The Company You Keep

For better or for worse, there is SO MUCH that goes into planning a wedding. Even if you think you’re a “chill yogi bride” and you don’t want anything over the top, preparing for “I do’s” (in our case, destination I do's) is no small feat. After going through the process I am wiser for it. And I have lots of info and tips, not to mention pics, to share.

First Up:

The Vendors

Surrounding yourself with consummate professionals is important. Just as important? Surrounding yourself with people who have personalities that jibe with yours. Handpicking the crew who surrounds you on your wedding day is basically as important as picking your bridal party. These are the people you spend precious time with on your big day, and if you choose wisely, they can actually help you relax on a stereotypically stressful day.

And even the vendors who aren’t in your hotel suite on the big day are certainly a big part of your life leading up to the wedding. Justin and I logged many hours emailing and conducting calls with our vendors because we didn’t enlist a wedding planner. But regardless of whether you hire Colin Cowie or choose to go at it on your own, you want people who get you and are working with you, not just for you.

Kendall Shira, Hair Stylist at Cinta Salon

My wedding day hair stylist was completely laid back and cool. She was the epitome of calm yet somehow worked quickly and efficiently to get my hair, as well as the coifs of those in my bridal party, looking great.

Kristin Brock, Makeup Artist at The Carneros Inn

My makeup artist was beyond sweet and supportive. She really listened to my (not very well-articulated) vision. We totally bonded and her kind words as well as her amazing work left me feeling giddy.

Carlie Statsky, Photographer

Our photographer? I like to think that we’re literally BFF. Carlie Statsky works as a team with her husband Gabe, and they’re basically the coolest, kindest, most fun couple to ever exist. And their work? The amazing photos here and in this post speak for themselves! Justin jokes that I’m too obsessed with Carlie and Gabe, but I’m perfectly comfortable being obsessed with our photogs/new best friends and all our wedding day vendors.

Julie Stevens, Floral Design

I had one easy phone conversation with our florist and I emailed her my Pinterest boards and she nailed our décor details from the get-go. We met Julie Stevens in-person briefly a few months before the wedding and she showed us some spot-on mockups. I remember saying to Justin, “Julie Stevens just gets me.”

Brooke Baglietto, Wedding Specialist at The Carneros Inn

Justin and I had tons of email back and forth with the wedding specialist at The Carneros Inn, Brooke Baglietto. Brooke is the point-person for every single wedding at TCI and she knows her stuff. She kept us on track throughout the months leading up to our wedding, and she answered every single planning question we had. There were about a million. And on the day of our wedding? Justin and I were able to relax and really enjoy ourselves knowing Brooke was at the helm.

Heidi Johnson, Tailor

Heidi was a last minute addition to our vendor team, recommended by Brooke when I realized upon arriving in Napa that my humongous tulle and silk wedding gown was completely wrinkled. This should’ve come as no surprise, considering I had crammed the dress into a mere carry-on piece of luggage. After treating my gown so poorly I wanted a professional to salvage its shape, not to mention its gorgeous tulle flower details. Heidi was completely booked the week of our wedding, but she kindly allowed me and Justin to come to her home late one night so she could work after hours on my dress.