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