Photography by: Angie Silvy Photography
Ask the expert
As you drive through the gates at Beaulieu Garden you are instantly aware that you have entered your own personal wedding nirvana – as you take the first stroll around the massive property you will begin to imagine all the magnificent events that will take place in this secret garden. Picture yourself having an elegant ceremony amid the classic columned garden and the opportunity to dine under the stars with a gorgeous vine covered canopy overhead filled with the soft glow of twinkling lights. Then, you and your friends dancing the night away enjoying the soft aromatic breezes that define the casual elegance and style of the Napa Valley.
This incredible celebration is brought to life by two of the most talented professionals in the valley. Laurie Arons has used her signature style to create a cohesive and gorgeous wedding design, and teamed with her frequent “partner in design” Kathleen Deery, the results are stunning.
Kate and Brandon dreamed of an elegant but relaxed atmosphere for their wedding, where friends and family could gather from all over the country to enjoy a weekend of celebrations. Always ones to enjoy good food and wine, they selected Napa Valley and fell in love with the Beaulieu Garden nestled in the Rutherford vineyards. They loved its elegance, but its vineyard setting still felt natural and peaceful.
Pale pink peonies, the bride’s favorite flower, provided the inspiration for the wedding design. Kate and Brandon’s May wedding date fell at the height of peony season, so the pillowy pink flowers adorned wedding details from the bride’s bouquet to the tables to the wedding cake. To compliment the flowers we worked with floral designer Kathleen Deery to create a shabby chic look that balances both masculine and feminine touches. Natural linens with crisp white napkins, wood and rattan accents, wine corks and rustic wine barrels (to pay homage to the Napa Valley) completed the look perfectly. Kate’s shabby chic dream would not have been complete without the chalkboard dinner menus and escort slates. ~ Lauri Arons
