So, after drooling at the delectable sight of their lobster boil rehearsal dinner, we’re now joining Goldie and Anthony on their big day at a stunning private estate in Napa…

But first, how about a little history lesson… “

Anthony and I met the way you’re not supposed to: at a bar! We were total strangers that caught each others’ eye and struck up a conversation (take note ladies, do talk to the cute stranger at the bar!) He had just moved to Montreal (Quebec) and was starting dental school the following week and wanted me to show him around (great pick up line!). So the next week we went on our first date to a wine bar and I spent the next four years showing him around Montreal! When Anthony finished school, we moved to Sault Ste. Marie (Ontario), which is where he is from, to take over his father’s dental practice. A few months after we moved there, we went out for dinner and when we came back home, he got down on one knee and proposed to me and our dog, Moomoo. When I said yes, Moomoo was so excited she ran circles around us with her squeak toy!”

     

 

Goldie’s stunning Vera Wang dress features an oversized abstract organza bow with beautiful appliqué details.

“We knew we wanted a destination wedding, our top priority was good food and good wine, we’re hardcore foodies! We also wanted an outdoor wedding. We loved the idea of wine country and since Napa Valley has far more dependable weather than Canadian wine country, we went there. I started looking through blogs for weddings in Napa and 90% of the weddings I loved were done by the same wedding planner, Traci Steuteville at Napa Valley Celebrations. I got in touch with her and planned a visit out there. She was beyond helpful. We visited a series of venues, a few private estates as well as resorts and vineyards. The location we settled on was a private venue in Calistoga that Traci has an exclusive relationship with. I loved that it was private, so no random hotel guests wandering by, it had a beautiful pond, I love water features! Although it was one location, there were separate areas that had that their own individual charm. Most notably, there were ruins from a castle remaining on the property that added just that perfect magical touch. Anthony is Italian and I am Iranian, so part of our ceremony was Catholic and part of it was Iranian. We needed a larger area to set the Iranian ceremony table, called a Sofreh Aghd, and the ruins provided not only the space but a beautiful backdrop for it. The setting was so pretty that we didn’t have to leave for photos of just the two of us. Also, there was a beautiful house on the property that could be rented. We stayed there the night before and the night of the wedding so that we would be on site which was really convenient.”

                    

Goldie and Anthony had an amazing selection of musical styles sprinkled throughout their day…

“For our ceremony we had a guitar soloist play Romanza Anonimo for the processional, Wagner’s Bridal Chorus for when my dad and I walked down, and Mendelssohn’s Wedding March for the recessional. For the cocktail hour, we had a great Latin band, Rumba Tribe. They sound similar in style to the Gypsy Kings which was Anthony’s late father’s favourite. The rest of the night’s music was done by a D.J.. For our first dance, we did a split song that the DJ mixed for us. The first half was L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole and the second half was an Iranian wedding song (Mobarak Baad). Most importantly, my beautiful maid of honour, Melody, wrote a song for us. She sang it while she played the ukulele in lieu of a speech, it was truly special.”

    

We love the way that lighting has been really considered through the venue, from lanterns and and tea lights to strings of lights forming a canopy above the dining area – never underestimate the power of good lighting!

“I would have to say that my favourite part of the day was the moment we were pronounced man and wife. I was so excited and happy!”

So, Goldie, any advice for couples currently planning their big day?

 

“The best advice I can give for brides is to hire a wedding planner, they are indispensable. Since we weren’t from Napa and didn’t know anyone who was married there, Traci introduced us to all our vendors. Best of all, on the night of the rehearsal and the day of the wedding, I didn’t have to lift a finger. I didn’t have to check if caterers had arrived or if decorations were up or who had to give a speech when etc… Traci had gone over everything with me in writing and drawings in such fine detail that I knew I was in good hands. Secondly, splurge on a good florist. Our florist, Kathy Hoffman, was just out of this world. I woke up early the day after the wedding just to go back and look at all her work before it was taken away. And last, but by no means least, have a great photographer who will capture every detail, Yvette Roman did just that for us!”  

Creative Team Credits:

Photographer: Yvette Roman, she was so lovely to work with. She made both of us feel so comfortable in front of the camera, which is no small feat. //  Wedding Planner: Traci Steuteville at Napa Valley Celebrations. I couldn’t have done it without her, she is tasteful and catered to my every whim and fancy. She really made my dream wedding come true. // Florist: Kathy Hoffman at Kathy Hoffman Flowers, she is a veritable artist! // Venue: Private Estate in Calistoga // Ceremony officiant: Father Gerarld Caprio. He was superb, great presentation, wonderful personality, very wise. I can’t say enough good things about him. He is a priest who specialises in interfaith marriages. // Iranian Sofreh Aghd: Firouzeh at Angel’s Touch // Solo guitarist: Lawrence Strings Group // Cocktail hour band: Rumba Tribe // DJ: DJ CAMS from Boutique Wedding DJs. // Lighting: Jeff Mills at Twilight Design // Linens: La Tavola // Furniture Rentals: Classic Party Rentals // Tents: Raj Tents // Food and Drink: Elaine Bell Catering, the food was phenomenal! // Cake: Fleur de Lisa // Macarons: Bouchon // Hair and Makeup for bridal party: Sherrie Long //  Bride’s gown, veil, belts and sashes: Vera Wang // Bride’s shoes: Badgley Mischka // Bridesmaid’s dresses: TwoBirds Bridesmaids // Groom’s suit: Hugo Boss // Groomsmen’s suits: Ralph Lauren // Flower girl’s dress: My Tutu Boutique on Etsy // Stationery and Calligraphy: Erica Tucker at Mad-Leigh  // Wedding signs: friend of the wedding planner //