Abby & Joel ~ A Private Estate Wedding in Napa

This wedding was one for the books. When Abby & Joel reached out to me to plan their wedding at their parent’s home, located on a narrow ridge-top in Calistoga, I knew I was in for a logistical challenge that excited me. I knew it was going to take a lot of work to make it all happen, but the reward would be truly outstanding!

Abby & Joel have very demanding careers in the exciting world of TV production, so they did not have much time to wedding plan. I met with them only a handful of times during the planning process, so they really trusted me to take their vision and run with it. They wanted a meaningful wedding that truly reflected who they are as a couple and a wedding design that reflected and blended with the surrounding scenery of the bride’s parents’ home. They wanted everything to feel very organic and comfortable.

The wedding was full of memorable moments and for that reason, this is a wedding that I will never forget. The bride and groom work for a show called the Daily Show (some of you may be familiar) so we had some serious talent to choose from when considering an officiant. Given Jordan Klepper is a good friend of theirs and an outstanding comedian, I am not sure we could have found a better fit to officiate their marriage. The ceremony was full of antidotes and laughs and I am sure this a ceremony that none of the guests will ever forget.

After the ceremony, guests were treated to a family-style dinner in the family’s backyard overlooking vineyards and the nearby mountaintops. The views are some of the best we have in the Napa Valley. The family style dinner was top notch (shout out to Oak Avenue Catering!!), but felt casual and comfortable. Having high-quality food, but served in a casual format was exactly who the couple are as people. The guests enjoyed amazing wine and food, as the sun sets over the surrounding hills.

After dinner, it was time to dance. Abby and Joel selected a live band as music was very important to them. They didn’t want the traditional dance band and decided to hire Hella Fitzgerald, a high energy jazz band, that also does a variety of popular songs in addition to their lounge-y jazz R&B vibe. To make things even more meaningful, the groom has his best friend (and also a well-known musician) sing the mother/son song, “Wildflowers” by Tom Petty. It was one of the most magical moments I have ever witnessed at a wedding. It was so special, you could feel it.

Guests continued to dance the night away under the stars and twinkle lights. It may have just been the most perfect wedding I have ever been lucky enough to plan. Congrats Abby & Joel! You did it!