Ana + Brett: Meritage Resort & Spa Wedding Photography in Napa, Part 2

       Part two of Ana + Brett's wedding day resumes at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, as they leave their ceremony in their vintage Volvo getaway car. (If you missed Part one, check out their photos here.) They took a little pit stop along the way to relax under the boughs of a giant oak tree (and make-out!). After the cocktail hour, they joined guests for the reception in the Meritage Resort's Estate Cave. A sumptious dinner, delightful toasts, a romantic first dance, and cake cutting commenced -- along with a lot of crazy fun dancing. Perhaps one of the most hilarious and wonderful moments of the evening was when Brett removed Ana's garter with his teeth, and her dad rushed the floor and interrupted the performance, covering his face in feigned distress. Everyone erupted with laughter and cheer.

       We are so happy for Ana + Brett. Each moment of their day was filled with absolute joy and beauty. Just seeing how they look at each other with such love, melts our hearts. Congratulations! We know that your journey together as a married couple will be nothing less than awesome! Enjoy these photos of their gorgeous wedding reception at the Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa Valley.

The bride and groom kiss in their getaway vintage Volvo. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

After the wedding ceremony, the couple spends some time together under a gorgeous oak tree. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Wedding at Meritage Resort & Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage Resort and Spa wedding photos © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Kissing under the oak tree after their wedding ceremony on the Meritage vineyard in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Enjoying a little pit stop after the wedding ceremony. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

 A playful family photo at the Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom at cocktail hour. Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage Resort and Spa wedding cocktail hour. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage resort and spa wedding, cocktail hour. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage Resort and Spa wedding. The couple relaxes with guests during cocktail hour. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The wedding reception looks beautiful in the Meritage wine cave in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The wedding reception in the Meritage wine cave in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Wedding cake. The Meritage wine cave in Napa Valley. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Wedding guests greet the newlweds at the Meritage wine cave during the reception. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage wine cave during the wedding reception. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Toasts.  Meritage Resort and Spa. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage Resort and Spa wedding reception in the tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

First dance! Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride shows off her moves during the first dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Sharing a tender moment during the first dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Dip! Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom enjoy their first dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Father-daughter dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Father-daughter dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Mother-son dance. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom cut their wedding cake. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride's mom and dad look on. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Bouquet toss. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom's sister catches the bouquet and Mom is ecstatic!  Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom prepares to get the bride's garter! © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride's father can't believe she's showing off her legs!  Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in tasting room. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom takes off the bride's garter using his teeth! Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in wine cave. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Dancing. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in wine cave. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Dancing. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in wine cave. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Dancing. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in wine cave. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom dance together. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in wine cave. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom embraces his wife on the dance floor. Meritage resort and spa wedding reception in wine cave. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

       What a perfect, wonderful night! We send you all our best wishes and congratulations!

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

Ana + Brett: Meritage Resort & Spa Wedding Photography in Napa, Pt. 1

       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

Tricia + Olivier: San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park

       Tricia + Olivier were just back from a vacation in the tropics when we took their engagement photos in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and they were both literally glowing from their time in the sunshine. And who would have thought that our very own City by the Bay could have such a tropical vibe itself?! Some of these photos could have been taken in Hawaii!

       We had a wonderful time with Tricia + Olivier, romping through the lush green grasses near the Conservatory of Flowers, sipping on a bottle of red wine and sharing a picnic. It was a totally romantic afternoon, with a game of hide and seek, a few dance moves under the branches of the trees and some steamy kisses by the fountain. 

       Congratulations on your engagement T + O!

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park at the Conservatory of Flowers. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

San Francisco Engagement Photo Session in Golden Gate Park. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Lisa + Eugene: Westin St. Francis Hotel Wedding Photography in San Francisco, Pt. 2

       It was time to clink glasses and celebrate Lisa + Eugene being married! Their wedding reception at the top of the Westin St. Francis in downtown San Francisco was truly stunning. Lisa picked out the most beautiful details, including sequin embellished table clothes, that sparkled in the evening sunlight. 

       Lisa + Eugene know how to throw a stellar party and the rest of the evening was filled with heartfelt and hilarious toasts, dancing, cake and of course, shots of vodka! We are soo happy for Lisa + Eugene and wish them a lifetime of love together! Congratulations love birds!

Moments after the ceremony, the couple celebrates with champagne. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Bridesmaids at cocktail hour. Westin St. Francis wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Everyone wants a photo with the bride! Westin St. Francis Wedding SF © Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

Signing the guestbook. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Wedding Cake by Elegant Cheesecakes. Westin St. Francis Hotel © Bowerbird Photography 2014

This wedding cake has their name on it! Cake by Elegant Cheesecakes © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Love the art deco flourishes! Decorated by Elegant Cheesecakes. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Wedding Reception at Alexandra's Room at Westin St. Francis Hotel © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Sweetheart table. Wedding Reception at Alexandra's Room at Westin St. Francis Hotel © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The couple gets their own bottle of vodka! Wedding Reception at Alexandra's Room at Westin St. Francis Hotel © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Guest table. Wedding Reception at Alexandra's Room at Westin St. Francis Hotel © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The couple makes their grand entrance. Wedding Reception at Alexandra's Room at Westin St. Francis Hotel © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Guests applaud as the couple enters their wedding reception at Alexandra's Room at Westin St. Francis Hotel © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Beautiful beaming bride! Wedding Reception at Alexandra's Room at Westin St. Francis Hotel © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Time to start the evening off with a shot of vodka! © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Vodka chased down with champagne! © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom dine. Westin St Francis Hotel in San Francisco. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

A toast from the father of the bride :) © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Dinner is served. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Enjoying the soup course. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom sneak a kiss! Westin St. Francis Hotel Wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Another toast! © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom share a laugh. Westin St. Francis Hotel © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The room erupts in laughter during the toast. Westin St. Francis Hotel Wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Applauding for the toast. Westin St. Francis Hotel Wedding in SF © Bowerbird Photography 2014

A flower girl enjoys the city view from atop the Westin St. Francis Hotel. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The groom shows off his cake cutting skills. Westin St. Francis Wedding in SF © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Time to cut the wedding cake. Westin St. Francis Wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Bride and groom taste their wedding cake. Westin St. Francis Wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

First Dance. Westin St. Francis Wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

First Dance. Westin St. Francis Wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014 © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Enjoying their first dance. Westin St. Francis wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride has some moves! St. Francis hotel. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Kissing on the dance floor. St. Francis Hotel Wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Lisa dancing with her dad. So sweet! © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Bride tears up while dancing with dad. St. Francis Hotel wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom's mom's dancing together. Westin St. Francis Wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The best man brings the bride and groom together to dance! Westin St. Francis wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Guests get into it on the dance floor. Westin St. Francis wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Guests on the dance floor! Westin St. Francis. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride and groom dance among their guests. Westin St. Francis. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

© Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bouquet toss! Westin St. Francis Hotel Wedding in San Francisco © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Bouquet toss winner! © Bowerbird Photography 2014

After all the drinking and dancing the groom decides to take a seat :) © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The beautiful bride at sunset. Westin St. Francis Hotel Wedding. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

The bride soaks in the sunset and all that love! Westin St. Francis Hotel Wedding © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Congratulations love birds!

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam

Wedding Vendors

Venue: Westin St. Francis Hotel

Photography: Bowerbird Photography

Videography: Joseph Alan Productions 

Cake: Elegant Cheesecakes

DJ: Amos Productions

Makeup + Hair: Mia Bella Salon

Dress: Blossom's

Suit: David's Bridal

Photo Diary: Eating Renee's Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School

       Our friend Chef Renee finished culinary school last week and she invited us all to eat her delicious final exam! It was wonderful :) Be sure to check out Renee's cooking blog here.

       Congratulations Renee!!

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

Final Exam at the San Francisco Cooking School. © Bowerbird Photography 2014

xoxo,

Ariel + Sam