After a year of fun-filled adventures and celebrations, we were finally on our way to California to attend Lindsay & Caleb’s wedding. I was particularly excited to pass through San Francisco again so that I could photograph the Golden Gate Bridge, an item I missed on our previous visit. After a quick stop to pick up our rental car we made our way to the overlook at Battery Spencer, a viewpoint recommended by Caleb – a former San Francisco resident during his time of service in the U.S. Coast Guard.
A view from our short flight from LAX to SFO.
After fleeing California with a 103 degree fever in 2019, I was so upset that I missed the opportunity to photograph the Bay. I was thrilled to finally see the Golden Gate Bridge from this perspective.
A military outpost 1897 to 1942, the overlook at Battery Spencer offers a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge and City of San Francisco. The drive is steep and windy, and totally worth the effort.
After spending a little time exploring the area to soak in the gorgeous sights of the San Francisco Bay, we made our way to the host hotel in Napa to meet our group. Upon our arrival Lindsay delivered an amazing welcome gift bag filled with local treats (those chocolate chip cookies were amazing) and much-needed items like Tylenol and Liquid I.V.
After freshening up a little, we made our way to Downtown Napa to enjoy dinner at AVOW. It was nice to relax over dinner, and catch up with family.
When you are in a place as beautiful as Napa Valley, every morning begins with a long walk. Despite the chilly temperatures, I loved the crisp and color mornings in Napa.
Sunrise in Napa Valley.
Hot Air Balloons over Napa Valley.
Carneros Resort and Spa
Later in the day we gathered together at Carneros Resort and Spa for the wedding rehearsal. The venue is beautiful, nestled into the rolling hillsides of Napa wine country.
Ram's Gate
Later that evening we traveled to nearby Ram’s Gate Winery for the Welcome Dinner. As a gift to their closest friends and family, Lindsay and Caleb planned an amazing welcome dinner for us all. Guests enjoyed an incredible selection of food and wine as we excitedly caught up with family and made new friends. I would love to return to Ram’s Gate for a longer visit. It is a gorgeous venue with the perfect blend of “modern country” aesthetics.
A toast to the happy couple!
I never sleep well on vacation, and the night before Lindsay’s wedding was no exception. Early in the morning I made my way to the bridal suite to get ready for the day. In truth I did my best to keep my camera away. Lindsay and Caleb did after all, hire an incredible photographer (Olivia Marshall) to capture every moment and detail. The Ceremony was breezy and beautiful, filled with heart-felt, authentic moments of love and joy. It is evident to us all that these two are meant for each other.
Lindsay and Caleb’s wedding day was absolutely beautiful. I cannot imagine how challenging it must had been to plan a destination wedding during the height of a pandemic. We were so happy to see that after a year of planning, stress, and probably some tears, that their wedding celebration was everything they wished it to be, and more. I can honestly say that it is the most beautifully designed wedding I have ever been to. I am still in awe over the reception room’s greenery installation, executed with perfection by Rion Designs.
Goodbye, Napa Valley
Our final morning in Napa began with a nice, long walk to capture the beautiful fall foliage.
Next, we will make our way to Downtown Sonoma to continue the celebration and experience the warmth of California wine country.
