Collins | Hunt Wedding

V. Sattui Winery, Napa, California

This was a very different wedding that I've ever shot before due to the fact that I hadn't met , or laid eyes on the bride or groom.  The couple lived in Texas, so all my communication and meetings were with the Bride's mom.  A stylish classy woman, Shelly made all the arrangements, hired all the vendors, and did it all in 3 months.   Shelly was so incredible and so complimentary to me, I was excited to shoot for her daughter.  However, I was nervous not having met the couple.  I did my typical scout a week or two before the wedding day to make sure I knew what I was up against at the venue . . . light, angles, space, etc.  The wedding was to take place at V. Sattui in Napa, California , a gorgeous winery in the heart of St. Helena. 

On the day of the wedding, I showed up at the exquisite home of a friend of the bride where she was getting ready.  I breathed a sigh of relief when I met the bride.  Not only was she beautiful, and a smile that lit up the room, but relaxed and excited for her big day, and couldn't have been nicer.

From there, it only got more amazing as V. Sattui was spectacular.  From all the point lights hanging over the ceremony, to the spot-lit wine barrels lining the Barrel room, every little detail was thought of.  The bride even gave her bouquet to her grandmother in a very touching moment.

Here is a taste of the day. 

Thank you Allyn and Paul (and Shelly) for trusting me with your special day.

Francis Ford Coppola Winery

A Saturday trip up to the Napa Valley with the family for the day felt like a get-a-way to a much more distant land.  Spending the afternoon at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery is nothing short of spectacular.  From the private cabines, to reserved cushioned lounge chairs, bocce ball courts, a pavillion for summer evening dance classes, wine tasting, vineyard tours, and pool-side food and beverage service, it's hard to find a more relaxing place to visit.  However, since I'm not one to just "sit and relax", I end up shooting the day's events.

Surrounded by rows and rows of vineyards, it's truly a special place.  There is a large restaurant and bar in the gorgeous indoor marketplace. Inside, it's a mixture between a store with everything from hand-made Italian ceramics, to sketching and painting products.  This amazing building also doubles as a small museum of Francis Ford Coppola's movie history.  From Vito Corleone's desk and chair from The Godfather,  a Tucker ("Tucker") rotating on a platform in the center, and a case full of Oscars.  

Below are images to give you a "taste" of the day.