The sun-drenched vineyards of Napa Valley set the stage for Ashley and Max’s elegant black-tie wedding at Beaulieu Garden. With an atmosphere that felt both timeless and intimate, their day was a perfect reflection of their shared love for refined aesthetics, meaningful details, and heartfelt moments. Captured beautifully by Scott and Dana Halvorson and planned impeccably by Emily Coyne Events, every image tells a story of romance, joy, and the unbreakable bond between two souls.
Location: Rutherford, California, United States
Style: Romantic, Elegant, Classic
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 177
Setting: Private Estate
Season: Fall
Ashley and Max’s journey began at the start of the pandemic, when their first date led them along the scenic Lands End trail in San Francisco. That spot became even more significant when Max chose it as the place to propose. With a shared love for cooking, wine tasting, and hosting friends, their vision for their wedding day was clear: an elegant celebration where their loved ones could come together, connect, and dance the night away in a setting that was both refined and inviting.
Fashion
Ashley’s bridal look embodied her minimalist-chic style, featuring a sleek, modern gown with a corset-style lace bodice and flowing silk skirt. A lace bolero added a touch of vintage elegance, later removed to reveal a more contemporary reception look. Bridal makeup by Blushed Beauty was fresh and luminous, with glossy red lips adding a bold yet elegant touch. Her hair by Shannon Le Beauty flowed in soft curls, creating an effortlessly romantic look.
Her bouquet, designed by Humble Abode, featured delicate white florals, complementing the day’s refined color palette. Every element, down to the remembrance locket on her bouquet in honor of her father, carried personal significance.
As the excitement built, Ashley’s mother presented her with a jacket from her childhood, a sentimental touch that underscored the deep family bonds woven into every aspect of the celebration.
Meanwhile, Max and his groomsmen embraced classic black-tie elegance, perfectly in tune with the sophisticated ambiance of the day.
Ceremony
Beaulieu Garden was an enchanting setting where old-world charm met modern elegance. The lush gardens and towering sycamore trees created a stunning contrast to the black-tie attire of the guests, making the setting feel both refined and intimate.
Ashley walked down the aisle with her mother to “Iris” by the Goo Goo Dolls—a song that held deep personal meaning for them. Her twin sister and niece also played a part in the processional, adding even more emotional significance.
“Ashley and Max opted not to have a first look, instead embracing the anticipation of seeing each other for the first time at the ceremony,” shared the planner. Max’s vows were a highlight of the ceremony, his heartfelt words encapsulating their love story in a way that moved everyone present. The ceremony was a perfect balance of romance, personal touches, and the warm embrace of family and friends.
"Words are important to us as a couple, and in the years we've been together, we've surprised each other with notes and letters. His promises for our lives together, and in front of our family and friends, will be something I will never forget. They were so completely Max, filled with hum (and length), but so much thoughtfulness and sweetness."
Cocktail Hour
Following the ceremony, guests were treated to an alfresco cocktail hour, sipping on Espresso Martinis and Hugo Spritzes while mingling among the estate’s lush gardens. Parasol-shaded lounges, elegant floral arrangements, and the soft melodies of live music set a relaxed and inviting mood.
Conversations flowed as guests enjoyed the golden-hour light filtering through the vineyard. From the seamless flow of events to the refined aesthetic touches, Emily Coyne Events orchestrated every element of the day with care and expertise, ensuring that each moment felt intentional and beautiful.
Private Moment
Before the reception festivities began, Ashley and Max took a quiet stroll through the vineyard, savoring the first moments of being husband and wife. The golden light of Napa’s fall season cast a warm glow over the landscape, making for some of the most breathtaking portraits of the day.
Scott and Dana Halvorson masterfully captured the quiet intimacy of the moment—the exchanged smiles, the unspoken words, and the deep connection between the couple. Amid a lively celebration, this brief pause allowed them to soak in the meaning of the day.
Reception & Decor
As twilight settled over Beaulieu Garden, the reception took place in a setting that felt naturally elegant. A long dining table with crisp white linens, black candles, and lush floral arrangements created a stylish yet inviting atmosphere. The couple’s choice to incorporate deep chocolate tones into the decor added warmth to the classic black-and-white palette.
Candlelight flickered across the tables, and fairy lights draped overhead cast a soft, golden glow. Guests enjoyed a carefully curated menu, with elegant plated dishes served on sleek black dinnerware.
The night was filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and a packed dance floor. Thoughtfully designed details, from personalized stationery by PS Paper to exquisite desserts by Flour & Bloom, highlighted the couple’s attention to detail.
The wedding cake, a timeless design with delicate pearl-like details, stood as a centerpiece of the evening. As Ashley and Max cut into the cake, laughter and cheers filled the air, making for a sweet and memorable moment.
A lively saxophonist kept the energy high while Max’s groomsmen lifted him into the air, laughing and cheering. Ashley, now in a chic two-piece set, danced the night away, surrounded by family and friends. With music playing, cocktails flowing, and the garden glowing under the lights, the night wrapped up just the way they had hoped—full of love, joy, and moments they’ll never forget.
Advice from the couple:
• Take moments throughout the wedding planning process and on the wedding day just for the two of you. Max reminded me many times during planning to soak it all in, and I’m so glad he did because now we have even more memories to cherish. Everyone says the day goes by fast, and while it does, taking a moment together right after the ceremony and again after cocktail hour really helped slow everything down.
• Oh, and get any speeches out of the way early in the evening so you have more time on the dance floor.
• Remember to relax, practice your vows, thank everyone, and kiss your wife every chance you get.
PHOTOGRAPHER Scott & Dana Photographers | VIDEOGRAPHER Lens of Lenox | VENUE Beaulieu Garden | PLANNING & DESIGN Emily Coyne Events | FLORALS Humble Abode | MAKEUP Blushed Beauty | HAIR Shannon Le Beauty | BAKERY Flour & Bloom | LINENS BBJ La Tavola | STRING TRIO Bellarosa | DJ Chris Clouse | STATIONERY PS Paper | RENTALS Encore Event | TRANSPORT Pure Luxury | TRAVEL PARTNER & HONEYMOON PLANNING Wedaways
