Jenna & Brandon’s wedding at Trentadue Winery was a wonderful way to kick of 2011.  The day was made special by friends and family who came in from all over the world (including them!) and the arrival of the bridal party in a yellow school bus…

Florence & Dave’s intimate wedding at Auberge du Soleil was made special by the Malaysian influence by Florence’s family.  They had a beautiful tea ceremony to honor all the key members of each other’s families.  To tie in the Napa Valley theme, Florence’s mother gave her a beautiful grape necklace.

Jill & Brian tied the knot at Carneros Inn, their day was full of so many beautiful details…

Evan & Susan’s wedding was so beautiful and romantic which made it perfect for Auberge du Soleil.  Their ceremony was beautiful and intimate, with a close friend even serving as officiant!  Her veil completed the romantic feel of the day…

Nic & Jessica’s wedding at V Sattui Winery went off without a hitch!  Everyone was so cool, calm & collected and really seemed to enjoy each other.

Emily & Sergey tied the knot at Auberge du Soleil which was perfect for their super intimate wedding.  Everyone traveled from out of town and I think the guest list topped off at 35!  Needless to say, they really got a chance to spend time with each of their guests and savor each moment.

Lara & Preston’s wedding was all about beautiful details; and with the bride being the woman we dubbed Queen of Etsy, every detail was unique!  The day was perfectly bright and blue which showed off all the beautiful colors of The Carneros Inn where they celebrated their day together.

Debbie & Bryan are one of our Texas couples but they really wanted to celebrate in Napa Valley style!  The flowers were in full bloom at Auberge du Soleil and really made her pink bouquet pop!  They had a few memorable moments in the beginning but overall it was a fun day with a lot of tears of happiness…

Prairie & Jeff’s wedding at Murrieta’s Well was absolutely beautiful!  They simply adore each other and their day was filled with lots of love, laughter and heartfelt toasts…

Kayla & Geoff’s wedding at Auberge du Soleil was so much fun… Their day was tailor made for these two foodies with all the wonderful food that was served and the favors for their guests being custom made recipe books made by the bride and groom themselves!

Lindsey & Adam’s wedding at Beaulieu Gardens was full of beautiful details, amazing food and a fabulous getaway car!  They took the prize this year for the most visually stunning wedding…

Stacey & Keith got married it true vintage style at Auberge du Soleil…

Nothing says California more than a wedding at Solage Calistoga!  Miriam & Mike’s wedding was no exception; they had sunny skies, huge oak trees and bicycles!

I have never seen a bride so excited to get married!  Heather & Sean’s wedding at The Carneros Inn was a truly joyful occasion…

Jessica & Scott’s Wedding at The Culinary Institute of America in St. Helena was an international affair.  They had family and friends who came from all over the globe, even from the southern hemisphere!  Those Aussies really know how to party….

Michelle & Brian’s intimate wedding at Scott’s Seafood in Walnut Creek was beautiful and quiet with just family members in attendance.  You wouldn’t have been able to tell that they planned the entire wedding in just over a month!

Jennie & Aaron’s elegant backyard wedding was made possible by Jennie’s generous aunt.  They had such a good time, lot’s of dancing, laughing and delicious food!

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Texans really know how to party!  Sarah & Alex’s wedding at Kunde Family Estate was done  California style under giant oak trees but with a Texas flair with cowboy boots and lots of dancing…

Jessica & Serdar’s elegant wedding at The Carneros Inn was a super fun all day party!  These two are crazy in love and really know how to have a good time; and with relatives who came in from Turkey, you know the dancing was sensational!

Jessica & Matt’s wedding at Cline Cellars had that California Mission feeling.  These two are sweet and seemingly low key; neither of us expected the crazy dance party segment at their reception!

Christine & Calvin’s intimate backyard wedding was held in the biggest backyard we’ve ever seen!  Not sure if it can even be called a backyard with a duck pond, fountain, tennis courts, life-size doll houses and stables.  It was a truly unique experience…

Katie & Wallace had a true wedding adventure!  Beginning in Tiburon and ending in San Francisco, this was one day we will never forget…

Janine & Dionne’s wedding at Mills College was absolutely perfect; the clouds even parted long enough for us to get some amazing photos of them outside on the beautiful grounds of the college…

The fall leaves were at their peak for our last wedding of the season; Andrea & Ron at Auberge du Soleil.

Whew what a year! Here’s to seeing what 2012 has to offer!

Quite a view from Auberge eh?

Branch Out Floral & Event Design does it again! This was my first season working with her and every time she blew me away!

Flowers by Evan’s super talented sister Ali. Susan’s bouquet reminded me of a Real Simple Weddings cover bouquet from a few years back:

Evan and Susan opted to see each other before the wedding. Love it when couples do this!

You can never go wrong with the food at Auberge:

Wedding flowers by Fluers de France:

Dee Merz and Sue Buhagiar do it again. Such a great team! Reception held at Auberge du Soleil.

The second half of my year started after Hunter was born. And I couldnt have asked for a sweeter couple for my first wedding back! Julie and Wes got married at the Carneros Inn. Julie grew up on a farm… and its funny how she ended up at a wedding location that has subtle touches of her roots.

I LOVED their reception decor. LOVED. Would not have changed a thing at all! Event Coordination by Creative Occasions and Flowers by Julie Stevens Design.

Lauren and Chris gave me my first opportunity to work at the Silverado Resort in Napa. What a property! Its so big we got a golf cart! That was a first. I love her custom hanger from Etsy.com.

I love this photo Marita snagged:

I hate to sound redundant here… but you Texans sure do know how to party! With a band like Napata and the Kisses you can’t really go wrong though!

And then we had Annie and Jared’s wedding at Hans Fahden, my comedians. When taking their individual photos both of them put on their actor faces! It was hilarious that they both did it without the other one knowing.

The kids at this wedding were priceless! This one below was during the ceremony:

yuuummmy liiiight:

Flowers: Lush Floral

Hair and Makeup: Erica Carr First time working with her, but I must say, Erica is top notch!

Their first sight brought Marita and I to tears…

I adore this photo of you Marie, you look stunning!

Their favors rocked. I like them so much I may steal this idea for next years big wedding! Napa Valley canvas totes!! And for you east coasters out there they even have one for Nantucket. LOVE!

during their sort of first dance…

When I met Derek and Kate last month we clicked instantly. There’s just something about them that I love… maybe that they are utterly and completely in love with each other! Last Thursday 35 of their closest friends and family met at Auberge to celebrate their wedding. The big party took place on Saturday at Kate’s parents house with a laid back BBQ where one of her uncles fulfilled a family tradition of cooking for family weddings.

During the ceremony the rings were passed around so that the guests could give their well wishes and blessing to the couple. Kate’s sister Megan rubbed the ring on her pregnant belly. Too funny!

total sweetness!

joking around…

A few from the Saturday reception in the photo booth:

The Saturday reception had to die for cupcakes! Really! Ive had my fair share of cake and cupcakes over the past 5 years and these were delicious!! If you are in Napa swing by Sift Cupcakery and pick up a few. Or two, or three…