A Dream Wedding in Napa Valley
Rich and I first met in Napa in 2007, and from the very beginning, wine became a common bond that deepened our connection. Our shared love for the world of wine was something we both cherished, and when we got engaged a year and a half later, it felt only natural to return to Napa Valley for our dream wedding.
For us, the perfect venue turned out to be the very place where our story began: the Meritage Spa and Resort. Nestled in the heart of Napa, this idyllic location offered everything we dreamed of for our special day. The resort’s charm, elegance, and natural beauty made it a magical setting for our intimate celebration.
One of the highlights of the Meritage is its quaint, beautiful chapel—Our Lady of the Grapes. With its warm, inviting ambiance, it was the perfect place to exchange vows surrounded by 50 of our closest friends and family members. The chapel’s intimate size made the ceremony feel deeply personal and meaningful, a true reflection of our love story.
After the ceremony, the celebration moved to the resort’s stunning wine cave. With its rustic stone walls, soft candlelight, and elegant décor, the cave exuded a romantic allure that perfectly matched the vision we had for our reception. As we dined and danced the night away, the atmosphere was filled with joy, laughter, and the clinking of glasses as we toasted to a lifetime of happiness. The vineyards perched above the wine cave added an extra layer of enchantment. Their lush greenery and golden hues in the late afternoon light created a breathtaking backdrop for our photos, capturing memories we’ll treasure forever.
One particularly special touch to our wedding day was the inclusion of a wine ceremony during our service. In place of the traditional candle-lighting ritual, we opted for a symbolic blending of two wines. Using small decanters, each of us poured wine into a single glass, signifying the joining of our lives. We then took turns sipping from the glass, a heartfelt moment that beautifully tied together our shared love for wine with the commitment we were making to each other.
Adding to the magic of the day was our vintage 1956 Porsche 356, which we had brought along for our honeymoon getaway. The classic car not only served as a stylish escape vehicle but also became a stunning focal point for photos. We couldn’t resist stopping near the iconic Napa Valley Grape Crusher statue to capture some unforgettable shots with the car. Its timeless elegance complemented the vineyard’s rustic charm, and it added a touch of old-Hollywood glamour to the start of our married life.
Our wedding day was everything we dreamed it would be and more. From the intimate chapel ceremony to the romantic reception in the wine cave, every detail came together perfectly to create a day filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments. Driving down the California coast to Los Angeles in our Porsche for our honeymoon was the perfect ending to a fairytale celebration. It was a day that blended our love for each other with our passion for wine and created memories that will last a lifetime.
