An Intimate Romantic Wedding in California

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Location: Napa Valley, California
Setting: Church, outdoor resort reception
Wedding season: Summer
The number of guests: 15
How long did the couple plan the event: 3 months
Wedding theme/style: Romantic, traditional, elegant.

Shannon, Mia’s best friend, played Cupid when she introduced Mia to Chadd, who was on the Cal baseball team with Shannon’s then-boyfriend. Convinced that Mia and Chadd were a perfect match, Shannon persistently tried to get Mia to attend her parties until the fateful day at the end of the school year when they finally met. From that moment on, Mia and Chadd became inseparable despite the challenges of long-distance dating. At the same time, Chadd pursued a professional baseball career with the Cubs, Marlins, and White Sox organizations.

After years of navigating the ups and downs of a long-distance relationship, Mia and Chadd finally settled in San Francisco. Their love endured, and the couple decided to tie the knot uniquely and intimately, shifting from their initial vision of a big city wedding to an immediate family-only celebration in June 2021, held in their favorite place – wine country.

The concept and vision for Mia and Chadd’s wedding were rooted in tradition and timelessness. While many couples draw inspiration from various sources like movies, books, or art styles, Mia and Chadd embraced the classic and enduring elements of a traditional wedding.

Due to the challenges posed by COVID-19, Mia’s experience of choosing her wedding dress differed from the traditional process. She found the dress of her dreams by Danielle Frankel Studio on Net-a-Porter, sticking to her vision and ordering the dress online. Mia, with her background in fashion PR, surprised everyone with the simplicity of her decision. She complemented her look with a long cathedral veil and elegant Valentino slingback shoes.

Mia set out to capture her true essence on her special day. She embraced a look that resonated with her inner self. Choosing natural makeup, Mia accentuated her features with subtlety, allowing her genuine beauty to shine through. She styled her hair into soft waves, creating a gentle and romantic look.

Chadd appeared at the wedding with a touch of style and elegance. He was dressed in a timeless tuxedo by Saint Laurent, effortlessly embodying sophistication. He completed his excellent ensemble with a pair of effortlessly chic shoes from Prada, which added an extra flair to his appearance.

The beautiful wedding ceremony was infused with a deep respect for traditions and occurred at the St. Helena Catholic Church. Chadd and Mia held their parents, siblings and grandparents close to their hearts, cherishing their presence in this intimate celebration.

The talented photographers from The Gold Collective beautifully captured Chadd and Mia’s wedding, creating stunning photographs that reflect the richness of this beautiful day filled with events and emotions. From the wedding ceremony to the reception, every moment of this magical day was preserved with love and professionalism by The Gold Collective. They also crafted exquisite portraits of the couple, showcasing their love and beauty. The Gold Collective truly conjured enchantment, turning the memories of this special day into pure magic.

Mia’s vision of lush white flowers without green filler became a stunning reality at the reception. The flowers adorning the tables became one of her favorite moments of the day. The couple’s decision to prioritize the intimate gathering and the timeless inspiration for the wedding made their celebration unique and memorable.

The wedding reception was infused with an atmosphere of love and familial warmth. The couple also ensured that the dishes served at the reception were exquisite, delivering enjoyment to every guest.

The first dance was one of the most touching moments of the evening. Chadd and Mia selected the song “Off My Face” by Justin Bieber for their dance. It was a moment of pure love, where the couple danced as newlyweds. The melody became the soundtrack to their journey into marital bliss, marking the beginning of a lifetime of cherished moments.

The cutting of the wedding cake is also one of the beautiful wedding traditions. At Chadd and Mia’s wedding, there was a stunning cake crafted in a classic style, adorned with white flowers that complemented the overall elegant style of the wedding. The cake-cutting ceremony marked another delightful moment in their celebration, symbolizing the sweet beginning of their journey as a married couple.

Such heartwarming moments, like the father-daughter dance, made the evening exceptionally soulful and warm. Mia shared a dance with her father, moving gracefully to a pleasant melody. This dance reflected the strong bond they shared, adding a touch of sentimentality to the celebration.

The evening reception was filled with dancing, laughter, and joy. All the guests eagerly hit the dance floor, wholeheartedly celebrating with Chadd and Mia, sharing the joy of the day unfolding.

Advice from the couple:

• We recommend creating a Pinterest vision board to share with all vendors filled with your inspiration so everyone is on the same page with the vibe you are setting out for.