Calistoga Ranch Wedding: Samantha + Zeb

bride and groom ranch wedding

Samantha + Zeb love to entertain and have parties and dinners for friends, so it made totally sense that they wanted their wedding to be the same type of thing – only a bigger, better version of the parties they throw at home. :) Music + food were their top two priorities for the wedding and I love the whimsical colors they used in their flowers + decor. It was also important to them to keep their guest list small so they would have more time to spend with all their guests. They choose the gorgeous Calistoga Ranch in Napa Valley as their venue and the lovely Alyssa Brown of Alison Events did all the planning + design. Thanks also to Paco + Betty for the photos and congrats to Samantha + Zeb on your gorgeous wedding!

wedding dress hanger with name

pink bouquet Astilbe

groom in suit with bow tie

wedding first look

wedding first look

Most memorable moment of your wedding day?
Sam: For me it was the morning of the wedding, before I started getting ready or any of the bridesmaids arrived Zeb came in and gave me a wedding gift with a beautiful letter and it was so touching. I was really nervous before that and as soon as it happened I felt totally calm.
Zeb: For me it was the first time I saw her. We chose to do a first look before the actual wedding so we would have more time during the reception to interact with guests. Seeing her looking so beautiful reaffirmed how much I loved her and how excited I was to spend the rest of my life with her.

outdoor wedding ceremony

wedding ceremony under a tree

outdoor wedding ceremony

Love Samantha’s pink astilbe bouquet!

outdoor wedding ceremony

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pup at wedding

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reception table details

wedding menu on a plate

pretty rustic wildflower arrangements

pretty rustic wildflower arrangements

Our Music:
Processional: “A Kiss to Build a Dream On”
Recessional: “When You’re Smiling”
First Dance: “Love Ain’t Gonna Let You Down,” Jamie Cullum [they did a choreographed dance for this too!]

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champagne with flowers

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bride and groom portraits at night

Any advice for those planning now?
If you can, hire a wedding planner. It was so helpful!! There is so much to do and so many things you don’t even think about until your in the midst of planning. Any outside help will be appreciated. Give yourself time to check out lots of different options, but at the same time don’t procrastinate. Things book up quickly and you want to make sure to get exactly what you want. Enjoy the process, even though it can be stressful at times, and just remember that it is your day. Everyone will have their opinions on what you should do but you need to be true to yourself and your partner and to the ideas you have imagined for your special day.

photography: Paco + Betty // venue name: Calistoga Ranch // wedding dress: Monique Lhuillier // bridesmaid dresses: Priscilla of Boston // groom attire: Custom Made by Al's Attire // paper goods: Hello!Lucky // catering: Calistoga Ranch // cake: Patisserie Angelica // linen rentals: La Tavola Linen // event planning and design: Alyssa Brown of Alison Events // floral design: Natalie Bowen Designs // rentals: Classic Party Rentals // lighting: Refraction // invitations: Hello!Lucky // music: Frisky Frolics and DJ Blue

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