The day eased in with a warm embrace from the hot Napa sun. The lily pads were in full bloom; the chairs carefully lay out and the florals delicately arranged. Nikki hung her light-colored blushed dress as Ryan made his rounds around the site. The day they started imagining together back in December was in full fruition. 

Their wedding day was perfectly stitched together by the hand-selected details, light color palette and adorned with their friends and family’s presence. Nikki’s love for pinup and 50’s Deco glory was evident in her white hand gloves, tea length dress, and classic jewels. She and Laura, her best friend since the 7th grade, were dolled up in light blush and gold. The Hans Fahden Vineyards had so many picturesque nooks and places that Victor and I got lost in its landscape allure. The boat sitting calmly among the flowered pond was the perfect backdrop to this love story. The wine box ceremony sealed their promise to one another in front of everyone who had in some way shaped their lives with their care and affection. Rose petals rained on them right before their first kiss allowing them to escape for a brief moment to take it all in.

There was no moment to spare. No small gesture too beautiful and every wink and smile captured with immense delight. I knew at that moment as I balanced on the ground holding onto to a tree, that I was overcome with gratefulness for two of them. Not only as a wedding photographer, but also as someone who has been able to see part of their journey to this day. It was hard not be moved by their affection to one another.

They’ve inherited years of marriage and bring with them decades of friendship. They dined glamorously in the wine cave and danced gloriously to Father John’s Misty’s Chatteau no. 4. It reminded me of the moment that determined their beginning. Nikki took a chance. She took a chance at love in a new place, and it landed her in one of best forever’s ever told.

In utter gratefulness, I clasp my hands together and sigh in a bit of disbelief that we got to be there for them. Nikki and Ryan, you two have some of the most artful and humble souls. We celebrate this day here in the Bay as well as any other faraway place you choose. Thank you for your trust and inviting us to be the recorders of your beautiful love tale.

This day was beautifully put together by the following:

Venue: Hans Fahden Vineyards
Coordination: Jen Schultz
Catering: All Seasons
Florals: Flaxx Floral Design
DJ: AMS Entertainment
Shoes: Nina Shoes
Suit: Express
Cake Design: Bella Bakery Cakes
Photography: Serafin Love by Tanya & Victor

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