Tuscan-Inspired Romance in Wine Country at Carneros Resort and Spa

[section title=”The Planning”]
[field title=”Wedding Colors”]

The wedding day color story includes lots of vibrant yellow, peach, and orange with pops of powder blue, earth-toned greens, and soft taupe.

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[field title=”Design / Vibe / Vision”]

The vision for the wedding day was “Tuscan Inspired Romance in Wine Country.” The couple worked closely with Michelle of Olivia Grace Events to incorporate their wedding day design with elements of the Carneros Resort property while embracing the beauty of the surrounding Napa Valley views. The Welcome party was hosted at Duckhorn Vineyards & Winery. The couple requested guests wear all white attire while the bride & groom were in “something blue”. The bride’s blue dress was by Milla, and the shoes were by Dior. Guests enjoyed the scenic vineyard landscape while sipping on wine and enjoying appetizers and conversation under a dramatic white tent. The space was decorated with pops of yellow gingham linens and florals by Aimee Lomeli Designs.

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[field title=”Proposal Story”]

In September 2021, McKinley planned the perfect surprise, weaving Katie’s love for the water into a moment she’d never forget. Wanting to pop the question in a way that felt personal, he rented a yacht and invited a small group of their closest friends for one last summer day on the water, framing it as a casual outing to keep Katie unsuspecting. The boat set off from Seattle’s downtown South Lake Union, and the group enjoyed each other’s company with music, champagne, and lots of laughs. As they reached a quiet cove during sunset, the captain suggested a group photo. One by one, their friends posed before stepping aside, leaving just Katie and McKinley at the bow. With the sun captured behind them, McKinley dropped to one knee and pulled out the ring. Caught completely off guard, Katie’s surprise quickly turned to joy as she said yes! Their friends erupted into cheers, the captain popped open a bottle of champagne, and as the boat made its way back toward the city, sailing straight into the sunset, the celebration had only just begun. Waiting at a nearby bar, even more friends and family were ready to greet them, making sure the night ended just as it began: surrounded by love, laughter, and a little bit of perfectly planned magic.

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[board_carousel title=”Getting Ready”]

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[board_carousel title=”Bridal Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Flat Lays”]

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[section title=”The Fashion”]
[field title=”Wedding Gown”]

The Bride wore a stunning strapless Monique Lhuillier a-line gown with floral appliqué detailing. For the ceremony, she paired her gown with a cathedral-style veil, which cascaded behind her along with her long train as she walked down the aisle.

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[field title=”Bridesmaid Dresses”]

Bridesmaids wore a collection of dresses in mismatched cuts, yellows, and floral patterns.

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[field title=”Groomsman Attire”]

The Groom wore a navy blue, three-piece suit with a taupe necktie and brown leather Christian Louboutin dress shoes. His boutonniére, by Unwritten Florals, included pops of bright yellow florals to tie in with the bridal party bouquets. The groomsmen wore tan suits with tan neckties.

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[board_carousel title=”Wedding Party”]

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[board_carousel title=”Ceremony”]

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[board_carousel title=”Cocktail Hour”]

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[section title=”The Details”]
[field title=”Food & Drink”]

Cocktail hour featured colorful cocktails to kick off the first weekend of summer with botanical peach spritzers and strawberry basil palomas. Extra dirty martinis were also on the menu to honor the bride’s favorite cocktail. Guests enjoyed their libations with artichoke leek confit crostinis, yellowfin tuna poke, and fresh tomatoes and mozzarella. Dinner was a 4-course plated dinner enjoyed by candlelight. To start, guests enjoyed a salad of gem lettuces featuring shaved roots, candied walnuts, avocado, and green goddess dressing. The second course was a delicious black arancini truffle with tomato conserva and parmesan. For the entree, guests had a choice of filet mignon (served with potato terrine & asparagus), jidori chicken breast (served with corn succotash & applewood bacon), or housemade lumache (served with carrot ginger puree & carrot chips). Guests then enjoyed espresso martinis, wedding cake (carrot and chocolate raspberry), and small bites of raspberry cheesecake, fruit tartlets, and crunchy chocolate bars. Late-night snacks capped off the night with French fries and cinnamon-sugar Boon Fly donuts.

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[field title=”Florals & Decor”]

Florals, by Unwritten Florals, continued the color theme of yellows, oranges, and greens. Each installation was designed with a rustic, wild approach, tying in the open fields of wildflowers surrounding the property. The ceremony design included lush, landscape floral installations along the curving rows of Calistoga white wash chairs, sourced from Theoni Collection. The alter design included 6 white pedestals at various levels, each with a floral installation adorning the top. The reception tables included one centerpiece per table with a multifaceted and complex color story and composition design in custom ceramic bowls. Floating glass pillar candles also ran down the center of each table, adding an intimate setting for guests to enjoy dinner. Floral bouquets also showcased a collection of flowers with a yellow and white contrast.

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[field title=”Wedding Cake”]

The cake, created by Flour and Bloom Cakes, was a small white cutting cake with intricate piping of yellow blooms and vines wrapping around each layer.

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[field title=”Readings, Ceremony Music, Reception Songs”]Guests were serenaded during cocktail hour with live singing and acoustic guitar by Justin Diaz. [/field]
[field title=”Special Detail #1″]

During the ceremony, the couple honored those they had lost with a banner draped along the back of one chair. The banner displayed a special poem with each person’s name listed below, symbolizing a seat saved for them in spirit.

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[field title=”Special Detail #2″]

The sign-in table displayed a selection of postcards with pictures of the couple, meant for each guest to write a message to the bride & groom. Each postcard was then placed in a small white mailbox to be “sent out.”

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[field title=”Special Detail #3″]

During cocktail hour, custom matchboxes were set out for guests to take home. Drinks were also served alongside custom cocktail napkins with a minimalist design of small martini glasses and the couple’s initials and wedding date.

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[board_carousel title=”Couple Portraits”]

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[board_carousel title=”Reception”]

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