Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
Finding the Blogosphere…
I didn’t find out about the blogosphere until I found Weddingbee in the spring of 2008. I was recently engaged and in the midst of planning my own wedding. Like many other bees, most of my friends and family were located hundreds of miles away. On top of that, I was the first of my close friends to get married, so I was completely new to the wedding scene. In fact, the last time I was a bridesmaid was when my big brother got married and I was fifteen years old! I was looking for inspiration for planning a destination, eco-friendly, daytime wedding. I found Mrs. Radish and I read every single post. That day, another addict was born…
Deciding to Apply…
When I first found Weddingbee, it didn’t even occur to me that I might apply. I had never blogged before and like so many other brides, I didn’t think that anyone would care about my wedding. I felt like there was nothing ‘special’ about my wedding. I wasn’t on a specifically small or large budget; it would be a small affair, and the destination part of the wedding meant there would be minimal DIY projects. But, the more I read WB, the more I realized there was actually a lot more diversity than my first glance lead me to believe.
A major focus of our wedding was planning a ‘green’ event. But, Mr. Pinot Noir was less concerned with eco-friendly choices and more concerned about the food, the venue, and how much fun our guests could have. The end result was what I called a green wedding in disguise.
Blogging for Weddingbee was a really great part about planning our wedding. Read more…
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
Putting together a timeline for the wedding day was much more challenging than I anticipated. I struggled with balancing the level of detail and the amount of cushion time to build in. I couldn’t find many examples that fit my unique situation: getting ready 1.5 hours away from ceremony site, 11AM ceremony, lunch reception, etc. I used Mrs. Penguin’s timeline as my format and then adapted it to fit our situation. I’m sharing my final timeline with the hive to provide just another example of how to lay out your wedding day timeline. You can check out past bee wedding timelines on the Weddingbee Wiki.
We gave copies of the timeline to the site coordinator, the photographer, and our parents. We also included a contact sheet that included the telephone numbers for the wedding party, parents and all the wedding vendors. Read more…
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
There is a special beauty in the detail pictures taken on your wedding day. They remind you of all the sweat and tears you put into DIY projects, the care you took in selecting your vendors, and feelings of the day. Today I will conclude our wedding day with a recap of details.
Photos by Jim Forneris Photography, unless otherwise noted.
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
Life is starting to get back to normal at the Pinot Noir house. This weekend Mr. PN and I were out and about when we started reminiscing about our wedding planning. Throughout our engagement we both received quite a bit of unsolicited wedding and marriage advice. Some of it was good, some of it was funny, and some of it was simply inappropriate.
The week before the wedding I was shopping for a bottle of wine for a night in with SIL Pinot. I mentioned to the salesman that I was getting married in Napa the following weekend. His response was, “Congratulations. I’ve been married 9 years. The secret to a happy marriage is to treat him like your boyfriend, and he should treat you like his girlfriend. Go out to dinner and a movie. Watch porn together. You know, the stuff that you do when you are dating.” Read more…
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
After we stopped for a few vineyard photos we were on our way back through the city. Our driver took us over the Golden Gate Bridge and even though it took a bit longer going this route, we were able to have some really great views.
All photographs by Jim Forneris Photography
These photos of the bridge were taken by our photographer who was riding in the front seat of the town car.
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
Our ceremony was beautiful, our reception flawless, and now the day we had spent so much time planning was coming to a close. After the reception ended we jumped into our town car, photographer in tow, and headed back towards San Francisco. But what is a wine country wedding without vineyard photos? So, we convinced our town car driver to make a quick pit stop in a vineyard along the way.
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
After our walk down memory lane it was time to cut the cake. The cake was displayed in the room adjacent to the dining area (the same place where we watched the video).
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
Weddings are chance for friends and families to come together and celebrate a new union and commitment of love. It is also a time to reminisce, celebrate family and remember loved ones. SIL Pinot made us an amazing video montage of our childhood and our relationship together.
The incredible video was the perfect way to tie together our past and our future.
We can’t even begin to thank SIL Pinot enough for creating such a meaningful video for us. It something that we will cherish for many years to come. Read more…
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
After the speeches and the dances, Mr. PinotNoir and I attempted to steal another moment alone but it wasn’t long until our photographer caught up with us! Since we ran out of time during the cocktail hour it was a great chance to get some photos of just the two of us.
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
After the first course was served it was time for the father/daughter dance. For this dance I chose “I Loved Her First” by Heartland. It is a beautiful song that a father sings to his daughter on her wedding day and how he loved her first. When my dad listened to it for the first time he got a little teary eyed (rare for him) and I knew it was the perfect song.
Photos by Jim Forneris Photography, unless otherwise noted.
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
Instead of using traditional table numbers, we named each table after a place that we had visited together. Each table included the location, name, and description of the place (when we went, what we did there, etc.) on one side, and a picture of us in that place on the other.
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
After our first dance, my father gave a short welcome toast. He welcomed Mr. PN into our family and thanked all of our guests for coming. He did a great job—especially since I only asked him to do it the week before. I was hoping that the short notice would prevent him from getting too nervous (probably not a good idea!).
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
After our surprise grand entrance, we immediately led into our first dance. We wanted to get it done right so we could stop being nervous and enjoy the reception! Remember how we invested in dance lessons? It was finally time to put them to good use! The song we chose for our first dance was Songbird by Eva Cassidy and our wonderful musicians, Wine Country Piano Music, did an amazing job performing it.
Photography by Jim Forneris Photography unless otherwise noted.
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
I hope you all had an amazing holiday. I took some time off from blogging in order to fully enjoy our first Christmas as husband and wife.
While we wrapped up 2008 with many wonderful memories, these memories also left us a bit strapped for cash and vacation time. As a result we spent our first married Christmas in New York City, and our first Christmas away from my family in Minnesota. Mr. PN and I have spent the last 4 years celebrating Christmas in Minnesota. It’s a pretty big holiday for my family and I’m grateful that I’ve got a monopoly on it*. Read more…
Mrs. Pinot Noir, New York/Napa ValleyAge and Occupation: 24, Health EducatorFiance's Age and Occupation: 31, Market ResearcherEngagement Date: November 10, 2007Wedding Date: October, 2008Blogging Since: June 25, 2008Venue: Auberge du SoleilAbout Me: I am a Minnesota raised, NYC transplant planning a destination wedding in Napa. I'm balancing my love for the environment and my hubby-to-be's love for tradition to create our "green wedding in disguise." Our wedding will include local food and wine, antique touches and lots of love and laughter. When wedding planning isn't taking up my free time (and money) I love to read, cook, workout, watch baseball and travel! Follow along in my adventure as I attempt to plan an eco-friendly and socially responsible wedding (with eco-oblivious Mr. Pinot Noir).
{Source}
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
{Photo by SIL Pinot}
