Solage Calistoga is one of my favorite places in the wine country – it’s where Ryan and I went for our pre-babymoon! It also makes for a beautiful wedding venue, as Lauren and Darrin discovered: “We wanted a location that was both casual but elegant and chic, something that captured who we are as a couple. We fell in love with Solage.  The outdoor space was a perfect setting to hold our ceremony and the indoor/outdoor reception space was the perfect clean slate to bring our vision to life.  As a whole, the entire Solage property was the right balance of luxury and relaxation.”

Lauren’s bouquet was a mix of white, pink, and peach peonies. The flower girl carried a wreath of lavender.

Pink dahlias were scattered along the edges of the aisle.

Lauren and Darrin’s 60 guests enjoyed a bourbon and cigar bar.

SEE THE FULL GALLERY FOR MORE FROM THIS ROMANTIC WEDDING AT SOLAGE CALISTOGA

 

What inspired you when you were planning your wedding?  The fact we were in the heart of wine country helped guide many of our planning decisions.  We paid a lot of attention to the food and wine during dinner, giving our guests part of the culinary experience we love every time we are in the valley.  We wanted our decor to be elegant but casual, focusing on the organic beauty of the floral choices.

What was your favorite moment or part of the day?  Of course, watching my future husband turn around and look at me for the first time was amazing. It took Darrin and me a long journey to find a love like we have and at that moment we knew we had an incredible life ahead of us.

Did you include any traditions in your wedding?  Our wedding day was very much about celebrating our love and commitment to each other. Other than my father walking me down the aisle and dancing a first dance as a married couple, we left many wedding traditions out.

What advice do you have for other brides?  Keep it in perspective. On your wedding day there is nothing more important than marrying the one you love. I would also offer that advice as you plan your wedding – at the end of the day the most important thing is saying “I do” and building a life of love, trust and support together. It sounds totally cliche but it is really true: the color of the napkins doesn’t matter. Don’t get me wrong, you want your day to beautiful to every last detail, but you want people to walk away talking about how in love you are, not about the shrimp cocktail.

 

Menu 
Hors d’ouevres: Oysters, Seared steak and Gruyere bites, Herb Arancini, Dungeness Crab and Avocado crisps // First Course:  Heirloom Tomato Salad with goat cheese mousse // Second Course: Wild Mushroom Soup with black pepper croutons & sherry // Third Course:  Buttermilk Fried Chicken with garlic mashed potatoes, yellow wax beans and black pepper gravy // Dessert Buffet:  Chocolate and Marshmallow Cupcakes, Strawberry Shortcake, Crème Brûlée // Late Night Snack: Cones of fries and pizza

 

Jesse Leake and Alison Events are Snippet & Ink Select vendors.

Photographer: Jesse Leake / Event Planner: Alison Events / Venue: Solage in Calistoga, CA / Stationery: Olive-Route / Floral Designer: Brown Paper Design / Rentals: Classic Party Rentals, La Tavola Linen / Music: Ever Music / Lighting, Sound: Refraction / Transportation: California Wine Tours