Erika and Joseph first met in high school (Erika even told her mom about how special Joe was the first day they met)! They maintained a long-distance relationship between their colleges in New Orleans and Boston. After a romantic weekend proposal on the central California coast, the couple made it official at their picturesque Stanly Ranch wedding. Stanly Ranch is the newest Auberge Resort Collection property, and is truly a dream for any Napa wedding photographer. I absolutely loved it there!
Joe decided to pop the question a month after Erika took the California bar exam to become an attorney. Even though she knew a proposal was coming, it was so special to Erika that Joe made the effort to plan a surprise at the Ventana Inn in Big Sur. He even invited their closest family and friends to celebrate with them a couple days later at an intimate engagement party!
Napa wedding photographer
Erika and Joe threw a seriously beautiful Stanly Ranch wedding that felt like them from start to finish. These two go way back (from high school sweethearts to newlyweds!), and it was fun watching that kind of history show up in the tiniest ways. We had some lush wine country views, guests ready to party, and a day that felt polished without being fussy.
And if you’re planning a celebration like this in Napa Valley, you want a Napa wedding photographer who helps the day feel easy while still making the photos hit. Not a full-day photo shoot, not a “stand here and smile” situation. Just calm guidance and storytelling that includes the real stuff, the quiet reactions, the big laughs, and everything happening around you while you’re busy getting married.
The wedding weekend
Erika and Joe’s wedding weekend in gorgeous California wine country kicked off with a welcome dinner and cocktails on Friday night at Celadon in downtown Napa. The wedding day was perfectly curated by Array Creative Design, with modern elegance and natural beauty. The vibes were timeless, with a minimalist design and fresh green and white palette.
The bride chose a chic, sophisticated A-line gown from Lela Rose and the groom kept it classy in a black tuxedo. The incredible band Hip Service kept the dance floor packed all night long. Even the weather was delightful — a perfect June day in Northern California! It was such an honor to be Erika and Joe’s Napa wedding photographer for their stunning Stanly Ranch wedding.
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I’m so thankful to Erika, the loveliest bride, for sharing such thoughtful words about her experience working with me!
Emily and her team were fantastic. We hired her services for our Napa wedding and it was one of the best decisions we made. She’s experienced, talented, thoughtful, professional, and so well-prepared!
Well before our wedding day, Emily sent a questionnaire with a list of thoughtful questions regarding which kinds of photos we wanted (and with whom), and which shots were important to capture on our big day. This proved extremely helpful the day of the wedding, as Emily and her team were diligent and captured each shot we’d asked for without us having to ask!
Her team is not only professional, but extremely friendly and makes you feel as though your wedding is the only wedding they’re shooting the whole year; in many ways, Emily’s excitement for my wedding day mimicked my own! After our wedding, she worked hard to edit and send across many of our favorite shots within the next week, as she knew how excited we were to relive the day. All around, Emily and her team were phenomenal, and if I had to do it all again, she would be the first vendor I’d re-hire.
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Wedding planner: Array Creative Design
Floral design: Parker & Posies
Venue: Stanly Ranch
Stationery: Velvet & Gold
Hair & makeup: Sherrie Long
Wedding dress: Lela Rose
Entertainment: Hip Service
Rentals: Hensley Event Resources
Photo booth: MirMir
Rehearsal dinner: Celadon
