Date

Guests

55

September 20, 2014

For food and wine enthusiasts Luisa Galuppo and Philippe Martin, a wedding in a lush Napa Valley vineyard setting was an obvious choice. "We have visited wine country several times," Luisa notes. "We fell in love with the scenery and its natural beauty. The fact we also enjoy food and wine certainly doesn't hurt either. There was no doubt in our minds this was exactly where we wanted to have an intimate wedding with our closest friends and family."

With the sun shining over the vineyard, guests were shuttled to a private ceremony site featuring breathtaking views of the entire valley. Dressed in a stunning Reem Acra dress paired with royal blue Valentino shoes, Luisa's walk down the aisle took Philippe's breath away. "There was this great moment just as Luisa was coming closer; I could feel myself choking up," Philippe recalls. "Before the tears could flow, I heard the little voice of our ring bearer and nephew, Francis, call out 'Uncle Phil, Uncle Phil,' which resulted in immediate laughter from me and our guests. It was a very cute moment and couldn't have come at a better time."

During the ceremony, a family friend shared a reading entitled The Perfect Wedding Cake. It was a personal and fitting detail for Luisa, a cake designer herself. "The ceremony was simple and sweet," Luisa recounts. "Our officiant, Father Gerry, led us in a beautiful ceremony which focused on love, friendship and commitment."

For the reception, it was on to Anderson Ranch, where the wedding party enjoyed hors d'oeuvres, an artisanal cheese station, ahi tuna tacos and the Hog Island Traveling Oyster Bar-a favourite among the crowd. A four-course al fresco dinner, complete with wine pairing, followed. "Dinner took place in the courtyard where our guests were seated at long farm tables under a canopy of café string lights and crystal chandeliers," Luisa reminisces. "The scenery could only be described as magical."

With help from wedding planner Jill Hinchman-Hartnett from A Savvy Event, the couple created a dreamy atmosphere for their rustic vineyard wedding, decorating the venue with charming antique pieces and furnishings. "The cocktail and reception both took place in the Ranch House and its exterior courtyard. We really wanted the majority of the wedding to take place outdoors. Thankfully the weather helped make that possible," Luisa recalls with relief. "We wanted to add a touch of elegance to an otherwise natural setting."

When it came to picking her wedding cake, Luisa turned to her best friend and cake mentor Allyson Bobbitt of Bobbette & Belle in Toronto. "There is no one else I would have wanted to make our cake," Luisa affirms. "We gave her carte blanche and she did not disappoint! It was perfection: beautiful, understated and completely fit the theme of our wedding style. Allyson and I share the same love of sugar flowers, so it came as no surprise to me our cake had a beautiful array of handmade flowers."

Just after sunset, Luisa and Philippe shared their first twirl together to the song "Nice Guy Lullaby." "It was particularly special as we danced to an original song from my sister's band, St. Ange," Luisa explains. "While we were dancing, we looked around and saw all the happy faces of our loved ones who took time to travel to be with us on our day. Having the people you love the most share your day with you is truly what makes it memorable."

Vendors
Reception location: The Anderson Ranch
Bridal gown: Reem Acra from White Montreal
Bridal shoes: Valentino
Bridal accessories: Oscar de la Renta from White Montreal
Bridal party attire: Bari Jay from Boutique de Mariage Punta Chiara
Groom's tux: Henri Vezina
Groom's shoes: Salvatore Ferragamo
Cake: Bobbette and Belle
Caterer: Ramekins
Favours: Jaeger Vineyards
Wedding planner: Jill Hinchman-Hartnett from A Savvy Event
Music: DJ Zach Lonas from Boutique DJs
Hair and makeup: Alisa Norstrom from It's a Date at the Powder Room
Flowers: Soulflower Design
Stationery: Anita from Creative Expressions
Lighting: Twilight Lighting Design
Furniture rentals: Wine Country Party & Events
Officiant: White Robed Monks of Saint Benedict