A leading Wedding Planner based in Napa Valley, Traci Steuteville, owner of Napa Valley Celebrations, was gracious enough to share with us a romantic wedding she designed that was recently featured in San Francisco Bride Magazine’s premiere issue!
Here are more details of the wedding day, in Traci’s words….
Romance in the vineyards...in all of its lovely, funky, quirky, rusticness, the venue offered great potential, but required the trust and vision of the clients. With Jennie’s love for contemporary design, we challenged ourselves to incorporate a more romantic-country, shabby-chic design. We were able to create drama and romance within the entire space with the use of soft fabric draping on the interior walls and ceiling of the barn and an expansive canopy structure that provided not only shade for the guests but a frame for the magnificent views. On multiple long dining tables we used antique white porcelain in a wide range of shapes and sizes to display the seasonal fruits, berries and flowers in the shades of yellow, peach, and soft pink. Birds were incorporated as the theme for all of the printed materials. We added nests filled with flowers and the tables were marked with vintage drawings of different types of bird species. The newlywed couple and guests danced under the stars and full moon, and yes, the sunset was that incredible...
Attached is also the beautiful feature story courtesy of SF Bride Magazine and additional photography from Sasha Guilish Photography.
Both, Traci and I agree Napa Valley is the most romantic place on the planet and encourage couples to come to elope, wed and honeymoon here soon!
To contact Traci 707.363.9033
http://www.NapaValleyCelebrations.com
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( 3 / 169 )For those of you (ahem, guys) who may have forgotten, Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching. If you’re looking for something to get (or do) for that special someone, you’re in luck.
Local author (and third generation Napan) Autumn Millhouse has a book out that provides recommendations around the most romantic Napa Valley stops. The 168-page book, dubbed Romantic Napa Valley, An Insider’s Guide for Couples, aims to be a “…guide to the most enchanting wineries, mouth-watering restaurants and romantic accommodations in Napa Valley.”
We recently caught up with Millhouse to ask for a few last-minute recommendations for Valentine’s Day. Below are her recommendations and a few of her thoughts on why she thinks each place is worthy of a look:
Hurley’s Restaurant: Truly the local favorite, Hurley’s restaurant offers fantastic wine country cuisine in an upscale environment, without all the associated fuss. Bob Hurley and his General Manager, Jerry Lampe, take a down-to-earth approach to the fine art of the restaurant business. In a Valley where chefs are kings, Bob and Jerry welcome each visitor warmly, remain genuinely approachable to all, and are attentive to the input of knowledgeable locals.
Silverado Vineyards: Set upon a knoll overlooking Stags Leap, Silverado Vineyards boasts one of the best panoramic views in the Valley. An open courtyard welcomes you to this Mediterranean-themed winery were you feel instantly at ease. Start in the oversized tasting salon, and slowly float between the tasting bar and the beautiful cobblestone terrace.
Rutherford Hill Winery: I love Rutherford Hill and come quite often, especially in the warmer months when tasting is truly a breeze; enjoy the outdoor patio and breathtaking views without missing a beat – or a taste. There is also an unparalleled variety of picnicking options, each of which offers a unique appeal, whether it’s just the two of you or all your friends as well.
Domaine Chandon: Most well-known for their irresistible sparkling wine, Domaine also offers delicious still wines. Whether part of an entourage of couples or by yourselves, feel free to order a bottle of their sparkling wine at your table instead of tasting, and don’t forget to sample some small bites from the sumptuous menu; you will no doubt find it difficult to move on to the next winery.
Millhouse also suggests checking out O’Brien Estate Winery and Kuleto Estate Winery. For more information and to purchase the book (if you hurry, there’s a special Valentine’s Day 10% discount), check out the website.
To view this itinerary (and several others) on our community site, go here.
http://www.uncork29.com/blog/2009/02/10 ... millhouse/
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Liza Gershman, a popular and highly-sought after Wine Country photographer is currently booking Weddings for the 2009 Season. She is offering a special for anyone who found her through our Website.
The special includes a complimentary engagement or boudoir session which last 1-2 hours and are an incredible way to show your romantic side to those you love.
Contact Liza today at 707.331.2132
Liza Gershman Photography
http://www.lizagershman.com
http://www.lizaWeddings.com
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Below is an email I recently received from a fan of Romantic Napa Valley: An Insider’s Guide for Couples. This beautiful story is the tale of a uniquely Napa Valley proposal that occurred at a winery featured in the book.
Best wishes to Nima & Victor and your happily ever after! Thank you for allowing us to share your fairy-tale proposal.
Enjoy the book!
Keep on Romancing,
Autumn
"After several months of dropping not- so-subtle hints to Victor that I wanted to go on a vacation, he informed me that he would be taking me on a surprise trip in May. Of course this was exciting, but the anticipation drove me crazy. In March, Victor started giving me weekly clues via e-mail, text, and over the phone. I guessed many places, but as the trip got closer it seemed to me that Napa Valley was our destination.
On Friday, May 23rd, we boarded a plane to San Francisco. Once we landed, we rented a car and drove to wine country. We stopped a couple of times along the way to taste wine and arrived in Napa about 2 hours later, where we checked into a secluded Bed & Breakfast. After two days of wine tasting along Highway 29, Jacuzzi lounging, eating, and hanging out, our big day came!
Sunday, May 25th started with breakfast at the hotel. Shortly after, a stretched limousine arrived to pick us up. Victor told me that this would be a low key day, where we would go wine tasting and picnicking. I had no suspicions that anything special was going to happen as other couples we met along the way had taken private limo tours as well. Although the limo picked us up at 10:00 AM, we wanted to take advantage of our designated driver so we stared pouring mimosas right away.
On the way to our first winery we drank, relaxed, and looked out the windows as we passed through the valley. We stopped at Clos Pegase Winery, tasted their wines, and bought a bottle to enjoy later in the Jacuzzi. Our limo driver seemed more excited than we were to take pictures of us, so he snapped many shots along the way. He told us our second stop would take us 45 minutes to get to. We passed through various mountains, hills, and around Hennessey Lake, but most of the time was spent winding around the
3-mile, narrow drive way of the winery, which sits on the top of a mountain.
We finally arrived at Kuleto Estate. We were told that our tour guide would meet us soon. Nadine, a cute woman with a German Dutch accent, welcomed us to the winery. The weather was perfect so we decided to taste wines on the patio. Nadine, Vic, and I shared stories, tasted wines, and heard about the winery and its owner, Pat Kuleto. Nadine told us that we would be taking a tour of the property next, and asked what bottle of wine we would like to take on our walk. Vic and I had a hard time deciding, but finally settled on the Syrah. We toured the Estate and saw animals being raised for culinary purposes, the owner’s private residence (complete with infinity pool), and amazing views of the valley.
When we turned the corner from the pool Nadine said “here’s the picnic your sweetie planned.” I looked over and thought I was on an episode of the Bachelor.
It was a fairy tale setting . . . the picnic table was on the edge of a mountain looking over Napa Valley and Hennessey Lake, and we were surrounded by trees. The table was full of food (sandwiches, chesses, fruit, even truffles), wine, champagne, and roses. Nadine popped open the champagne and asked us to call her when we were done with lunch. I wanted to capture the moment so I asked Vic to set up our mini tripod, and take a picture of us.
He set the timer on the camera and came rushing over. I thought it was weird when Victor squatted down next to me instead of sitting in his chair. I looked over at him, and he said “this is perfect, there is just one thing missing,” and then he pulled out my engagement ring and said “will you marry me?” I don’t think I even let him finish the question before I blurted out “yes!” Vic put the ring on my finger and sat down to eat. I didn’t eat much as I cried between each bite. We were dazed by our happiness, but eventually we called Nadine, and returned to our limo. Victor and I enjoyed the ride back to our hotel in our bliss. I felt like a queen; Victor had planned all of this for me.
Overall, our engagement trip lasted for 6 days. We hit 10 wineries, took at tram to a “tasting room in the sky,” had a mud slide spa treatment, swam in mineral pools, checked out a geyser, ate fabulous food, and took a million pictures. We also attempted to hot air balloon on 3 separate days, but the weather never permitted us to launch. In addition, we walked along the Golden Gate Bridge and Fisher Men’s Wharf in San Francisco. This was the trip of a lifetime, and a fairy tale engagement. After 6 years, one month, and five days we are now engaged.
Now onto our happily ever after!"
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Books will also be signed by author.
Don’t miss out on this great deal - order your copy today for your sweetheart! Offer only good until Feb 14th, 2009.
Best Heartfelt Valentines Day Gift!
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