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).
Mr. PN is a die-hard baseball fan. You might recall that we even had some of our engagement photos taken at Yankee Stadium. When we first met I didn’t know the difference between a strike and a ball and I had never been to a baseball game before. Now, 5 years later, Mr. PN has converted me and I am now a major baseball fan too! We love going to baseball games so much that last March we drove from Washington DC to Florida for the weekend to watch a single spring training game (for those of you non-baseball fans - these games are just for practice - they don’t even count)! Now that we live in New York we can go see the Yankees all the time. Here we are at the second to last game at the old Yankee Stadium in September:
So what does this have to do with our reception entrance you might ask? 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 finished with the family pictures, we moved on to the wedding party. Making the list of photos for this group was hard too! It would have been nice to have a photo of us taken alone with each member of the wedding party, but I was worried it would take too much time and I figured we would get these at some point. Well, I have a photo of MOH and I, but other than that we don’t have any photos of us and the other adult members of the wedding party. So the lesson is if there is a photo you want, you should put it on your list. Otherwise it might not happen.
All photos by Jim Forneris Photography.
Wedding Party
Bride with bridesmaids
Bride with flower girls
Groom with all guys (Groomsman, Usher and Ring Bearer)
Groom with groomsmen
Groom with usher
Groom with ring bearer
Entire Wedding party (Bridesmaids, Groomsman, Usher, Ring Bearer, Flower Girls)
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).
During the second half of the cocktail hour we did our group pictures on the terrace overlooking the valley. I know that group pictures are not the most exciting part of the recap, so I will try to keep this on the shorter side. As an extra added bonus (and to make this post more exciting), I will include the list I gave our photographer of the formal shots. When I was making the list I really tried to strike a balance of getting all the shots we would want without going overboard.
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 had a few moments alone, Mr. PN and I joined the party on the terrace. Immediately after the ceremony the Auburge staff removed the ceremony chairs and the deck was transformed into our “cocktail” hour space. Our guests were offered passed hors d’oeuvres and while we did not offer any liquor at the wedding (a huge cost savor!), we did provide guests with an excellent selection of wine, champagne, and beer.
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).
Mr. Pinot and I were looking for ways to incorporate more of our family into our wedding. Since we had a relatively small wedding party (only 2 on each side) we wanted to find additional ways to include the other special people in our lives. At some point during the planning process I heard about the idea of having a special friend or family member serve as the witness to your marriage. Typically this is the role of the Best Man and the Maid of Honor but I liked the idea of “outsourcing” this role so we could include more people. We asked my brother and Mr. PN’s sister to serve as our witnesses. They humbly agreed, signed our marriage license, and made it all official!
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).
Mr. PN and I were lucky enough to steal a few private moments after the ceremony. Casey, our wonderful event coordinator at Auberge du Soleil, led us into the Cedar Room immediately after the ceremony recession. Since we didn’t have a first look, it was our first (and last) moment alone during the day. The wonderful staff prepared us a tray with a sampling of our passed hors d’oeuvres and 2 glasses of champagne. After a few minutes our photographer popped in to take a few photos.
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).
Originally Mr. PN and I didn’t plan to have a reading during our ceremony. But, after we met with Kimberly she told us our entire ceremony was under 15 minutes (including processional and recessional). She recommended that we add a reading to bulk it up a little.
We asked my godparents if they would do the reading, and they were honored to participate. We then set off on the lengthy and emotional task of choosing a wedding reading.
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).
Mr. PN and I were pretty laid back when it came to selecting our music. We booked the fabulous Wine Country Piano Music trio to play for the entire event (ceremony, cocktail hour and reception). The trio included a violinist (also the vocalist), pianist, and cellist/bass player.
We picked this group because it allowed us to have a few special songs with vocals (ceremony interlude and first dance song), but we were able to have instrumental music throughout the rest of the day. The group did such a great job of feeling out the crowd. Throughout the day they played beautiful music that complemented the space without being overbearing or distracting. They also took their lunch break in shifts so that the music was continuous throughout the afternoon. Our musical selections for the ceremony included:
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 emotional walk down the aisle, it was finally time to say, “I Do.” We worked with our wonderful wedding officiant, Kimberly Thompson of A Beautiful Ceremony, to design our ceremony. Kimberly was fabulous to work with. As with all of our other vendors, we booked Kimberly based on emails and telephone conversations. When we finally got a chance to meet her last spring we knew we made the right choice. She was so down to earth and was really great to work with.
All 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).
Many of you have asked about my dress so I wanted to give you all the details. As you might remember, I really wanted to rent my wedding dress or buy a used dress. I just couldn’t get on board with spending such a crazy amount of money on one item and I really wanted to do something good for the environment.
After much searching and frustration I was still empty handed.
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 almost burnt down the Cedar Room, it was finally time to walk down the aisle. Casey, the coordinator at Auberge, came in and lined us up. It was really happening!
All photos by Jim Forneris Photography unless otherwise noted.
Brother Pinot escorts Mama Pinot down the aisle.
Guest Photo
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 finished getting ready at our hotel in San Francisco we headed up to Auburge du Soleil in Napa Valley. The boys took their own car and the girls and my parents rode in a limo. The ride from San Francisco to Napa is about an hour and a half and Mr. PN and I both appreciated the time we were able to spend with our family and friends before the wedding day got underway.
Photos by Jim Forneris Photography unless noted.
Papa Pinot, Mama Pinot and Me
(Photo by SIL Pinot)
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).
Are you and your partner trying to get fit for the wedding day? Are you a competitive couple? Do you enjoy outdoor activities? I recommend training and competing in the North American Wife Carrying Championships! The winners will receive the wife’s weight in beer and the wife’s weight times 5 in cash.
According to the website, the 278-yard course begins with an uphill run on a dirt road and continues through a field, a 10-meter long waist-deep water obstacle, and then downhill and over two 39-inch high log hurdles. The course is relatively flat with sections of soft sand and grass, and one hairpin turn.
SIL Pinot brought the Wife Carrying Championship to our attention over the summer but unfortunately we couldn’t participate this year because it was being held on our wedding day. Last night, while having dinner with SIL Pinot, we decided to begin our training for the 10th Annual Competition in October 2009. 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).
While the ladies and I were getting ready in my room, Mr. PN was out for a run. Actually, his second run of the day. See, he was up at 4am too. Between the time change and nerves he couldn’t sleep either so he went for a run at 5am. I could have used a quick workout at 4am too but I was too afraid to leave my room and accidentally run into him! As a plan to start the day on the right foot he organized a “Groom’s Fun Run” and invited anyone to meet him in the lobby at 6am for a “quick” 3 mile run. He even met my hair and makeup stylists in the lobby and escorted them to my room (but no peeking!). Did you or your partner partake in any pre-wedding exercise?
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).
Like many couples, Mr. PN and I have different views when it comes to finance. I am a penny-pincher and he tends to splurge a little more. Occasionally this causes conflict, but for the most part we keep each other on track. He reminds me that it is okay to spend money on clothes, nice haircuts and a pedicure (all things I view as non-essential), and I remind him that our TV is just fine and doesn’t need to be replaced yet (since it is less than 2 years old!).**
The number one conflict in marriage is money, and one of the biggest factors that contribute to divorce court is debt. Now let’s face it, money is very unromantic. It can be difficult to discuss and if you and your honey have different spending habits (which is often the case) it can be even harder to reconcile.
All-Inclusion Invitation Suites
{Guest Photo}
