If there's anything I love, it's an extended wedding celebration!
My regular readers may recall that a few years ago I captured both the engagement session and the elopement of a very dear couple, Janelle and Michel. Well, their story isn't quite done yet!
While Janelle and Michel loved their elopement day, they knew it wouldn't be totally complete without a celebration with their extended family and friends. With loved ones on both coasts, they decided to throw two 'anniversary' parties a year after their wedding so everyone could enjoy. They wanted their anniversary celebrations to feel connected, so they chose to host their parties at each of the Culinary Institute of America's campuses - one in Napa, California and the other in Hyde Park, New York (near Poughkeepsie). In case you don't know - this not only meant a great party, but amazing food!
I was lucky to travel with them to capture both, so I'm excited to share with you part one of their celebrations in Napa!
Janelle and Michel are not only incredibly kind and thoughtful with their time and the people they love, but they also have remarkable taste and attention to detail! In Napa, you sometimes never know if you're in California or Italy. Long drives in the area take you down winding paths lined with wineries and the CIA campus in California reflects this vibe as well. It is simply stunning. To keep to the theme, Janelle and Michel curated a lightly Italian inspired menu and included decor to match - olive branches, candles and twinkle lights and touches of green throughout. Just before sunset we captured some couples portraits around campus before the main dinner festivities, after which they settled in for an evening of relaxed conversation with about 60 of their closest friends and family.
Check out their celebration below, and stay tuned for part two - their epic dance party in New York!
Venue: Culinary Institute of America Napa
Photographer: Emily Louick Photography
