Check out all the gorgeous inspiration in the gallery.

A few words from Kathy Higgins, the genius behind the day…

Laura and Hunter chose comfort over too much formality for their wedding in keeping with the chic ‘cottage’ style of Solage Calistoga.  Polly Harrington of Valley Flora was able to tuck flowers amongst rustic succulents, for Laura’s desired look, BUT in mint julep cups for a touch of elegance.  Laura’s desired bits of blue were reflected in gorgeous French La Tavola linens for the garden cocktails and silky blue runners on the dining tables in the modern Solstice barn.   Natural lanterns, lots of candlelight, a mini cutting cake and cupcakes from Laurie Lucov added to a casual and fun atmosphere.  Hip Service, a dynamite band chosen by the groom, kept everyone on the dance floor for hours.  I don’t think the moms missed one dance!  The menu was truly comfort food . . . three mouth-watering stations with the rib station reflecting Hunter’s southern background.

Laura and Hunter were an absolute joy work with.  So easy, wanting their guests and themselves to just have a relaxing, fun weekend.  Which they did! It was 104 degrees that day and EVERYONE was dripping.  Laura and Hunter were so incredibly ‘cool’ in spite of the weather.  It made for a fabulous night, though, once the sun went down.

What was on the menu:
Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin with Horse Radish Crème Fraiche
Macaroni and Cheese
Caesar Salad with Sour Dough Croutons Coca-Cola Cured Pork Spare Ribs
Creamy Coleslaw
Cornbread with butter, jams, and local honey
Dungeness Crab Cakes with Creole Remoulade
Heirloom Tomato Salad with Goat Cheese Bocconcini
Orzo Salad with Summer Squash, Pickled Red Onion, and Fresh Herbs, Artisan Breads

Dress:  She found a designer dress at a shop that sells ‘seconds’.  Great find.
Printed Materials:  She worked with a friend for all her printed materials.  Beautiful letterpress in blues & ivories.
Budget hint:  Laura and Hunter signed up for a one year membership to Solage Calistoga and save a bundle on accommodations, food and wine.  AND what fun coming back for another year to enjoy wine country and Solage.

Thank you, Laura and Hunter, for sharing your Big Day with us!  It’s truly inspiring, and we wish you all the love and happiness in the world!

xoxo, Alison of The Knotty Bride

Photography by Sylvie Gil / Coordinator: Kathy Higgins / Venue: Solage Calistoga / Band: Hip Service/Steve Bloom / Cake & cupcakes: Laurie Lucov Wedding Cakes / Catering: Solage/Lindsey Relyea / Celebrant: Rev. Charles Grande / Ceremony & cocktail music: Friends of the bridge / Florals: Valley Flora, Polly Harrington / Hair: David Ingham / Linens: La Tavola / Makeup: Artists Untied/S.F. / Rehearsal dinner: Franciscan Winery/ Andrea Putoff / Rehearsal dinner catering: Elaine Bell/Caspian / Specialty Chairs & Lounge Furniture: Wine Country Party

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2010. | Permalink | 4 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: David Ingham, Elaine Bell/Caspian, Franciscan Winery, La Tavola, Laurie Lucov Wedding Cakes, Solage Calistoga, Sylvie Gil, Wine Country Party
Post categories: All Real Weddings, Casual Elegance, Real Weddings, Traditional Elegance

I don’t have a ton of information on this wedding but I do know this…the bride is ridiculously lovely, the groom is completely dashing and the details. Oh the details. Every little touch is absolute perfection.

Sylvie’s weddings are always flawless , her photographs always little pieces of heaven. And this particular affair, is one of her best! Thank you so very much to Sylvie Gil for sharing today’s weddings with us.

If you are in need of a little more inspiration, check out these weddings that have already been featured!

*A GORGEOUS same-sex affair, in eight different posts.

*A stunning apple farm inspired soiree.

*A chic, modern wine country wedding.

More on the way!!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 11 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Barndiva, California Weddings, Healdsburg, Napa, Sylvie Gil
Post categories: Casual Elegance

The color palette is a little bit unexpected, with varying shades of yellow and orange. And yet, it fits the style of the venue to perfection. Here are a few more bits of eye candy…

It’s definitely official. Sylvie’s weddings are not only photographed beautifully, they are all so ridiculously chic and well designed. We have another amazing one on the way!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: California Weddings, Carneros Inn, Napa Valley, Sylvie Gil
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Contemporary

I am a BIG fan of all things wine country…but it is really refreshing to see such a simple, modern soiree paired next to the stunning green backdrop. The combination is breathtaking and one that we don’t see all that often!

More to come from this gorgeous wedding!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 6 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: California Weddings, Carneros Inn, Napa Valley, Sylvie Gil
Post categories: Casual Elegance, Contemporary

Oh and if you haven’t already, make sure to check out Eclatante’s Color Story over on the Little Black Book Blog!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Barndiva, California Weddings, Desiree and Ann, Healdsburg, Pink and Green, Same Sex, shabby chic, Sylvie Gil
Post categories: Real Weddings

I am in LOVE. I think that this is just about as pretty as it gets. With the gorgeous outdoor spread, shabby chic iron chairs, perfect pink roses, twinkle lights, oh my. It’s just such a beautiful evening.

More on the way!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Barndiva, California Weddings, Desiree and Ann, Healdsburg, Pink and Green, Roses, Same Sex, shabby chic, Sylvie Gil
Post categories: Real Weddings

all photographs by Sylvie Gil

More from the radiant Desiree …

Ann and I chose Healdsburg as the setting for the wedding weekend as most guests, both family and friends, were coming from afar. We wanted people to be able to stay within walking distance of the venue, but we had the rehearsal dinner on Friday evening out at Dutcher Crossing Winery (stunning). The rest of the weekend, all of the ~70 guests went wine tasting and bumped into one another at the Healdsburg farmer’s market, shops, wine bars, etc. We both wanted to wear dresses that were feminine, but didn’t want there to be a sea of white! Ann chose a more classic a-line satin dress. I selected the romantic alencon lace. We loved the contrast in styles and textures between the cream alencon lace and the almost white satin.

Sonoma County is always so green with the vineyards and September is one of the warmest months, so we chose the lime green dresses, taupe suits and striped green ties. We liked the light suits for the summery feel since the ceremony was outside. The bridesmaids’ dresses came in many different styles, so all seven (!) bridesmaids’ were able to select what they liked the most. We haven’t asked them whether they’ve been able to re-wear them .

So much more to come, including a reception that will make your heart skip a beat!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 7 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Barndiva, California Weddings, Desiree and Ann, Healdsburg, Pink and Gree, Pink and Green, Same Sex, shabby chic, Sylvie Gil
Post categories: Real Weddings

I know that some of you might not agree with same sex affairs, some of you embrace them, some of you don’t really know how you feel. But, I think that we can all, wholeheartedly agree that today’s affair is a lesson in loveliness. Pure, unabashed loveliness.

From Desiree …

I made the all of the ceremony programs, finding a botanical print that reflected the color scheme of the wedding and printing the text on our home printer. In the program, we thanked all of our families and friends for participating in such a significant moment in our lives.

So much more to come!

© Style Me Pretty : The Ultimate Wedding Blog, 2009. | Permalink | 29 comments | Add to del.icio.us
Post tags: Barndiva, California Weddings, Desiree and Ann, Healdsburg, Pink and Green, Same Sex, shabby chic, Sylvie Gil
Post categories: Real Weddings