Ana + Brett are one of the most relaxed, joyful couples we've photographed, and we had the best time taking their engagement photos on a sailboat in the Bay earlier this summer. When we met up with them on their wedding day at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley, they had just returned from a refreshing swim at the pool, and a nice lounge in the sunshine. It was a perfect day for a wedding. In fact, this was their second: an American encore performance after getting married a few weeks earlier in Brazil. These two were having the most fun ever on their International, Rock Star TOUR OF LOVE!
After getting dressed, Brett took a little spin in their vintage wedding Volvo (aficionados: feel free to ID the year of the car in the comments section below). With a hesitant ignition, the groomsmen helped get the car rolling with a bit of a push, and even more hearty laughs. Then Brett waited for his bride to arrive in the Meritage courtyard, for the "first look." Ana came walking down, twirling Brett around, and gave him a big kiss, the bridesmaids cheering behind them.
The wedding ceremony site at the Meritage vineyard is tucked behind the crest of a hill and surrounded by grapes and giant oak trees. Ana's dad drove her up to the ceremony in the Volvo, and escorted her down the aisle. As Ana took Brett's hand under the Romanesque stone pergola, the sun shone behind them brilliantly.
With an exchange of vows, rings, and a sand pouring ceremony, they were married!!!! Everyone stood to applaud as the couple kissed and raised their arms in celebration. Then they drove off to their reception, and as they turned to drive down the hill, the words, "Just Married," were declared above the bumper.
Congratulations Ana + Brett!!!! Here are some selected photos from their perfect wedding day to celebrate a perfect couple! Tune in soon, when we post more photos of their cocktail hour, reception, and lively dancing.
The bride prepares for her big day at the Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
© Bowerbird Photography 2014
Her wedding dress hangs ready to wear. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The bridesmaids get ready. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Everybody wants a photo with the bride. Meritage Resort & Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The bride puts on her shoes. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Everyone lends a hand to help the bride put on her wedding dress in her bridal suite at the Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
© Bowerbird Photography 2014
The bride looks beautiful! Meritage Resort & Spa wedding photography. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The bride peeks from behind her veil. Wedding photos at Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The bridesmaids look wonderful in different shades of blush. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Stunning bride. Meritage Resort & Spa wedding photos. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The groom prepares in his room at the Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Photo of groom at meritage resort & spa wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The groom grooms. Meritage Resort wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Don't worry, he's not even sweating it. Meritage hotel wedding in Napa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The groomsmen leave the hotel room. Meritage wedding in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
There's no chance these guys will let the groom sip his drink in peace. So much excitement on the big day. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
This vintage Volvo takes a little push to get going. Meritage Resort & Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Now he's cruising. Meritage wedding in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The bride shares a laugh with her parents. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Brett waits for the "first look," as the bride approaches in the distance. Wedding photos from the Meritage Resort. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The bridesmaids look on as the bride greets her groom. One of our favorite wedding photos from their big day at the Meritage Resort & Spa in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Their adorable expressions as they see each other all dressed up for the first time. Meritage wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The bride and groom look woooonderful!!! Napa Valley wedding at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Couple's wedding photos at the Meritage Resort and Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The groom carts his bride away. Napa Valley wedding at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Napa Valley wedding at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The groom admires his bride. Napa Valley wedding at the Meritage Resort. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
So cute! Napa Valley Wedding at the Meritage Hotel. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
That's what the veil is for! The bride and groom share a moment before the ceremony. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Wedding photos. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Taking a break by the beautiful fountain at the Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The bride looks incredible in her backless wedding dress. Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Wedding ceremony site at Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Wedding ceremony site at Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Wedding ceremony site at Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The groom waits for his bride to appear. Wedding ceremony at Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Dad drives his daughter to the wedding ceremony site among the vineyard at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The bride gets out of the car, to walk to the ceremony. Meritage vineyards. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The father of the bride walk his daughter down the aisle at the Meritage. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
A beautiful day to get married! Meritage wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Vows and wows. Meritage wedding in Napa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Their beautiful wedding ceremony site at the Meritage in Napa, features a Romanesque marble pergola with the vineyards in the background. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Mixing together the sands of time, life, and love. Meritage Resort. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Meritage wedding ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The kiss!!! Meritage wedding ceremony. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
They are married! Love this photo showing their triumphant walk down the aisle after their wedding ceremony at the Meritage Resort and Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
They whisk away in a vintage car after the wedding ceremony. Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014
The guests cheer! © Bowerbird Photography 2014
It says it all!!! © Bowerbird Photography 2014
Congratulations Ana + Brett! Check back soon for Part Dois, featuring their joyous reception.
xoxo,
Sam + Ariel
Wedding Vendors
Venue: Meritage Resort and Spa
Wedding Planner: Amy Bridges and Kaitlyn Finley
Wedding Photography: Bowerbird Photography
Floral: Catherine Scott
Cake: Sweet Pies
Hair: Jenny Huse from Bungalow
Make-up: Eva Claiborn
Wedding Dress: David's Bridal
Suit: Men's Warehouse
DJ: AMS
Catering: Meritage Resort and Spa
Linen: Meriage Resort and Spa