When you spend your first “date” together over a glass of wine it only makes sense to get married in Napa!
Amanda and John were joined by their 17 guests at they said I do at Carneros Resort & Spa and enjoyed dinner and wine at the property’s restaurant, FARM.
Enjoy this gorgeous intimate fall wedding day and some Q&A with the couple below!
Photography: Jen Philips Photography
Venue: Carneros Resort & Spa
Officiant: Tan Weddings & Events
Florist: Julie Stevens Design
Hair & Makeup : Bridal Beauty on the Go
Q: How did you meet? Tell us about the proposal.
A: Ha, here it goes… we were actually neighbors! We would pass each other a few times a week and always said hey, how are ya? Good how are you? Imagine that on repeat for months. I actually referred to him as my hot neighbor. One day he actually said more than that and we started talking. I walked back inside my apartment at the time and two hours later ended up knocking on his door. I didn’t think about what I was actually going to say so it went a little something like “hi, do you like wine? Yes, cool, wanna come over and have a glass? We have been inseparable since. A year and a half later he proposed in Maui with our closest friends at sunset!
Q: Tell us about your wedding! What was the inspiration behind your day? Did you have a specific theme, style or color palette? Did you incorporate any cultural or religious traditions in any part of your day?
A: I was one of the few women that actually didn’t have that fairytale wedding planned in my head since I was a little girl. When wedding planning got real everyone asked “What’s your vision” and I honestly had no clue! At the end of the day I wanted to marry my best friend and ultimately we decided to do it in a place we both love, on our terms and what we thought was best. That ended up being in Napa Valley with 17 people for an intimate ceremony, cocktail hour and a killer dinner!
Q: What was the most anticipated or special moment of your wedding day?
A: Being able to have my grandfather and Dad walk me down the isle. That was definitely important to me and there are no rules when you elope! I wanted both of them there for that and I was able to have that. Also marrying my best friend in front of our closest friends and family that traveled near and far was pretty cool.
Q: Let’s talk wedding decor. How did you decorate your space for the ceremony and the reception? Was any part of the decor DIY?
A: Fortunately I have an amazing friend Michelle who actually designs wedding invites so I started there. I knew I wanted navy blues, golds and greenery incorporated. The space at Carneros really didn’t need much as it is absolutely gorgeous. We went minimalist/modern and really relied on the scenery for the rest.
Q: What were the florals like in your wedding? Did you use flowers in any of your design elements like the bridal bouquets, centerpieces or ceremony backdrop? Did they play an important part in the overall style of your wedding?
A: Julie was our florist and she gave me everything I could have ever hoped for. We didn’t have a bridal party so my bouquet and our table greenery was pretty much it. The only regret I have is not saving that beautiful bouquet! It was fall inspired and was really unique.
Q: Did you personalize the day in any way (food trucks, guest entertainment etc.)? What were some of your favorite parts of your wedding?
A: We went with a local chocolatier for our favors. It’s something that everyone enjoyed and definitely didn’t go to waste. My best friend/pseudo maid of honor picked up a magnum of Domain Carneros sparkling wine for our “guest book” and it’s something that will be on display in our home for years to come.
Q: Let’s talk fashion. How did you both choose your wedding day look? Describe the looks in detail.
A: I knew I didn’t want a traditional wedding dress. Especially given our choice of wedding. I went a bit bohemian with lace and camel undertones. John looks amazing in blue so my only demand was please wear a blue suit! He didn’t disappoint 🙂
Q: Do you have any wedding planning or marriage advice that you’d like to share with other couples planning their day?
A: Always remember what it’s actually about. It isn’t about the wedding, it’s about spending the rest of your lives together. There is no right or wrong way to do it. If you want 500 people have 500 people. If you want it just the 2 of you, just do it! Also, save the dang bouquet!
