event Planner.
Dream Wine Country Destination:A weekend at Cliff Lede Vineyards, Poetry
Inn and dinner at the French Laundry.
Sonoma State University Communications Graduate, Los Angeles native & foodie.
Favorite Wine Country Hotspot: Spoon Bar inside h2 Hotel in Healsburg.
C O N T R I B U T O R S
Angie GarciaMARKETING ASSISTANT
Gianna Cardinale GaudiniSOMMELIER
Leading Wedding & Event photographers & Authors of their soon-to-be-released book,
“The Detail Experience Handbook.”
Best part of working on Premiere Issue: The excitement of helping pay homage to
our hometown of Napa!
Damion & Julie HamiltonPHOTOGRAPHERS
SarahSarah Seven Designs
ChristinaChristina Fitch, Wedding
Hair & Makeup Artist
Alexander & CraigThe Aerialist Letterpress
MollyMEF Photo
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Our Editorial Calendar for our blog and magazine is inspired, original,
photographed and produced with the intent of providing ashtecially attractive
and worthy, engaging content.
Renowned authorities and industry experts will offer a variety of advice, ideas and tips for planning a wine
country wedding.
2
1
Featured in the magazine, and weekly on the blog are wine country weddings
from popular wine regions. Real love stories, real settings and lots of
inspiring wine country details.
4
EXPERT BRIDALPLANNING ADVICE
VALUABLE
EDITORIAL
CONTENT
REAL WINE COUNTRY WEDDINGS
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We have maximized your convenience and reading pleasure by providing pre-selected clickable
links to:
VALUABLE RESOURCES
INSPIRING IDEAS
WINE COUNTRY VENUES
BRIDAL VENDORS
Did you knowyou can read
on an iPad?
Each week Tasting Notes:, wine reviews and seasonal coctail recipes will be
provided for wine lovers and cocktail connoisseurs.
3
Food, wine and romance are quintessential wine country. From the proposal to the honeymoon, each day you will discover a new, fresh idea on
how to plan your dream wedding.
5
PREMIER ISSUEthe
W I N E &
W I N E C O U N T RY
trends
realW E D D I N G S
F O O D
romantic D R E S S E S
V E N D O R SV E N U E S &
Wine CountryWEDDINGS
SPRING 2012 |
exclusive RESOURCE & INSPIRATION
WINE COUNTRY WEDDINGFOR COUPLES PLANNING A
ISSUE NO 1
hand-picked
REAL WINE COUNTRY WEDDINGS
ALL THINGS WINE COUNRTY...
WINE REVIEWS & SEASONAL COCKTAILS
WELCOMELetter from Founding Editor-in-Chief, Autumn Millhouse who shares the inspiration for our premiere issue.
HONEYMOONS FOR WINE LOVERSKatie Frederick, owner of Ever After Honeymoons presents four destinations.
SPRING & SUMMER BRIDAL TRENDS
WINE COUNTRY GUESTBOOK IDEASThree inspiring ideas for a unique guestbook.
03
14
18
21WEDDING FOOD + WINE TRENDSDiscover the Top 8 Food + Wine Trends that are making their way into wine country weddings.
GLAMOROUS COUNTRY AFFAIRVineyard-ready gowns by Sarah Seven, bridal designer, chosen from her 2012 Spring & Summer Collection.
28
36
vignettes
food
style
SPRING & SUMMERSPARKLING WINE GUIDEOur designated Sommelier, Gianna presents couples with the absolute best wines for a spring or summer celebration.
46
BRITT & LUKE Sweet as Honey
LAUREN & LUCAS Modern Love
LAUREN & RON Wine Country Romance
JEFF & SARATrue Love Birds
WINE COUNTRY WEDDING DETAILSDistinct wine country looks.
66
wine
style
ROMANTIC INSPIRATIONGet inspired by our styled winery celebration where lovely romantic details are showcased throughout every facet of a wedding.
54romance
real wine country weddings76
84
94
BRIDAL RESOURCE GUIDE Wine Country Weddings Magazine presents hand-picked bridal vendors and our favorite vineyard venues so soon-to-be brides can plan their own Quintessential Wine Country Wedding.
108
104
Wedding inspiration, expert advice, lovely little ideas, and
delectable accounts of all things wine country wedding.
[noun] plural of vignette.
A brief evocative description, account or episode.It originally meant “something that may be written on a vine-leaf.”
vignettes
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• Thought to be one of Europe’s most storied and sought-after destinations, Provence stretches almost 200 miles of the Mediterranean coast and has been producing wines for at least 2,600 years. In addition to its endless vineyards, the area is also known for its hilltop picturesque villages, fields of lavender and groves of olive trees. • The Four Seasons Provence at Terre Blanche offers elegant yet casual suite-only accommodations, all of which offer private balcony or terrace views that span over the valley to the mountains. • While nestled in the heart of Provence, the Four Seasons has an astonishingly convenient location, making it the perfect home base for other adventures like taking a dip in the Med, hiking or kayaking amid limestone cliffs. The property is just 30 minutes from the beaches of Cannes, 45 minutes from Nice. It is also within a comfortable day trip of Aix-en-Provence. Another fun activity for couples, and just 10 minutes away from the resort, is cooking classes at the Riviera Gastronomic Institute, where personal classes are organized with award winning Chefs and Pastry Chefs.
Katie Frederick, owner of Ever After Honeymoons and I recently sat down to discuss our shared love of travel, hometowns in Northern California and where exactly wine lovers would yearn to honeymoon. Katie’s extensive experience planning customized honeymoons for couples makes her the expert when it comes to planning a romantic adventure for wine loving couples. Below are her hand-selected destinations perfectly paired for our Wine Country Weddings readers.
Hunter Valley, Australia • The Hunter Valley, while one of the smallest wine growing areas in the country, is known for always producing some of the best wines in the world. In Hunter Valley, winemaking is a lifelong passion, so your wine-tasting experiences are sure to be unsurpassable.• The Chateau Elan is situated in the heart of the Hunter Valley in the Valley’s premier residential lifestyle community, The Vintage. All rooms have balconies or terraces overlooking Vintage fairways and the vast Hunter Valley. For honeymooners, there are five Spa Suites with screened Sanctuary Courtyards providing absolute seclusion. • What’s great about Hunter Valley is that the area is not defined solely by its wines. While there are numerous boutique wineries, couples can also partake in hot-air ballooning, bicycling tours, horseback riding, golfing, and exquisite local dinning.
Provence, France
Honeymoons for Wine Lovers
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Honeymoons for Wine Lovers Mendoza, Argentina
• Mendoza is the heart of winemaking in Argentina, accounting for more than two-thirds of the country’s entire wine production. Known primarily for their Malbec, the region also produces exquisite Sauvignons, Tempranilos, & Chardonnays. Avoid the hustle and bustle of Mendoza city-life and escape to the lovely little town of Chacras de Coria, just 10 miles south of Mendoza. An authentic Argentine village, Chacras has a delightful town square called Plaza General Espejo that hosts an antiques fare every Sunday afternoon. Just down the road from the main square sits Bodega Lagarde, one of the oldest and most traditional wineries in Mendoza. • Located on one of the most antique streets of the town sits the big house that is the Posada Borravino Inn. This small country escape is ideal for couples seeking quietness and privacy in the comforts a genuine home-like atmosphere. The Inn features 8 rooms, all unique in their own way, and named after 8 different types of wine. Couples can take romantic strolls through the streets of Chacras, ride bikes to the town square, and explore the ancient church, cafes, and bodegas. The Inn staff can arrange everything from guided tours of the larger wineries of Mendoza to personal visits to bodegas, tasting rooms, river rafting in the mountains, and horseback riding.
• Home to some of the world’s most notable wine regions, Tuscany is any wine-lovers paradise. Located in central Italy along the Tyrrhenian Coast, Tuscany is home to wine regions such as Chianti, Brunello di Montalcino, & Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, wines all primarily made with Sangiovese grapes. With almost 40 high quality classified vineyards, a trip to Tuscany must be done right to ensure you have an ultimate experience and don’t overwhelm yourself. • Castello Banfi Il Borgo consists of 14 rooms and suites all built inside the stone houses forming the hillside hamlet nestled along an 18th century stone castle. What’s unique about Castello Banfi is that the entire estate was started from scratch just 20 years ago. The abundant south-facing slopes overlooking the valley that are now planted with vines was under the sea 40 million years ago. Even today, the calcium-rich soil is scattered with seashells. But don’t let the estate’s youth deter you. The property is described as a constellation of single vineyards, producing a large number of estate-bottled wines. In addition to the vineyards, the estate also features peach & plum orchards, olive groves, havens of truffles and mushrooms, and woods teeming with wild game making the property virtually self-sustaining. • Couples can partake in wine and cooking classes taught by Castello Banfi’s very own winemakers and chefs. The estate also features its own museum, the Giovanni F. Mariani located inside of an 18th century castle.
Tuscany, Italy
Couples can take romantic strolls through the streets of Chacras, ride bikes to the town square, and explore the ancient
church, cafes, and bodegas (wine bars & wineries).
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Dave Matthews may be most widely known as the Grammy-winning front man of the band that bears his name, but what you may not know is that his passion for music is equaled by his deep love of wine making. The songwriter-turned-vintner already owned one vineyard—Blenheim Vineyards in Virginia—when he partnered with fellow wine aficionado Steve Reeder to open The Dreaming Tree. The eco-conscious label hits all the right notes producing three varieties—Crush (a red blend), Chardonnay, and Cabernet Sauvignon—all grown and produced on California’s north and central coasts.
As a bonus track, The Dreaming Tree is committed to reducing its environmental impact by using lightweight bottles produced with clean-burning natural gas, and black ink printing on unbleached, 100% recycled paper labels. Music to our ears. www.dreamingtreewines.com -Written by Molly Feit
Dave Matthew’s Dreaming Tree Wine
“I swallowed it before I put down the glass. There wasn’t any opportunity to spit.” – Dave Matthews on the time-honored traditions of wine-tasting
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Spring & Summer: Bridal Trends With every passing wedding season bridal
fashions trends come and go, but some always manage to stand out more than others. Here are a few recent fads that caught our attention and are
worth more than a passing glance:
TIED IT WITH A BOW – Gents need not be left out of the fun of getting gussied up for their wedding days. Just look beyond a formal bowtie or one-color cravat to these brightly patterned haberdashery sets from Plum Pretty Sugar. And ladies, this sweet boutique is also filled with great wardrobe and accessory options for you and your bridesmaids. $45, store.plumprettysugar.com
STATEMENT HAIR PIECES – BHLDN’s carefully curated collection of hair pieces may not be a secret, but its beauty makes it worthy of mention. If a traditional veil is not your style, BHLDN offers statement pieces ranging from soft and delicate rhinestone clips to bold and structured feathered combs, all with a mesmerizing vintage touch. $50-$620 bhldn.com
VINTAGE GARTERS - You may want to skip the garter toss altogether when you wear one of these lace beauties from Emily Riggs Bridal. Hand crafted from high quality, modern and vintage laces, silks and jewel adornments, each stunning garter is made to order and colors are customizable to match the look of your wedding. Plus, every covetable creation comes with a matching toss garter—so you won’t have to completely shirk tradition. $70-$200 emilyriggsbridal.com/store - by M.F
We Love
Bob
bi +
Mik
e Ph
oto
Stac
y A
ble
Pho
to
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Robin WilliamsMeadowood Resort, a sprawling 250-acre private estate was the location for the intimate Oct. 2011, nuptials of comedian Robin Williams and his graphic designer bride Susan Schneider. Amidst the full-service spa, tennis courts, and golf and croquet courses of the St. Helena, Calif., resort, close friends and relatives gathered for a light-hearted ceremony that included romantic—and presumably funny—vows the couple wrote themselves.
Molly SimsActress Molly Sims and her bridal party indulged before the big day by relaxing at Solage Calistoga’s Spa known for its natural mineral springs and mud bar. Sims chose a grove of trees on the grounds of a private estate in Calistoga, Calif. to exchange vows with producer beau Scott Stuber. Wearing a flowing lace Marchesa wedding gown and carrying an understated peach bouquet, Sims wed on Sept. 24, 2011, in a simple but elegant ceremony.
Tamara MowryThe four-star luxury of Villagio Inn & Spa in Yountville, Calif., was the stage for television star Tamara Mowry’s May 15, 2011, wedding to Napa native and Fox News correspondent Adam Housley. Three-hundred guests shared in the event that included lush florals, bridesmaids in pale pink in floor-length gowns, Converse sneakers, cupcakes from Sift Bakery, and the couple’s Shih Tzu as a tuxedo-clad ring bearer. Rumor has it the newlywed’s traditional vows were accompanied by plenty of joyful tears and followed by hours of dancing—and even a trendy taco truck. -by M.F.
California wine country has been a beacon to the affianced for decades. Visitors and bridal parties travel from around the world to enjoy the beauty of the many distinct grape growing regions the state has to offer—and celebrities are no exception. Last year a handful of celebs tied the knot at wineries across California, and we certainly can’t fault them for their choice.
Celebrity Wine Country Weddings
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$25-$190 Etsy Artist Melina
Szapiro
WHAT’S IN A NAME – Your bridesmaids will be one of the biggest sources of help and joy on your wedding day. Give your gratitude for your closest friends a name – or even just an initial – with the gift of customized necklaces. Your attendants will feel the love and appreciate that you took the time to find a gift made just for them. Options range in cost and design from dainty gold hearts to gilded clay medallions to scrolling custom calligraphy. Here are our favorites.
Bridesmaids Gifts We Love
$68 for a set of 5, Etsy Artist Moncadeau
$195 Brevity, necklaces by Anna Corpron
Bridechilla Anti-Bridzilla - Stylish, chic and to-tally chill describes this new line of bridal apparel which includes comfy tee-shirts, hats, and Team Bridechilla wear. The brand represents planning and celebrat-ing being a bride with class, charm and a lovely approach. Instead of making statements like, “it’s my day,” embrace your wedding planning with a bridechilla attitude wearing bridechilla wear. bebridechilla.com
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Wine Country Guestbook Ideas
MESSAGE IN A BOTTLE A little incentive can help guarantee your guest book won’t just collect dust on a shelf or hide away in a box. Make your memories interactive by having your guests write love notes to your future selves and slip them into empty bottles from your favorite vineyards. When those days arrive, pop the cork on your message bottles and relive the love of your day all over again.
For the less space-conscious couple, what better way to celebrate your love for each other and your love for wine than having your guests personalize your very own wine barrel? Many wineries will sell old casks—all you have to do is provide the permanent markers. Bonus: They make great side tables once you get them home. by M.F.
If you plan to marry at a vineyard or you just
plain love wine, turn a commemorative bottle
(or three) of your favorite Merlot or Bordeaux into a
tribute to your wedding. Have guests sign the glass
with craft store paint pens—light and metallic pen colors
work best on dark glass—and then store that sweet libation in a safe place to be read and enjoyed on a
future anniversary.
Wedding guest books are a priceless way to commemorate the love and presence of your dearest friends and family on your wedding day. But just because it’s traditionally called a
guest BOOK doesn’t mean it has to be anything of the sort. Here we’ve gathered some clever ideas to update the usual pen-to-paper scenario at your next event.
BARREL O’ MEMORIES
DRINK UP
Dan
ielle
Cap
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hoto
i + M
ike
Phot
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Meg
Per
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Phot
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The Napa Valley area certainly didn’t earn its fame for nothing. This region—known for producing some of the best grapes in the United States—is a mecca for wine and food lovers alike. Settled in the rolling coastal hills, the cool Pacific fog and moder-ate climate make for award-winning grapes and over 100 inviting wineries.
A Mediterranean climate is the culprit for the flavorful zinfandels and petite syrahs produced in this region. Couples looking to take advantage of the wedding off-season might want to consid-er this area, as temperatures stay warmer in the spring and fall months. And while the landscape might be a little flatter than those of its nearby coastal brethren, the skies roll on for miles.
This long stretch of coastline, reaching from the bottom of the San Francisco Bay all the way south to Santa Barbara, is famous for its pinot noir and chardon-nay grapes. If a great view is on your list of “must haves” for your wine country wedding, the central coast should be your first stop.
SOUTH COAST: Temecula, San Diego
NORTH COAST:
Napa, Sonoma, St. Helena, Healdsburg, Santa Rosa, Mendocino
Marry in Californina Wine Country
The heavenly climate that draws so many residents to the southern-most coast of Cali-fornia is also heaven for wine grapes. One
of the newer wine growing regions in the state, the mild temperatures and mountain
and ocean views make it a perfect place to hold a wine country wedding, and a wel-come destination for out-of-town guests.
The Napa Valley area certainly didn’t earn its fame for nothing. This region—known for producing some of the best grapes in the
United States—is a mecca for wine and food lovers alike. Settled in the rolling coastal hills, the cool Pacific fog and moderate climate make for award-winning grapes and over
100 inviting wineries.
SACRAMENO VALLEY: Sierra Foothills, Lodi A Mediterranean climate is the culprit for
the flavorful zinfandels and petite syrahs produced in this region. Couples looking to take advantage of the wedding off-season
might want to consider this area, as tem-peratures stay warmer in the spring and fall months. And while the landscape might be a little flatter than those of its nearby coastal
brethren, the skies roll on for miles.
CENTRAL COAST: Livermore, Carmel Valley, Paso Robles, San Ynez Valley, Los Olivos, Santa Barbara
When talking about California wine regions, it’s no secret that Napa Valley—easily the most widely recognized—tends to steal the show. But great wine, stunning vistas and beautiful vineyard
wedding venues aren’t limited to the north coast alone. No matter where you are in California (or where you’re planning your wedding), chances are you’re just a stone’s throw away
from some great grapes. - by Molly Feit
This long stretch of coastline, reaching from the bottom of the San Francisco Bay all the way south to Santa Barbara, is famous for its Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes. If
a great view is on your list of “must haves” for your wine country wedding, the central
coast should be your first stop.
Marry in Californina Wine Country
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Customized Wine Labels
If you’re planning to serve wine at your wedding, consider the humble wine bottle as another
opportunity to showcase creativity and design. Try adding a personal touch with your monogram or
wedding logo, get silly with some cheeky interjec-tions, or blend form and function by adding table
numbers—the possibilities are endless. Check out independent designers such as Magpie Paper
Works or premade templates from companies like Personal Wine and Windsor Vineyards.
Bobbi + Mike Photo
THE PERFECTWEDDINGWINE!
swansonvineyards.com
JUST MARRIED WINE…shamelessly celebrating
THE RITUALS OF LOVE,with wine.
foodFood is the soul of every celebration.
Presented here are delectable ideas and trends that are suitable for any
wine country soiree.
Eat, drink & be married
THE PERFECTWEDDINGWINE!
swansonvineyards.com
JUST MARRIED WINE…shamelessly celebrating
THE RITUALS OF LOVE,with wine.
Written by Tyler KylePhotography by Damion Hamilton
Make your wine country wedding a memorable mix of modern culinary trends
and time honored traditions. Discover the top eight food and wine trends that
are making their way into wine country weddings. Personalize one or all eight for
your own mouthwatering celebrations.
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In-Season
When your wedding is in wine country you don’t need to look the world away to get the flavors your festivities deserve. Satisfy your penchant for the delectable by choosing in-season, locally grown produce. This is wine country after all.
FARMER’S MARKETSLocal means fresh in wine country. Visit farmer’s markets and pack your own picnic for some time alone before the big day. Seasonal spring and summer produce are ideal for sweet and savory dishes. Favorites: heirloom tomatoes, blackberries, raspberries, asparagus, rhubarb and white peaches.
MUSTARDSpringtime in wine country means vineyards full of mustard greens. Take advantage of the yellow backdrop for photo shoots. Pick up jars of local, flavored mustards to grace welcome baskets for guests. Recommend: Napa Valley’s Hurley Farms Herb Garden Mustard.
VEGETABLE DESSERTSPamper your taste-buds right. With vegetables this fresh and flavorful, who needs extra sugar? Favorites: butternut squash ice cream, carrot pudding, candied basil leaves. Consult with your caterer on creating a signature seasonal dessert.
Local Fruits & VegetablesThe most floral of whites, Viognier is the ideal garden reception wine. This Rhône varietal is seductive and full-bodied with aromas of apricot, pineapple, honey, and acacia. It’s easy to locate at any wine shop.
FIRST IMPRESSIONSFruit forward and creamy savor make Viognier ideal with or without food. Start your reception off with notes of honeysuckle, citrus blossom, gardenias and peaches. Recommend: Pine Ridge Chenin Blanc-Viognier or 2007 Silver Viognier, Santa Barbara County.
MIXED DRINKSRevivify your bridal shower sangria with Viognier. The fruit and acidity of Viognier lend balanced sophistication to this warm-weather favorite. Use local fresh fruit such as peaches and strawberries. Favorites: strawberry and white peach sangria.
WITH LOVE FROM THE HAPPY COUPLEGift your guests bottles of your own personalized Viognier. Design and customize wine labels to commemorate your wedding day to give family and friends the bottle version of your wedding bliss. Recommend: Personal Wine, Magpie Paperword or Windsor Vineyards.
Viognier
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With family, friends, and little ones running around, why try to keep things still? Less formal than traditional sit-down dinners, food stations offer guests the chance to mingle while choosing their own fine fare.
FAMILY AFFAIRSatiate children and adults alike with grown-up versions of childhood favorites. Stage a gourmet grilled cheese or macaroni and cheese bar. Offer a variety of ingredients and let guests indulge in their own feel-good concoctions. Favorite: Taco station filled with a variety of carne asada, grilled chicken and baja fish.Spice them up with various salsas.
TAKE HOME GOODIESSave some for later when you are all hungry again. Give guests mini take-out boxes monogramed with the bride and groom’s initials and show them to the donut bar to pick out their favorite late night treats. Recommend: DIY project using a personalized colored stamp with your new initials together or a label created on your computer.
HEALTHY AND HAPPYDon’t let allergies and dietary restrictions complicate your celebrations. Food stations solve the dilemma of dietary restrictions. Gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan stations offer all guests a variety of options without sacrificing flavor for fresh, local sustenance.
Food Stations Ice CreamYour wedding is a celebration of love, and who doesn’t love ice cream? Spoil your guests with childhood memories of their own first love of this warm weather treat.
WAGONEERINGSmitten Ice Cream makes fresh ice cream for guests on the spot out of their Radio Flyer wagon. The bride and groom can choose from assorted flavors such as pistachio brittle or cocoa nib praline. Or the new couple can create their very own flavor alongside Smitten’s executive chef.
ICE CREAM SANDWICHESWedding cake is elegant. Ice cream sandwiches are decadently fun. Surprise your guests with grown-up versions of this childhood treat. Chocolate covered fingers are the perfect ending to a rustic wine country meal. Recommend: Sift Cupcakes ice cream sandwiches
WINE AND ICE CREAMCreamy and frozen, ice cream can numb your palate. Choose a rich and bold dessert wine that can stand up to both the sweetness and chill. Favorites: 2005 Badia a Coltibuono Vin Santo del Chianti Classico, Tuscany, Italy,2006 Donnafugata Passito di Pantelleria Ben Ryé,Sicily, Italy
photo courtesy of Smitten Ice C
ream
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Wine may be our focus, but a full bar is always welcome. Today’s cocktails merge garden bounty and fine spirits to create farm-to-glass concoctions that can be served solo or course by course.
HERB-INFUSEDFresh basil, rosemary, thyme, sage, and lavender likely grow onsite at your wine country location. Think savory instead of sweet and use these herbs to enhance your martinis, gimlets, and margaritas.
CHARBAYWhere better to find your vodka, gin, and rum than in wine country itself? An American Family Winery and Distillery, Charbay in St. Helena, Califorina uses only whole, fresh ingredients when making their flavored vodkas, rum, or black walnut liqueur. Try the blood orange vodka to create your own signature cocktail. Or think about using their Charbay Tequila Blanco for signature margaritas to accompany a Mexican meal for a reheasal dinner or welcome party.
HOUSE-MADE LEMONADE Make fresh lemonade on the spot at your own lemonade stand. Children will savor the classic version while adults will relish virgin versions with the addition of basil or mint. For those who wish to indulge, serve warm weather cocktails with the addition of rosemary and vodka. Favorite: Meyer Lemons freshly squeezed.
Culinary CocktailsGourmet food trucks are the current choice for flavorful, quick food. In wine country, remote locations do not always boast gourmet kitchens. Solution - bring in the food trucks.
FARMER’S MARKET ON WHEELSNo need to sacrifice quality for convenience. Many food trucks specialize in seasonable, organic cuisine. Seasonal menus are common and an affordable approach especially when sourced locally. Recommend: Fork Catering, Sonoma County or RoliRoti, Gourmet Rotisserie.
YOURS, MINE AND OURSHe loves Mexican; she’s partial to Thai; the kids want fried chicken. Can’t decide? Have them all. Bring in multiple trucks to start the marriage off right with a compromise of all things good. And don’t forget dessert. Recommend: Sift Cupcakes & Dessert Bar’s mobile cupcake truck, referred to as the Sifter, or Kara’s Cupcakes mobile bakery called the KaraVan.
SLOW FOOD, FAST SERVICEQuick service doesn’t mean forgoing food done right. Modern chefs bring their slowed-cooked goodness to the party and prepare it just like they would in their own kitchen. Gourmet meals Favorites: 3-SUM EATS, San Francisco , Mark’s the Spot, Napa or Dim Sum Charlie’s & The Rolling Noodle Bar.
Movable Feasts
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Movable FeastsRosé is playful, colorful and delectable for any occasion, especially a wedding. European rosés are often much drier than new world rosé, which is known for being slightly sweeter yet subtle in taste.
PINK CHAMPAGNEAn Affair to Remember? Let romance reign on your wedding day. Pink is the color. Start off right in Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr style and let pink champagne be the life you were meant to get used to. Recommend: Brut Rosé N.V. Roeder Estate.
BUBBLESBrut Rosé starts the reception off with elegance. Refined and sensual, Brut Rosé offers guests a fruity and aromatic introduction to your festivities. Pair with grilled prawns or mussels. Favorites: Ruinart Rosé, Champagne or Schramsberg Mirabelle Brut Rosé NV, Napa.
THE TOASTThe words will vary, but the presence of fine wine will not. Baptize your new life together in rose-hued bubbly. Happy guests will their hearts and glasses to the new couple and their new life together. Favorites: Domaine Carneros Brut Rosé Cuvée de la Pompadour NV, Napa, 2011 Arriviste and Blackbird Vineyards, Napa Valley Proprietary Rosé Wine.
Rosé Wine-Infused ChocolateWine and chocolate are a match made in heaven. Indulge your sweet tooth while paying homage to one of wine country’s greatest culinary classics.
TRUFFLE FAVORSGive guests a sweet good-bye. Champagne-infused truffles make the dying in to-die-for worth every calorie. Boxed in personalized single boxes proclaim a sweet thank you favor. Favorites: Recchiuti, San Francsico
SWEET MESSAGESHave something to say? Say it in chocolate. Use wine-infused syrup to write sweet messages on guests plates. The words may disappear but the sentiment will not. Favorites: Annette’s Chocolates Chocolate Wine and Liqueur Sauces, Napa or Peju Port Chocolate Sauce, Rutherford
CUSTOM-DESIGNED CHOCOLATESArtisan chocolates and confections are gaining in popularity as brilliant small producers continue to create unique tastes, twist familiar flavors and produce decadent, irresistible bites of heaven. Consult with an artisan producer to create a customized treat to serve as wedding favors or as a sweet thank you to out-of-town guests. Nothing would be sweeter. Favorites: La forêt, Napa Valley or Kollar Chocolates.
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Be the Chill....
bridechilla®(Bryd;chill.ah) adj. a bride that remains easy going, relaxed and down to earth during her
entire wedding experience. She is not defined by her wedding and would never say things such as "my day, the most important day of my life or
don't ruin my day."
Alternative Apparel 100% cotton, eco-sensitive "Chill" wear, A little edgy with a lot of style...comfy, cozy & real. Available for purchase at bebridechilla.com or by calling 707.927.5886
and wear it proud!
styleEvery girl deserves to feel like a
princess. Bridal gowns, bridesmaid dresses and groomswear are showcased
here for your wine country soiree.
Style Never Goes out of Fashion
Glamourous Country Affair Glamorous
Country AffairPhotography by Damion Hamilton
Shot on location at Swanson Vineyards, Napa Valley
Sarah Seven Spring & Summer Bridal Collection
Pink Pretty in
Floral Embellishments & Lace... oh la la
Floral Embellishments & Lace... oh la la
Shot onlocation!
Bridal Gowns::
Page 36, “Lasting Love” Gown. Page
37, Sarah Seven Hair Acces. Page
38, “Blooming” Dress. Page 39,
“Bushcel & a Peck” Gown.
Page 40, “With Love” Gown.
Page 41, “Pink Lady” & “Powdered
Sugar” Dresses. Page 42, “Flora”
Gown. Page 43, “Enrapture”
Behind the Scenes: Sarah Seven,
Bridal Designer
Romantic, whimsical with modern detailing describes
Sarah Seven’s bridal design. With a new showroom in San Francisco, Sarah pulled her
favorite gowns from her 2012 spring & summer collection exclusively for our premiere
issue. Shot on location in Napa Valley at Swanson
Vineyards this feature exudes wine country glamour.
Sneak Peek: Behind the
scenes look at our beautiful
makeup table inside Swanson
Vineyards ulber-chic bath-
rooms. Right: Hansel Braid
Trend. Top: WCW Magazine
team shot. Below Left: Hair
Artist Christina fixing Tyler’s
Hair and placing veil.
wineWine is the heart of every celebration.
Presented here are the most luscious wines for a wine country affair.
Life would be flat without bubbles
Effervescent Loving: Spring & Summer Sparkling Wines
by Gianna Cardinale Gaudini
W ine is one of my beloved passions. It’s no surprise then that at my own wedding last year I needed to showcase my passion in a way that would surprise and delight my guests – have them saying “That was such a fabulous wedding.”
After some thought, my fiancé and I decided the optimal wine-wow-factor would be to saber a bottle of champagne for our wedding toast. My father happily took on this task. Soon after, I gifted him with a wine saber from Schramsberg and had him start practicing. While it’s possi-ble to saber any type of sparkling wine, the recommended wine to use for the sabrage is an actual Champagne from France since the bottles are made of thicker glass and therefore less prone to accidents.
Effervescent Loving: Spring & Summer Sparkling Wines
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At my wedding, my father presented a stunning bottle of Leclerc-Briant (a small French Champagne producer) confidently dis-played in the palm of his hand with the label facing our attentive guests. He prepared the bottle by slowly pulling the sword from the top to the bottom in preparation, and with one quick slice sabered the champagne bottle. Instantly, bubbles catapulted in the air as guests cheered, clapped and gave vocal sounds of adoration. This grand act of uncorking signified the start of our celebration. It was a symbol of our very own happily-ever-after.
About Sparkling Wine “Champagne” as people refer to it unknowingly, is actually a region of France and most likely not what you’re enjoying at a wedding celebration. Only wines from this French region can ac-curately be called “Champagne”. These are made in the traditional “Méthode Champenoise”, which is a complicated procedure requiring riddling, disgorgement, and a second fermentation in the bottle to produce the tiniest bubbles and complex flavors.
In America, similair beverages are refered to as “sparkling wine,” and are made with Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and/or Pinot Meunier grapes typically blended from several vintages and given a dosage (amount of sugar) after the second fermentation. The type of grape and amount of sugar added to champagne can affect the final fla-vors of the wine and contributes to the range from sweet to dry.
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Traditionally, people serve sparkling wine as an aper-tif, to toast or with dessert. However, sparkling wine is actually a great natural partner with food and can complement an entire meal if paired properly.
The moderate amount of alcohol, high acidity, and effervescence create a wonderful balance with many dishes, with exceptions being heavy red meat, tomato sauce and overly sweet desserts (so skip pairing it with chocolate cupcakes). At weddings, serving a sparkling wine with a first course or entree can be advantageous when trying to manage a budget since it is not only a great compliment to the meal, but can save you money and stemware by eliminating the need to pour sepa-rate wines for the toast.
Presented are simpleguidelines for how to best pair sparkling wines with
your wedding menu:
Appetizers/Canapes:Sparkling wine is a great apertif and a fun beverage to serve at a festive cocktail hour during a wedding. Whether you are serving caviar on a crisp or rustic prosciutto-wrapped stuffed dates, a flute of bubbly is the perfect accompaniment to these savory or salty bites, and easy to enjoy while navigating crowds. Below are popular spring and summer appetizers and the bubbles that pair best with them:
If you’re serving oysters, caviar, crab cakes, aged hard cheeses, anything salty, fried or briny - serve Iron Horse Brut X.
This wine is extremely dry and bright. With a dosage of less than 0.5%, it’s so light that it seems to lift right off your palate. The notes hint of yeast and tropical pineapple, and the palate is crisp green apple, almond, and lime.
If you’re serving smoked salmon, grilled prawns, su-shi, Thai/Asian flavored appetizers, olives or fois gras- serve Gloria Ferrer Brut Rose.
This salmon colored wine is dry and bright with flavors of raspberries, cherries, limes, buttered toast, vanilla, and a hint of oak. Floral strawberry and apple aromas land vibrant watermelon and citrus flavors end with a crisp mineral finish that give it the versatil-ity to hold up to harder-to pair flavors.
“This grand act of uncorking signified the start of our celebration. It was a symbol of our very own
happily-ever-after.”
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First Course:If you’re having a chilled soup, salmon, crab or shrimp dishes or anything with Asian or spices - serve Domaine Carneros - Brut Rose.
This full-bodied, copper-colored sparkling wine shows lush, bright red flavors of raspberries and red cher-ries, and has a long, spicy finish. Secondary notes of toasted brioche, vanilla and cinnamon give it a spicy sweetness that make this wine an elegant complex pairing for your first course.
If you’re serving a cream-based soup, salad, vegetable dish or quiche, or anything with goat cheese - serve Iron Horse Vintage Brut.
This is a savory sparkling wine that’s rich, full bodied and somewhat sweet. Red apple and wild raspberry provide enough fruit and the notes of lime help it stand up to light, but rich dishes. Its vanilla, hazelnut, toasted qualities add a beautiful, creamy finish to the mouth feel.
Main Course:If you’re serving anything with lobster, scallops, pasta dishes with white sauce - serve Schramsberg Blanc De Blancs.
This Blanc de Blancs is fine, dry and crisp with bright green notes of key lime, green apple and honeydew melon. Secondary flavors of dried pineapple, pear, and baked apple contribute to the lingering mouth feel with balanced acidity and yeasty qualities.
If you’re serving duck, salmon, anything smoked or on the heavier side - serve Domaine Chandon Blanc de Noirs.
This rich, salmon-colored Blanc de Noirs characteris-tically has rich, darker flavors of black cherry, cur-rants, cassis and blackberry helping it pair well with heavier foods with richer flavors. These dark fruit flavors finish with a soft, lingering, creamy texture.
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Dessert Dessert is one of the trickiest foods to pair with sparkling wine. The high sugar content of dessert can make sparkling wine’s flavors fade and taste too acidic. The general rule of thumb for pairing any type of wine with dessert is the wine should be slightly sweeter than the dessert, so avoid brut styles, unless the dessert is not at all sweet (i.e. cheese).
If you’re serving lemon cake, cake with fresh fruit, fruit tart or fresh strawberries - serve Mumm Napa Cuvee M, Demi-Sec.
This wine shows fresh white and yellow peach with subtle hints of wild strawberry. Toasted almond, honey and vanilla add to the wine’s complex, rich yeasty flavor. The finish has a sweet caramel flavor that lingers on the palate.
If you’re serving white cake, cheesecake, almond pastry, shortbread or dark chocolate - serve Frank Family Champagne Rouge.
Rouge is a fun, festive, fruit-driven blend composed primarily of Pinot Noir with a just a touch of Chardon-nay. Starburst flavors of strawberry, cherry, lemon and orange will tickle your taste buds and make this an excellent match for sweeter desserts.
Toast :Sparkling wine is a celebratory favorite wine for toasts. When buying sparkling wine to use for a toast only, the last thing you want to do is overspend since some folks may only care for a sip or two.
Yet you still want to ensure you guests have wine that’s drinkable and moreover enjoyable - there’s nothing worse than kicking off your wine country wedding with swill wine.
Roderer Estate Brut - Anderson ValleyThis estate-grown blend of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir has rich almond tones from it’s oak-barrel treat-ment lending a complexity to the warm baked cin-namon apple and pear flavors. This wine shows clean notes of green apple and lime and a hint of minerality for a crisp, clean finish.
Sophia Coppola Blanc de BlancsThis wine is a unique blend of Pinot Blanc, Muscat, and Riesling, lending to its fruity and refreshing qualities. This elegant, lightly-textured wine has fruity flavors of green apples and pears, citrus and white flowers.
Photography by Brittany Hanson
The Art of SaberingSabering is a captivating display of uncorking a bottle and can easily be learned. Napoleon is rumored to have had his men use their swords to saber French bottles of champagne as a way to secure good luck as they entered bat-tle during his reign on Europe. You can also consider it as a way to secure good luck upon your newly minted marriage.
To learn more about the art of sabering view this link for a step-by-step demonstration.
romanceWine country evokes a sense of
romanticism. Idyllic settings and heavenly inspirations are presented here in a way that will create sentimental memories.
We believe in happily-ever-after
In all that we do let us do it for love.- Chris Cotton
In all that we do let us do it for love.- Chris Cotton
RomanticWine Country
Candlelight, blushcolored florals,
whimsical details elegant seating &vintage decor
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LOCATION: Annadele Estate Winery, Sonoma Valley EVENT DESIGN: Esla Events STYLING & VINTAGE RENTALS: One True Love Vintage Rentals PHOTOGRAPHY: MEF Photo FLORALS: Crimson Horticultural Rarities DESSERTS: Sift Cupcakes & Dessert Bar PAPER PRODUCTS: The Aerialist Letterpress LINENS: La Travola Linens RENTALS: Classic Party Rentals
Wine Country
Now join hands, and with your hands your hearts ~ William Shakespeare ~
Now join hands, and with your hands your hearts ~ William Shakespeare ~
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Wine Country Picnic Sparkling Bubbles &
Basket favors
Cindy Pawlcyn Catering brings Cindy’s legendary warmth, gracious service, and delicious seasonal cuisine to the private table. Cindy taps the distinctive style at each
of her restaurants for a broad palette of flavors ranging from the comfort foods of Mustards Grill to the global flair of Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen to the bold
Mediterranean flavors of Brassica. It’s no wonder couples seek Cindy Pawlcyn Catering to bring an unforgettable experience to the table.
All three of Cindy’s restaurants—and, by extension, the catering arm—share her fierce commitment to the freshest produce and ingredients. After decades of experience, she and her team have earned a well-deserved reputation for benchmark event
execution. In addition to flawless food, the group can handle rentals, florals, and even entertainment. With Cindy Pawlcyn, you know it will be impeccable in every way.
cindypawlcyn.com | 707.536.6606 | [email protected]
To wine country cuisine connoisseurs—and viewers of Bravo’s “Top Chef: Masters”—
Cindy Pawlcyn is a veritable legend.
Real Wine Country Weddings
Spring & Summer Weddings
Britt & Luke Sweet as Honey
Lauren & LucasModern Love
Lauren & RonWine Country Romance
Sara & Jeffery
True Love Birds
Cindy Pawlcyn Catering brings Cindy’s legendary warmth, gracious service, and delicious seasonal cuisine to the private table. Cindy taps the distinctive style at each
of her restaurants for a broad palette of flavors ranging from the comfort foods of Mustards Grill to the global flair of Cindy’s Backstreet Kitchen to the bold
Mediterranean flavors of Brassica. It’s no wonder couples seek Cindy Pawlcyn Catering to bring an unforgettable experience to the table.
All three of Cindy’s restaurants—and, by extension, the catering arm—share her fierce commitment to the freshest produce and ingredients. After decades of experience, she and her team have earned a well-deserved reputation for benchmark event
execution. In addition to flawless food, the group can handle rentals, florals, and even entertainment. With Cindy Pawlcyn, you know it will be impeccable in every way.
cindypawlcyn.com | 707.536.6606 | [email protected]
To wine country cuisine connoisseurs—and viewers of Bravo’s “Top Chef: Masters”—
Cindy Pawlcyn is a veritable legend.
Britt & LukeMarried August 20, 2011 | Ariste Winery
Britt & Luke
Britt & Luke
“We wanted to be surrounded by
vineyards as we took our vows.”
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Britt & Luke
Britt hoped to move to San Francisco for a job, not love. But love is exactly what she found when she met Luke. Mutual friends introduced the couple, and they corresponded over email until they met in person over the holidays while he was visiting family on the East Coast. Britt says she “instantly connected” with Luke when they met for a late-night drink, and have been together ever since.
After a year-and-a-half of long distant dating, Britt relocated to the Bay Area. It was then that they started filling their weekends with romantic getaways to wine country. “Wine country was a place that we came to relax because it is so beautiful and picturesque. We knew it would be a perfect destination wedding for our friends and family from the East Coast.”
The five-day celebration began with a welcome party at a rental property where Geyserville Taco Truck served no-frill Mexican food and kegs and margaritas were on-hand. From there continued festivities ensued which included a wine tasting tour and brunch in Healdsburg.
The wedding commenced at Ariste Winery where the couple recited traditional vows in front of close friends and family amongst breathtaking vineyard views. The bride walked down the aisle to U2’s “All I Want is You.” Britt ex-plains, “As cliché as it sounds walking down the aisle was one of the most memorable moments because that’s when it became real – I’m getting married.”
After the sweet ceremony, the couple “knew they wanted a party” and even hired a popular cover band, the Cheese-balls, to get the party started. Along with a cocktail hour that featured signature wine cocktails; Mango Bellini’s and Gewürztraminer Mojitos, there was no doubt that this was a celebration. The couple’s shared passion for wine fueled the exquisite culinary experience for guests that a seasonal, and local wine country menu which included pine
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nut crusted chicken breast stuffed with Laura Chenel Chevre and basil pesto with an organic exotic mushroom salad, grilled Tri Tip with Point Reyes Blue Cheese mushroom ragout and Syrah reduction and hand-cut ricotta gnocchi with vine ripe tomatoes and basil sauce. Each course was perfectly paired with wine.
Live music, dancing and guests posing for their own flip books filled the night with tons of laughter and sentimental memories. Britt reveals, “Friends and family are still talking about the pictures that were taken.” As the party came to a close, guests were roasting smores over an open fire as bite-sized sliders were passed around to energize the party to continue the merriment at a local tavern where the festivities continued into the late-night.
1. Mr. & Mrs. Burlap Pillows create a rustic wine country look. 2. Ariste Winery makes their own honey and the couple decided to use that as a theme throughout the wedding. The jars of honey were used a table numbers and were available for guests to take home. 3. Bees were also used on the gorgeous invites as a decor detail. 4. A clean, classic approach to the table settings created a chic wine country
look. White plates and simple glasswear set the mood for a casual affair.
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WEDDING DETAILS Venue: Arista WineryWedding Planner: A Savvy EventFlowers: Nancy Liu Chin DesignsPhotographer & Videographer: BLR PhotoCaterer: Grapvine CateringLive Music:The CheeseballsRentals: Wine Country RentalsLinens & Bench Pillows: La TavolaCeremony Musician: Kevin Misajon Wedding Dessert Bar & Wedding Cake: Catherine WenzlerFlip Books: A Flying Camera
A romantic outdoor venue set the scene for an evening filled with a live preformance by the Cheeseballs, a local coverband, and an
outdoor fire where guests roasted smores.
A romantic outdoor venue set the scene for an evening filled with a live preformance by the Cheeseballs, a local coverband, and an
outdoor fire where guests roasted smores.
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Laura and Lucas, a modern-day couple who met through mutual friends, but connected romantically with a friend request and a first date arranged via Facebook. The original Facebook message was included inside their wed-ding program as a sweet sentiment to their virtual beginning.
The couple resides in chilly Milwaukee, and with sixty friends and family members flying to California for their destination wedding, Laura and Luke scheduled a weekend filled with over-the-top romantic wine country festivi-ties. Included was a welcome happy hour at Sunflower Café, in the charming Sonoma square where wines from the region were served and welcome bags packed with local maps, candles, a personalized matchbox and of course- wine was provided to guests.
Married in Sonoma, known as Valley of the Moon, at Jacuzzi Family Vineyards, the couple exchanged vows sur-rounded by vineyards. They drew upon the Cups of Joy and Cups of Sorrow as part of their ceremony, which was performed by Reverend Blane Ellsworth, their officiate who also showered the couple with rose petals for their first kiss. Food and wine played an instrumental part of Laura and Lucas’s wedding. Both wanted to take advantage of the local wine and seasonal cuisine so they worked with their catering company to create exciting food stations. Each food station replicated a cuisine from a different country. For instance, they had “A Trip to Paris” for French fare. “It was so much fun to see our friends and family go to each station and try a variety of foods,” explains Lauren.
In lieu of cake, the couple ended the evening on a sweet note by presenting guests with a gelato bar filled with pink grapefruit and salted caramel, and lemon, red velvet and chocolate raspberry cake pops.
"We wanted everything to be very romantic."
Lauren & LucasMarried May, 22 2011 | Jazucci Winery
As they exchanged vows they drew upon the Cups of Joy & Cups of Sorrow as
part of their ceremony
“Respecting this constant balance of life of which they are
to be a part. Lucas and Lauren shall partake in drinking from
the 2 cups to indicate their acceptance and recognition that there will be both pain as well as
happiness in marriage.”
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WEDDING DETAILS Venue: Jacuzzi Family Vineyards Photography: Megan ClouseDay-Of Wedding Planner: Little Blue Box Weddings Catering: Wine Valley Catering Flowers: Wine Country FlowersRentals: Wine Country Party & Events Cake Pops & Gelato Bar: Sweetie Pies DJ: AMS Entertainment Guitarist: Leo Cavanagh
1. The bride wanted everything pink, various shades of pink sprinkled throughout the festivities. Her bouquet specifically reflects a series of pink hues with pops of green foliage. 2. The groom and his groomsmen wore pink striped ties and pink handkerchiefs in the suit pockets. 3. During cocktail hour small bites were passed
around, including foie gras on an apple pancake, and sparkling wine was served as an accompaniment. 4. The groom gifted his new bride with a Tiffany’s present. 5. Modern wine invites set the stage for a wine country event. Next Two Pages: Pink continues to be showcased in the bride’s cute pink clutch, as elegant floral décors on the cake and on the seating cards which are displayed on-top used corks used as place seating holders.
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Both Napa Valley natives, Lauren and Ron met in an expected fashion – a harvest party. Hosted by Lauren, she exclaims “Perfect time, perfect place and perfect guy.” Ron is a local winemaker and Lauren is a Real Estate Agent, and both work for their family businesses. Ron stayed around to help with the dishes that evening, and has never been far from Lauren since.
Ron & Lauren
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Ron & LaurenMarried September, 24 2011 | Kelham Vineyards
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Their late summer wedding was a family affair. Held at the family’s winery, two-hundred and seventy guests arrived to a romantic garden ceremony where the bride turned-up to the wedding in her father’s custom built blue JBL Roadster. The couple wrote their own vows and tearfully recited them to one another.
An outdoor kitchen created a rustic, yet elegant wine country atmosphere where a whole pig was roasting and comfort food was laid out buffet style. Fried chicken, spicy jalapeño cornbread, roasted corn, macaroni and cheese, and strawberry shortbread were served. “We wanted people to feel like they were home,” explains Lauren.
The bride created a majority of the wedding décor herself and says she was not attached how everything turned out. “I wanted things organic, all white and pure. I love the way things turned out, mistakes and all.” She utilized bowls of green apples and spray painted one gold that was place on the top of each bowl. He flowers were all white, and she purchased mason jars and crystal bowls from thrift shops to add to the outdoor country look.
WEDDING DETAILS Venue: Kelham Vineyards
Photographer: Damion HamiltonCeremony Music: Mark Abdilla
Catering: Sorensen Catering Entertainment: Craig Meyer “Almost Elton” Lighting, Staging & Sound: Off the Porch
RecodingRentals: Classic Party Rental
“My favorite part of our wedding was turning around
after our first kiss.”
1. The bride and groom had their photographer capture their first look before walking down the aisle. Lauren say’s her fa-vorite part was walking away hand-in-hand as husband and wife. 2. Crystal bowls filled with green apples, topped with a gold glitter one in honor of Almost Elton. 3. All florals were white and put together by the bride. 4. Before the ceremony the couple took pictures together at Swanson Vineyards. Next Two Pages: The bride in front of her father’s custom built JBL Roadster which she helped him rebuild. Ron wore a special winemakers pin that was given to him by his grandfather.
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Guests were surprised when Almost Elton, an Elton John impersonator, arrived via a
helicopter and played on a grand piano accompanied by a light
show until 2 a.m. A surprise for the bride was a late-night
fireworks show which was a dream come true for her.
Lastly, the evening closed with guests holding sparklers creating a tunnel for the couple to exit as Almost Elton played Candle in
the Wind.
JEFF & SARA
S ara and Jeff are high school sweethearts, who maintain a fun-loving approach to life. A shared passion for food, travel and laugh-ing, they decided to marry after Jeff proposed on bended knee while Sara was swinging on a swing set at a park in Point Reyes.
The lush gardens at Cornerstone served as the ideal setting, and right next to a Lily pond on a glorious summer day at Cornerstone Sara and Jeff were married. As part of the ceremony, the couple’s wedding bands were passed around for guests to bless before being united. Right after the ceremony, the couple shared a private moment together as they sipped wine and relished the beginning of their life together.
JEFF & SARAMarried July 8, 2011 | Cornerstone Gardens
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The modern farmhouse on the property housed the reception, where the décor reflected the natural landscape of wine country with hues of purple and green. The colors were also found in the floral arrangements, vintage parasols and even in the customized lighting. “The scenery was the best part of having a wine country wedding,” Sara ex-plains, and a distinct influence on the wedding design.
The reception started with a sit-down dinner served with Gloria Ferrier sparkling wines. During the reception guests got into using the photo booth props and had a good laugh taking pictures to commemorate the day. As the evening progressed so did the dancing and late-night snacks, mini-cheeseburgers and french fries, were served to keep the epic party rolling. Leaving the next morning to honeymoon on the islands of St. Lucia and Barbados was the perfect ending to their storybook wedding.
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1. A customized vintage poster was cre-ated for the event. 2. Love birds were the wedding symbol throughout the whole occasion,and was showcased firstly in the wedding invite. Green and purple were also their wedding colors. 3. Love bird table numbers. 4. At the start of the reception guests were offered purple flip-flops so that they can change into more comfortable dancing shoes.
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WEDDING DETAILS Venue: Cornerstone Gardens
Coordinator: Bliss Event Productions Catering: Elaine Bell Catering
Florist: Grant Ave FloristPhotographer: Damion HamiltonVideographer: Shade Tree Films
Lighting: Got Light?DJ: DJ Dukes
Cake: Susie CakesRentals: Wine Country Party Rentals
Photo booth: Glass Coat
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5. The continued theme of love birds is also prevelant in the seating charts which are hand crafted purple colored love birds. 6. A wedding guestbook tree was a huge success. Guests stamped their fingerprint onto a branch and signed their name under. The end result is a sentimental keepsake for the couple to frame and cherish for years. Next Four Pages: the couple had a candy bar that included bags for guests to take home sweets. They also had a photo booth, customized lighting that created a lounge-like atmosphere, and an adorable customized cake adorned with love birds.
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Life without
love is like a
tree without
blossoms or
fruit.
“My favorite part of the day was seeing Jeff for the first time. The look on his face when he saw me in my wed-ding dress will always be a very special moment to me.”
6
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Love is a can-vas furnished
by Nature and embroi-
dered by imagination.
~ Voltaire ~
Hydrangea Arrangements are a simple, colorful and chic warm weathered floral. Off the Beaten Path Weddings. {One Love Photography}
Wine Country
Rustic Style, Whimsical Romance & Lovely Little Details
Kimono Style Robe, Pink Love Poppy is meant to be worn for getting ready on your big day. $65, Plum Pretty Sugarstore.plumprettysugar.com
Cellars at Jasper Hill Cheese Collection is ideal for a wine and cheese welcome party. $79.95 william-sonoma.com
Wedding DetailsVineyard Views
Champagne Cork Candles creates a romantic mood as the sun sets.
Set of 4, $12.95 winevine-imports.com
Wine Country
Rustic Style, Whimsical Romance & Lovely Little Details
Wedding Details
Burlap Signage sets the tone for a rustic romantic celebration.$25 etsy.com/shop/Atcompanyb
Cat Studio Pillows are cozy and stylish wine country thank you gifts. Various destinations $149 napageneralstore.com
Nina ‘Caleigh’ Swarovski Crys-tal Comb is elegant touch for any wine country bride. $175 Nordstromshop.nordstrom.com
Honeysuckle Rose Hand & Body Lotion, 12 oz $19.50 & Lavender Scented Candle, $45 Olivina, olivinanapavalley.com
Classic Bale Jar Drink Dispenser refreshes thirty guests with signature mixes. Napstyle $69 napastyle.com
Romantic Battenburg Lace Parasol keeps you stylishly cool on a warm day. $36.99greatlookz.com
Whimsical FloralBouquets reflect the pastoral surround-ings and natural beauty. crimsonhort.com
A Tomato Bar represents the quintessential wine country culinary
experience. Prepared by Off the Beaten Path offthebeatenpath.com{One True Love Photography}
Mr. & Mrs. Wine Glasses officially declares the lovely couple man and wife. $16 etsy.com/shop/Midnightblustudio
Romantic Hand-made Details add
lovely little elements that create a memo-
rable wedding. Esla Events
eslaevents.com
Bridal Resource Guide
Presented inside the Bridal Resource Guide are quintessential Wine Country
Wedding Venues & Bridal Vendors, hand-selected and stamped
with our approval.
Stop Dreaming & Start Planning
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Bridal Vendors We Love
Fleurs de FranceWedding Floral & Event Design
Exquisite custom Wedding Floral & Event Design in the Sonoma & Napa Valley of Northern California.
Personalized service, flawless execution, and stress free events.
707.824.8158 | fleursfrance.com
A Savvy Event
A Savvy Event does all types of events in and around the Bay Area. On the weekends and even
weekdays we are planning and designing just about every milestone event you can think of.
707.364.7403 | asavvyevent.com
Jess Flood Event Design
We love weddings, we love parties, we love what we do. We love to listen, dream and create, and then we love to get building. We feel truly honored by every one of our clients to be included in this intimate and
unique process.
707.592.7973 | jessflood.com
Seasons Floral Design of the Napa Valley
Blending colors and textures of beautiful flowers with natural elements we have created a
wine country style that is innovative, sophisticated and artistically appealing. Our goal is to give you
the wedding of your dreams.
707.738.8125 | seasonsfloraldesign.com
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PhotographersWe Love
Shannon Stellmacher Photography“Fashion Inspired Couture Wedding Photography
in Napa and Sonoma”
707.631.0569 | napabride.com
Megan Clouse Photography Beautiful moments, captured quietly.
Photography that is more than just pictures.
707.971.0367 | mclouse.com
Brett Munoz Photo + VideoYou have spent all your life wondering if this day
would ever come. It’s now here, how will you remember it?
805.341.6774 | brettmunozphoto.com
phone number | website phone number | website
BLR Life Photography & CinemaClassic and candid style inspired by celebration. We believe that the story of where you came from is as
important as the story ahead of you.
707.200.5200 | blrphoto.com
Damion Hamilton PhotographerPreserving the entire story of your once-in-a-lifetime wedding day for generations to come is Damion and
Julie’s highest goal.
707.812.1272 | DamionHamilton.com
MEF PhotographyModern wedding photography focused on light, laughter
and the beauty of authentic emotion.
415-885-9347 | mefphoto.com
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Favorite WeddingVenues
Chalk Hill WineryLocated in the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, this Healdsburg winery offers extraordinary scenery,
and a sense of serenity, perfect for an intimate wedding. Along with beautiful outdoor venues, Chalk Hill features two indoor sites as well as its own mission-style chapel.
707. 933.3314 | chalkhill.com
Harvest InnHarvest Inn, located in St. Helena, is the ideal location
for wine country weddings. The eight-acre property provides intimate event space, manicured lawns and
captivating courtyards, the perfect background for wed-ding vows, renewals and anniversary celebrations.
707.963.9463 | harvestinn.com
Silverado Resort & SpaSilverado Resort offers both indoor reception spaces
and beautiful outdoor venues. This award-winning resort provides an elegant platform for the wedding of your dreams; boasting colorful picturesque locations and
providing high quality service.
707.257.5450 | silveradoresort.com
Brassica Napa ValleyFamous for Cindy Pawlcyn’s renowned food and impeccable service,
Brassica is the perfect location for a St. Helena garden wedding. With intimate private rooms, a lush patio, and lovely lawn and flower
garden, guests will be enchanted by the setting as well as the cuisine and service.
707.963-0700 | brassicanapavalley.com
112 | www.w in e coun t r y wed d in g sm a g a z in e.com
Favorite WeddingVenues
Clos du BoisLocated in Alexander Valley, Clos du Bois’s 900-acre estate is a perfect venue for an outdoor wine country wedding. Not only do they produce amazing wines, Clos du Bois can also provide you with a gorgeous
location for your dream wedding.
707.857-1651 | closdubois.com
Eos Estate WineryOur new Paso Robles property features a variety of
event settings including an outdoor patio, an intimate vineyard lawn, and classic pole barn with a modern
indoor tasting room and event space. Eos Estate is the perfect setting for your special day.
805.688.3940 Ext. 5113 | eosvintage.com
Sebastiani Vineyards & WinerySebastiani, located in the heart of Sonoma, is the ideal location for a wine country wedding. From The Fountain Courtyard, The Rose Garden and Arbor Park, and Barrel Room, Sebastiani will create the perfect ambiance for a
wedding ceremony and reception.
707.933-3314 | sebastiani.com
Sunstone Winery & Villa Located on the edge of the Santa Ynez River, Sunstone Winery & Villa is an exclusive wedding locale. Couples can choose from the charming courtyards, unique caves, or our Tuscan - inspired stone
Villa, all which make for a romantic ceremony and reception.
805.688.9463 | sunstonewinery.com
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Favorite WeddingVenues
phone number | website phone number | website
Castoro CellarsOur Mediterranean-style tasting room, events room and beautifully landscaped grounds offer a perfect setting for a wine country wedding. Located at the top of a knoll, in the middle of “Cobble Creek” Vineyard, Castoro Cellars
offers beautiful vineyard and hillside views.
805-238-0725 | castorocellars.com
Lincourt VineyardsLocated in the foothills of Santa Ynez Valley, Lincourt is
surrounded by spectacular flower gardens and a vineyard backdrop. It’s a charming setting for weddings,
where guests can gather and dance together under twinkling lights or convene in the rustic barrel room.
805.688.3940 Ext. 5113 | lincourtwines.com
Foley EstatesThe hillside vineyard blocks that surround the winery
provide a montage of greens and golds that will delight the senses and provide the perfect setting for your event. Set in San Ynez Valley, The Great Lawn, an ideal loca-tion for a ceremony can then be tented for a reception.
805.688.3940 Ext. 5113 | foleywines.com
Firestone Nestled in the cute town of Los Olivos, Firestone features a variety of event settings, including a lavender-accented terrace, an intimate courtyard and a colorful garden. The
barrel room and deck add to the estate’s virtually unlimited event possibilities.
805.688.3940 Ext. 5113 | firestonewine.com
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Rehersal Dinner Hotspots
phone number | website phone number | website
Bottega Napa Valley Bottega Napa Valley, located on the Vintage
Estates Property, showcases Michael Chiarello’s signature bold Italian flavors with a refined twist.
The restaurant has two indoor dining rooms as well a private dining room and wine bar.
707.945.1050 | botteganapavalley.com
Morimoto NapaKnown to millions as the star of Iron Chef, Masaharu Morimoto brings his talent to his restaurant located
in downtown Napa. With a combination of Asian and American flavors, Morimoto Napa is the perfect
restaurant to add a little uniqueness to your rehearsal.
707.252.1600 | morimotonapa.com
Cindy’s Backstreet KitchenCindy’s Backstreet Kitchen, featuring chef Cindy
Pawlcyn’s flavorful cuisine, combines the character of a classy supper club with the flair of a local speakeasy. Ideal for rehearsal dinners, choose indoor or outdoor
seating, or reserve the entire restaurant.
707.963.1200 | cindysbackstreetkitchen.com
Brassica Napa ValleyBrassica, home to chef Cindy Pawlcyn of Bravo’s “Top Chef: Mas-
ters,” features delicious Mediterranean cuisine, a nationally ac-claimed wine program, expert service, sophisticated interior design and a lush patio for outdoor dining. A top choice for unforgettable
rehearsal dinners.
707.963.0700 | brassicanapavalley.com
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Sweets Desserts & Treats
phone number | website phone number | website
Sweetie Pies BakerySweetie Pies Bakery is known for their outstanding
desserts, pies and cakes. Located in beautiful Napa Valley their knowledgeable staff will help you create the
perfect ending to your special day.
707.257.8817 | sweetiepies.com
Sift Cupcake & Dessert BarWhether you are looking for modern and chic or wild
and whimsical, you name it, we create it. Our cupcake and dessert bar adds a touch of flare and, above all,
taste to your day. Sift Weddings, trendy treats for haute brides & inspired celebrations.
707.282.5333 | siftcupcakes.com
Sponsorship Opportunities
Our premiere issue will be the first of many more to come....
La ForêtLa Forêt specializes in hand-made chocolates and
confections for wedding favors and gifts. Chef/owner Wendy Sher-wood creates bespoke wedding cakes and chocolate-inspired des-
sert tables in her Napa Valley atelier.
707.255.1787 | laforetchocolate.com
If you are a bridal vendor based in California’s wine country or a wine
country wedding venue and would like to have your business profiled inside our
bridal resource guide please contact us at 707.227.4152 or email us.
Thank you to everyone for making this magazine possible.
Keep an eye out for our updated issue in July.
Please take our reader survey. We promise it will only take a few minutes, and we would greatly appreciate your feedback so we can
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