A Summer Wedding in a Modern Vineyard Setting

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Location: Napa Valley, California, USA
Setting: Resort
Season: Summer
How long did the couple plan the event: 1 year
Number of guests: 119
Wedding theme/style: Classic, modern, romantic.

Jacqueline and Jonathan met at George Washington University during the first few weeks of Jacqueline’s freshman year. “Jon, a friendly junior I had met earlier that night, emerged from the crowd and offered to be my impromptu guide, introducing me to the scene,” the bride recalls. As the music pulsed and laughter filled the air, an undeniable connection sparked between them. Friendship blossomed over the years, and though a mutual crush simmered, the timing wasn’t on their side. Life took them down different paths after college. Fortunately, they remained in touch through mutual friends until, years later, fate intervened. Similar to their start in Washington, D.C., they both found themselves in another new city, San Francisco.

This time, they reconnected, seizing the opportunity to explore a new city and, more importantly, rekindle their romance. San Francisco became their shared home: they adventured through the vibrant city, Northern California’s outdoors, and wine country. “Our journey might have started in the chaos of a college party, but the quiet moments, shared dreams, and unwavering support define our love story. Just like that first night, we couldn’t be happier navigating life together, side by side,” shared the couple.

They got engaged in Napa Valley, and after proposing, Jon planned a wine tasting for them at Artesa, a filming location for one of their favorite shows – “Succession.” Following the tasting, he surprised her with dinner at their favorite restaurant, where eight of their closest friends and her sister, who flew in from Los Angeles, were waiting to celebrate.

Napa Valley became their cherished, special place and set the stage for a three-day celebration in the warm embrace of its sun-drenched landscape. The wedding weekend started with a welcome party at the family-owned Peju Winery, one of the most well-loved wineries in the region.

For dinner, Jacqueline opted for an off-the-shoulder white dress with romantic puff sleeves that added a touch of naivety. The iconic Lady Dior bag made her appearance feminine and classic. Jonathan complimented Jacqueline’s look by choosing a tailored blue plaid blazer and black loafers.

Guests were treated to an array of delicious appetizers, freshly baked pizzas, and a selection of fine wines. Surrounded by a vineyard, friends and family enjoyed each other’s company and watched the lovebirds under the open sky.

The wedding took place at the newly opened Napa Valley destination in the heart of wine country, Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection, nestled between the rolling hills and vineyards.

“When we booked the resort, the property was still under construction, and we toured the property in hard hats!” the bride laughs.

The wedding morning had arrived, and it was time for Jacqueline to get ready. “For my wedding look, I wanted something timeless with a modern touch to complement the aesthetic of Stanly Ranch,” she explained. Jacqueline has always admired Carolina Herrera’s designs and felt fortunate to wear a dress from one of Herrera’s last bridal collections.

“Working with Jin Wang a dream; she customized the lace bodice and tailored the dress to perfection. I also extended the train and paired it with a Peter Langner cathedral veil for a more dramatic ceremony look. I loved the wrap because it gave me two unique looks – one for the ceremony and a strapless style for the reception,” said the bride.

The groom was dressed in a black tuxedo, highlighting his confidence, and his friends shared in this joyous moment with him. The atmosphere was filled with fun and excitement as they prepared for the occasion.

Under the bright California sun, the couple shared their first look at a garden filled with wildflowers. They kissed tenderly and held hands, creating a quiet, intimate moment before their ceremony. The bride’s veil fluttered in the gentle breeze, adding a touch of magic to their private time.

Amanda Wei’s mastery of natural light vividly enhanced the emotion and detail of each scene, capturing both the grandeur of the venue and the intimacy of personal moments. Her keen eye for detail was evident as she skillfully balanced traditional wedding photography with the unique, personal touches that defined the celebration, such as the miniature pony and bespoke decorations. Amanda excelled in documenting spontaneous reactions, bringing the day’s joyful spirit to life. This approach showcased the couple’s personality in every shot and narrated a deeper story of their backgrounds and the day’s significance.

The ceremony was held in the ranch’s Cutting Garden, with a beautiful lawn framed by white roses. While waiting, the couple’s nearest and dearest took pictures with an instant photo camera and filled out the guest book. The modern garden, filled with lush florals and fragrant lavender, created a picturesque setting for Jacqueline and Jonathan’s vows. The ceremony concluded with the newlyweds’ first kiss and a joyful walk under a shower of white rose petals, enthusiastically scattered by their loved ones.

The newlyweds opened the cocktail hour with a champagne tower. Because Jacqueline loves horses and was a competitive equestrian growing up, her parents surprised her with a miniature pony adorned with a “just married” wreath! After that, Jacqueline and Jonathan walked around the olive trees under the setting sun.

For the reception, the couple chose the Glasshouse Barn and Terrace – a beautiful, warm, modern space with panoramic windows offering views of the vineyards and rolling hills. The design was inspired by the natural materials and textures found throughout the resort and the stunning colors of the surrounding landscape. The color scheme included white, green, and lavender. The last one was incorporated into the palette as lavender was featured throughout the ranch, particularly on its stunning lavender lawn.

The decision to lean into lavender and green color accents started with our wedding crest design. We loved the idea of incorporating a vineyard motif as the framing for our monogram. We wanted everything to feel cohesive with that design since it also appeared on napkins and menus at the wedding.

Jacqueline, The Bride

When the couple entered the hall, they were greeted with enthusiastic applause from their guests. They moved gracefully to the center of the room and began their first dance, capturing the essence of their love and connection. After heartfelt speeches from family and friends, the couple continued the celebration by cutting off the four-tier cake, elegantly adorned with white orchids.

The celebration carried on into the night as guests danced the evening away to a lively nine-piece band. The excellent music added a unique charm to this evening and served as a pleasant end to the occasion.

Advice from the couple:

• Getting married at a new venue can be risky and nerve-wracking, but seeing how it all comes together to create a unique experience is incredibly gratifying. Introducing your local guests to a venue they haven’t experienced adds a unique touch to your wedding and can create lasting memories. Many of our guests loved the new venue so much that they returned for special occasions, like birthdays and anniversaries.

• Even though it might feel a bit crazy at times (we had a hard hat tour during construction!), trust the process. We have no regrets and were thrilled with the outcome.