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“You had me at pizza.”

When Nicole & Scott first reached out to me about their Calistoga Ranch Wedding, they shared their proposal story. Both Nicole and Scott are pizza fans. (Who isn’t, really? Other than heathens). They signed up for a pizza making class as a fun group activity with friends. When Nicole donned her apron and reached inside the pocket, she felt something: a ring. And when she looked over to Scott in surprise, he was ready to propose. I am a sucker for pizza-related stories (and meals) so I was like, “yeah, sign me up!”

Nicole and Scott first met in law school when Scott entered his class and saw an empty seat by a pretty girl and asked her if the seat was open… as fate would have it, it was. Scott’s charming and incredibly likable. He’s got an infectious laugh that you can’t help but laugh along with. You see this guy smile and it makes you smile, too. Nicole is sophisticated, fashionable, and intelligent. She’s got a sweet, kind energy about her. They had been together for 5 years before getting engaged, but they still had the same excitement about each other as couples in a new relationship. After meeting with them, I immediately thought they would be a joy to work with. I was correct.

Calistoga Ranch is a beautiful property in Napa Valley. Tucked into the natural landscape, it’s a collection of charming lodges recreational spaces. It was as beautiful as any location I’ve been to for any Napa Weddings. Nicole and Scott’s wedding day began here as they got ready before their first look.

Nicole was helped by her mom as she got into her gown. Prior to seeing Scott, she wanted to have a special first look moment with her father. It was a really cute moment and I enjoyed seeing how excited both her parents were for her.

Meanwhile the guys were having a good time just goofing off with each other.

After their first look, the soon-to-be-newly-weds gathered with their friends before the ceremony began.

The Lommel Lawn was the ceremony site. Wedged between a lake and a canyon, it made for a remarkable environment for Nicole and Scott to recite their vows, exchange rings, and say, “I Do.”

The ceremony included touches of culture from Nicole’s Persian and Scott’s Jewish descent

Following the ceremony, we cooled off a bit in the wine cave where Nicole & Scott signed the Ketubah and their witnesses signed the marriage license.

Nicole & Scott’s Calistoga Ranch wedding continued by the Vineyard tent. The newly wed came through the vineyards for their grand entrance. Then the evening reception kicked off with toasts by both Nicole and Scott’s fathers. Before the sun sank behind the mountains, we headed off for a few portraits and gave Nicole and Scott a quiet moment to take in the scenery around the property.

After returning, the dinner was being served as the sun receded behind the mountains. Every toast (and sometimes a roast, in Scott’s case), was deeply personal, humorous, and heartfelt. The toasts were spread out a little bit but spanned the entire dinner service.

After day turned to night, and the final speech concluded, guests watched as Nicole & Scott shared their first dance. The dance floor officially opened for guests.

In Napa, there’s a noise ordinance that is enforced at 10pm, so the guests were shuttled up to the wine cave where they continued to dance the night away.