calistoga wedding

Intimate Springtime Hans Fahden Vineyards COVID Wedding » Calistoga, California by Vivian Chen

Like many couples this past year, Jenny and Kenny’s early spring wedding plans were altered a few times. The date and venue may have changed but the intimate wine country celebration they imagined still went off without a hitch. The couple celebrated with a close group of their friends and family at the beautiful Hans Fahden Vineyards tucked away above Napa and Sonoma Valley in the heart of the Mayacama Mountains. After a first look on the covered bridge, we spent some time taking portraits around the property before their ceremony. After the “I Do’s”, guests enjoyed wine and appetizers while Jenny and Kenny checked in virtually with guests that weren’t able to be there in person. Before dinner, the property owner, Lyle, took the couple and us for a private tour of the property, ending on top of a mountain at sunset with gorgeous wine country views surrounding us. The evening celebration continued with a delicious meal, hilarious and heartwarming toasts before the first dance and newlywed game wrapped up the evenings festivities. Big thanks to MK Events for helping make the day gorgeous and keep everyone on track.

Tiny Calistoga Ranch COVID Minimony » Calistoga, California by Vivian Chen

2020 is the year where we take nothing for granted. On warm autumn Friday, Mads and Brad were married with a tiny ceremony at Calistoga Ranch. Just me, Brad's good friend Jason who officiated, and the couple. (And of course, friends and family tuned in via video chat.) They shared a poem with each other and exchanged vows and rings on the balcony of their little forest lodge. It was sweet, lovely and the perfect way to honor their original wedding date. Afterwards they celebrated with champagne and wedding cake before we went out to wander the grounds a bit and visit the lawn where they had planned to have their wedding next year. And yet, only 48 hours later the Glass Fire burned through the valley and destroying most of the property. I have never been more grateful to have had that afternoon with them. And so grateful they enjoyed a bit of their original wedding plans despite the devastation that followed. My heartbreaks (again and again.) Celebrate with your people now and hold them tight. We never know what tomorrow may bring.

Venue: Calistoga Ranch // Wedding Planner: Bella Notte DC // Floral Design: Charlotte & Daughters // Cake: Flour and Bloom // Mads’ Shoes: Bryr Studio // Brad’s Slides: Gucci

Wine Country Childhood Home Wedding » Calistoga, California by Vivian Chen

Stephanie and Ryan grew up in Sonoma County and kept it local for their wine country celebration. With the help of their friends and family, they transformed Ryan's 50 year old childhood home into a beautiful wedding wonderland. The ceremony, officiated by one of their good friends, took place besides the big red wooden barn. Afterwards, the couple drove down the street to a nearby vineyard for sunset portraits in Ryan's father's vintage Toyota Land Cruiser before heading back for a dinner reception in the backyard under cafe lights. All the personal touches truly made this wedding a close family affair.

Wedding Venue: Ryan's Childhood Home // Catering: Elaine Bell Catering // Floral Design: Maria Philbin // Rentals: Encore Event Rentals // DJ: Techtonic Events // Make-Up: Unveiling Design by Heather // Hairstylist: Katie of Unveiling Design by Heather // Invitation: Basic Invite // Stephanie's Dress: Starlet Bridal // Ryan's Suit: Men's Warehouse // Rings: ER Sawyer Jewelers