A Romantic Backyard Wedding in Wine Country
Meghon & Sam | Napa Valley, California
From the bride: We held our wedding at Sam’s parent’s house in St. Helena, California. Our guests were amazed that a beautiful mountain setting like this existed in the Napa Valley.
THE STYLE
Romantic and nature-inspired with a slate blue and copper color palette.
THE VEIL
I was the second to wear a veil that is being passed down “Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants” style with my best friends.
THE CEREMONY
The ceremony space was tucked back near the mountain in what used to be a river bed. It is surrounded by hundred-year-old oak trees and the ground is scattered with the most beautiful slivers of obsidian. We knew we wanted our ceremony design to be simple and understated as to not take away from the natural elements.
FAVE MEMORY
Sam’s 91-year-old grandfather is a published author and poet, and he recited a poem he wrote especially for us. It was so special and nearly brought everyone to tears.
THE RECEPTION
The reception took place on the lawn and deck of the backyard. It was the perfect size for our 80 guests.
THE DECOR
We wanted to keep the décor soft and understated so we went with a solid ivory table linen and grey napkins. The florals were light peach, blush, and white to complement the copper chargers.
THE FAVORS
We wanted to give our guests something truly unique to the Napa Valley. A family friend owns Napa Valley Olive Oil Manufacturing, which was founded right in St. Helena, so we knew mini bottles of olive oil would be the perfect gifts for our guests. We included little tags that read “Thank you with olive our hearts”. I’ve been to weddings where dozens of favors get left behind, but we didn’t end up with any extras. They were a huge hit!
THE PLACE CARDS
I had been practicing my hand lettering for months because it was really important to me to make all of the signs and place cards at our wedding. I thought it would be so special to look back and be able to say that I had written them all myself. Our place cards were 2” Carrara marble tiles with guest’s names written in copper ink. It was very tedious, but I’m so happy with how it all turned out!
THE GUEST BOOK
We wanted to do something playful and creative for our guestbook, so we purchased a mini Polaroid camera and let our guests have at it. It was fun looking through all of the photos and notes from our family and friends after the wedding. We even took the camera on our honeymoon to use up the extra film.
THE DESSERT
I knew I wanted something different than traditional wedding cake. We opted for apple and berry pies from a famous local bakery served a la mode. It was the perfect complement to a warm summer night.
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT
Our favorite part of the reception was the dance floor! Our guests did not leave from the minute it opened to the last song. I’m fairly certain we requested at least eight Drake songs and our DJ played every single one.
ADVICE
The most helpful was asking people what they loved or would have done differently about their own wedding or a wedding they’ve attended. I found that people were incredibly honest and it definitely helped prioritize what was important to us on our big day.
THE WEDDING TEAM
Photographer: Hannah Kate Photography | Day of Coordinator: Stiched Together Weddings | Floral Design: Kathy Hansen Floral Design | Caterer: A La Heart Catering | Linens: Grapevine Party Rentals | Rentals: Big 4 Party Rentals | Pies: Mom’s Apple Pie | Favors: Napa Valley Olive Oil | DJ: Runaway DJ | Transportation: CPA Valet | Wedding Gown Designer: Enzoani from Trudy’s Brides | Shoes: Badgley Mischka | Bridesmaid Dresses: Kennedy Blue | Hair: Jordan Segna | Makeup: Erica Bivens | Groom’s Attire: Suit Supply | Men’s Wear: The Black Tux | Wedding Rings: Steve Quick Jeweler