In the heart of Sonoma, Jesse and JB’s wedding was nothing short of a colorful Italian-inspired festive fête. “The Madrona Hotel can almost transform you to feel like you’re in Italy,” shared the bride. With a dash of “La Dolce Vita” fun, the day was brilliantly captured by Scott & Dana Photographers, who showcased the vibrant colors, fashionable guests, and raw emotions—making each photo a feast for the eyes and a true reflection of the happiness that filled the day.
Location: Healdsburg, California, USA
Style: Colorful, Italian, La Dolce Vita-inspired
Time of planning: 1 year
Number of guests: 135
Setting: Estate
Season: Fall
Jesse is a beauty executive and JB is an investment banker. They officially met through friends over cocktails at an event in St Helena, in the Napa Valley. This small town was where JB was raised and where Jesse was living out most of her twenties, immersed in the culinary and wine world.
That same day, Jesse had declared to her friends and her longtime boss that she was picking up and moving back home to Los Angeles. But the introduction to JB pushed that timeline out. The couple spent a few months getting to know each other in Northern California before eventually moving to LA, as Jesse had planned.
After five years together, a romantic Paris proposal sealed their commitment—complete with a playful pink plastic ring since the designer ring wasn’t ready yet. “It apparently came in a bag of 140, all different shapes and colors. I had plenty of choices to mix and match with until the actual engagement ring was ready,” the bride laughed.
“It was a moment that was purely us—very thought out and intentional and beautiful.”
Location & Planning
The night they got engaged, Jesse and JB started planning their big day. Choosing The Madrona Hotel was an easy decision for them. As they shared, this newly renovated property offers an ambiance that feels straight out of Italy. The venue’s design, which Jesse described as “whimsical and unique,” became the foundation for their wedding’s aesthetic. With its vibrant colors and whimsical decor, the hotel provided the perfect backdrop for their colorful celebration.
"One of the first places we both named was The Madrona Hotel in Healdsburg. We had been to there quite recently and although we never shared with one another, we both had a feeling our wedding would be there."
Both Jesse and JB were very specific about the design and the vision of the weekend. “We were also very intentional in finding meaning behind almost every aspect that went into the weekend,” explained the bride. Together with planners from A Savvy Event, they put a lot of thought and care into the smallest details.
"We wanted the weekend in its entirety to feel truly “us.”
Bridal Look
Jesse’s bridal style was a perfect blend of elegance and sentimentality. She walked down the aisle in a stunning silk Givenchy gown, adorned with hand-embroidered crystal embellishments. The dress’s open back, with gathered straps, added a modern touch, while the veil, secured with delicate silver butterfly pins, brought a bit of her personality into the ensemble–Jesse loves butterflies all around.
Her bouquet of white calla lilies paid respect to her great-grandmother, adding a sentimental touch to her look. Jesse completed her outfit with sparkly Jimmy Choo stilettos, ruby earrings from her mother, and a spritz of her signature Jo Malone Pomegranate Noir perfume.
Groom's Fashion
JB wore a classic Canali suit, complemented by a white Eton shirt with colorful blue buttons, Hermes shoes and tie, and a Saint Laurent belt. In place of a boutonniere, JB opted for a crystal Saint Laurent brooch, adding a unique flair to his look.
First Look
The couple started the wedding day events with an intimate first look. It took place in the serene gardens of The Madrona, a private moment beautifully captured by Scott & Dana Photographers. The photos are both stunning and fashionable, truly showcasing the elegance of the couple and the magic of this moment.
This was followed by the signing of the ketubah, a significant Jewish tradition that brought together close family and friends. Everyone said beautiful words to honor and acknowledge the special moment they were in.
"We then did a spur of the moment huddle where we put our hands in the middle and cheered – we were excited to head off to the ceremony."
Ceremony
As guests arrived at the grand lawn for the ceremony, they were greeted with tray-passed Bollinger Champagne and bottles of Menabrea beer—a nod to the couple’s love for Italian brews. Music played, and the guests took their seats.
Jesse then walked down the aisle with her father to the Bruce Springsteen song “Secret Garden”. Both Jesse and JB agreed that walking down that lawn felt like it took 20 minutes and 30 seconds at the same time!
Under a colorful chuppah, adorned with vibrant flowers and by John James Designs, Jesse and JB recited a Native American Cherokee prayer that set the tone for their vows. The ceremony concluded with the traditional breaking of the glass, a joyful moment that was met with cheers of “mazel tov!” from their guests.
Moment Alone
After the ceremony, Jesse and JB took a private moment in the hotel lounge—a grounding experience that allowed them to soak in the significance of the day.
"We cried, we laughed, it was a grounding moment that we will cherish forever. "
JB surprised Jesse with a white 1970 Mercedes Benz 300 SE Coupe Convertible, adding a stylish and timeless element to their grand entrance at the cocktail hour.
"Two of Jesse’s closest friends surprised us by adorning the back of the car with classic, hand-decorated cans! We kept them and they help decorate our Christmas tree!"
Cocktail Hour
During the cocktail hour, Jesse and JB’s wedding truly came to life, embodying the vibrant theme they envisioned. Set in an enchanting orange grove, the area was adorned with custom ceramic pine cones and Moor’s heads from Sicily, which were filled with vibrant floral arrangements that added to the festive atmosphere.
Signature drinks, like the Malibu Margarita and St. Helena Sour, further personalized the experience, creating a sophisticated yet lively atmosphere that reflected Jesse and JB’s unique love story.
The guests, dressed in their utmost elegance, contributed to the colorful and festive vibe, elevating the event to a high-class celebration. Their stylish attire perfectly complemented the vibrant setting, making the cocktail hour not just an opening for the reception but a highlight of the day.
"We had a vision of our guests showing up in their utmost elegance, but with some Italian “La Dolce Vita” fun! This was not a “wine country” wedding, this was an Italian-inspired festive fete, and man did our guests deliver!"
Decor & Setting
The reception at Jesse and JB’s wedding was nothing short of a masterpiece in design and setting, seamlessly blending wedding theme with the natural beauty of The Madrona Hotel’s garden. Tables were draped in white linens with vibrant runners featuring intricate patterns that added a burst of color to the sophisticated setup. Each place setting was adorned with personalized menus and playful napkins, printed with lively, citrus-inspired designs, perfectly reflecting the couple’s love for Italy.
The floral arrangements were a feast for the eyes. Vases overflowed with a mix of bright dahlias, roses, and unexpected elements like mushrooms, creating a whimsical yet elegant feel. Lemons scattered across the tables further enhanced the Italian vibe, adding both color and a touch of authenticity. The setup under the garden’s canopy of trees, paired with the soft glow of string lights overhead, transformed the space into an enchanting haven, making it an unforgettable setting for a night of celebration.
“Our creative and inspiring florist surprised us with using mushrooms in the amazing floral arrangements, lots of lemons, and the most magical colorful chuppah either one of us had witnessed.”
Reception
The reception was nothing short of magical, filled with laughter, heartfelt toasts, and an energy that kept the celebration alive deep into the night. The couple, along with their families, shared touching toasts—JB, Jesse, her father, and her mother each took a moment to speak from the heart, adding personal touches that made the evening even more memorable.
After dinner, Jesse and JB led the crowd to the dance floor with their First Dance to The Beatles’ “’Til There Was You,” setting the tone for a night of joyful revelry.
Evening & Party
The true highlight of the evening was the hora, with Jesse and JB lifted high on chairs, surrounded by their guests who danced with pure joy and excitement. The dance floor was packed all night, with every guest joining in on the fun.
“We invited everyone to join us on the dance floor after our First Dance, and everyone did.”
As the night transitioned, guests moved inside the Madrona Mansion for the after-party and cake cutting. The cake, from the beloved local bakery Costeaux, was a small yet meaningful centerpiece adorned with the word “Amore” in red, accompanied by an array of delicious desserts like macarons and tarts.
“The main building of The Madrona, the Mansion, feels like you’re in someone’s home, so we had this vision of a massive house party – and it was epic!"
When it came time for the “house party” inside, Jesse changed into a Paco Rabanne party dress – a mini dress featuring the label’s signature chainmail construction handmade from floral paillettes.
Music was a central part of the night, carefully planned by Jesse and JB but brought to life by the incredible energy of the band and DJs: “We made curated playlists for every part of the evening, but it was the DJs, live saxophonist, and violinist from Haute Mobile Disco that truly turned the party into a PARTAY! They brought the house down!” Jesse recalled with enthusiasm. The combination of DJs and live musicians kept the energy at a peak, creating an unforgettable atmosphere.
The evening concluded in the early morning hours, with just a small circle of close friends and family still dancing, creating a perfect, intimate ending to an epic celebration.
“It felt like a movie – there were people dancing in some rooms, drinking fabulous cocktails and champagne in other rooms, laughing, and just having a grand old time."
PHOTOGRAPHER Scott & Dana Photographers | VENUE The Madrona | PLANNER A Savvy Event | FLORALS John James | DRESS Givenchy | SUIT Canali | AFTER PARTY DRESS Rabanne | MUSIC Haute Mobile Disco
