Katie & Nick | Multi-Day Wedding at Montage Healdsburg, Sonoma
When Katie and Nick first reached out, they were dreaming of Italy. Italy wasn't going to work for the VIPs on their guest list, so we pivoted: Tuscany vibes with a much shorter travel plan. On our site visit we looked throughout Napa and Sonoma and landed on Montage Healdsburg. Katie loved the idea of guests eating dinner in the vines, and they thought the food, service, and accommodations were exceptional. They picked the last weekend in August, right at the start of harvest.
Whenever Napa, Sonoma, or Healdsburg comes up in planning, the first question is how guests will get there. SFO is the usual answer, but there's a great regional option: Charles M. Schulz–Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa, a 20–30 minute drive to the Montage.
One of the perks of Montage Healdsburg is that the property has the right spot for every event of a multi-day weekend. Katie and her family stayed in one of the large residences, which doubled as our rehearsal luncheon venue. Friday's welcome party was pizza and pasta on the Vista Lawn Terrace, just below the lobby bar, with a beautiful sunset view.
The ceremony took place on the Oak Lawn Terrace, where guests were greeted with champagne. Cocktail hour moved to The Grove Courtyard, with passed appetizers including Katie's favorite, the avocado and caviar tostada. A little before sunset, guests walked through the grounds to the Grand Lawn, where we built a large open-air tent so dinner sat right among the vines, heavy with ripe, deep purple grapes. After dinner and dancing, the night wasn't over: everyone headed back up to The Grove for the after party.
Sunday ended with brunch by the pool. It was a holiday weekend, so from there guests went their separate ways: wine tastings, the walkable town of Healdsburg, or a lazy afternoon recovering poolside at the Montage.
planning + design @piperandmuse | photography @erichmcvey | venue @montagehealdsburg | gown @@verawang | floral @@connernesbit | tent + rentals @hensleyeventresources | stationery @inquisited | photo booth @foxanddarling | band + dj @samriseentertainment
