My nephew John, his bride Mary Robb and her parents left no vine unturned in planning and executing their spectacular wedding at a family-owned vineyard near St. Helena in Napa Valley last Sunday. My sister Bobbie and brother-in-law John held a fabulous rehearsal dinner at St. Helena's magical Tra Vigne the night before. The ability to capture the wedding day in photographs and having the opportunity to share them with you (with my family's permission) allows me to enjoy these precious moments all over again, and at a much slower pace.
The marriage ceremony was held in a sunny corral surrounded by rolling hills. The bridal party included Mary Robb and John's eleven nieces and nephews. The ringbearer Bodie, above right, the groom's nephew, was sporting a handsome seersucker suit; Charles, left, is the bride's nephew.
There were seven flower girls including Payton, above, the oldest of the nieces.
Several of the girls seemed especially relaxed in their role. That's Jacqueline, left, and her cousin, Sloane, right. Her sister Evie is shown below.
The groom's sisters from l. to r. above, Alexis, Laura, and Emily were bridesmaids. The officiant (not pictured) was a family friend of the bride's from Cape Cod, the Reverend Dr. Mark S. Anschutz.
The bride and groom shown leaving the ceremony, above.
A bluegrass trio entertained throughout the event.
Life-size sheep that dotted the reception area were lit when the sun went down.
Table numbers were tied to cow bells which were rung enthusiastically each time toasts to the newlyweds were concluded.
Dinner was not typical wedding fare, and it was an absolutely delicious choice for the chilly evening. The chef/owner of Gerard's Paella, above, had set up vast steaming cauldrons topped with enormous paella pans filled with
vegetables, rice, and shellfish (there was a vegetarian version too). Adding to the festive, relaxed
atmosphere, both the salad course and paella were brought to the tables in
large bowls and served family-style.
The bride and groom showcased local purveyors at the wedding banquet. Appetizers included a large wheel of delicious Manchego cheese made by a Portuguese family, and a friend provided the gorgeous wedding cake (see photo below). Wines included a Syrah from Enfield Wine Co., a Savignon Blanc from Somerston Wine Co., and a keg of delicious Chau Tien beer brewed by friend Tuan Chau Tien. The dance band, which featured a husky-voiced chanteuse, plays regularly in nearby Calistoga. That's where the couple also found hammocks made of strips of torn dresses that were strung from the barn's ceiling.
Mary Robb moved to St. Helena from Washington, D.C. in search of a complete change of scenery and lifestyle. John, a native Californian, has learned the wine business from the ground up and someday, I am certain, we will be enjoying wines from his own vineyard. The bride is a grant writer and founded Black Ink Portfolios which also specializes in securing funding for non-profit organizations.
A view from the barn to the surrounding vineyard.
The dinner menu printed with the name of each guest served as placecard.
The spectacular wedding cake was created by the couple's dear friend Katherine Bishop Remy.
Family photographs were strung along the side of the barn, including a photograph of my sister Bobbie at her wedding (far left), my father as a young man (in the middle), and a Donegan family Christmas card sent out by my parents when the six of us were young (I'm playing the piano, Bobbie's the ballerina).
When the bride's father (not shown) toasted the newlyweds he said he felt confident John and Mary Robb would make a difference in the world as they forge ahead with their new lives. They are an amazing couple, full of life and promise. It was a fabulous weekend and I am so glad we got to be part of it.
Spectacular wedding, and don’t overlook the link to the bride’s Black Ink Portfolios … stunning.
Patricia Heller
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Thank you so much for your beautiful post – it was fun to see it all through your eyes (and lens!)
Wowza! That is a wedding worthy of a Martha Stewart Weddings cover! Absolutely gorgeous!
Thanks for commenting Charlotte. It was a beautiful event and each and every detail was truly over-the-top.
absolutely stunning! love the photo of your handsome dad and the cowbells! cool, cool idea. Did someone contact Martha and her Weddings mag?