Liz and Ryan’s Domaine Chandon wedding began on a perfectly calm, spring day in the town of Napa. The girls were sipping mini bottles of Chandon and listening to music in a cute little vacation rental as they prepped for the day and awaited the arrival of the boys. Liz and Ryan are great people with two highly contagious smiles and the loving atmosphere of their wedding day was off the charts, which makes our job as Napa wedding photographers all the better.
Their ceremony took place on the great lawn under a huge oak tree. Officiated by Ryan’s cousin, the program was relaxed, personal, and funny – much like the couple themselves. The cocktail hour timed perfectly to take advantage of the golden afternoon light which filtered down through layers of towering redwoods to perfectly wash over traveling platters of bite-sized chicken and waffles.
The upper lawn at Domaine Chandon faces east across Napa valley to Atlas Peak, with views of distinctive vineyards and craggy rock formations. The attention to detail throughout all of the decor was harmonious with the beauty and grandeur of the valley itself. Coordinated by Alex Quintana and with food provided by Elaine Bell Catering, the reception couldn’t have provided more in terms of casual elegance and memorable treats for all the senses. Ryan (who’s passionate about his cerveza) even went the extra distance to supply cases of this area’s famed Pliny the Elder Imperial IPA for guests to enjoy.
About the Couple
How they met
From beer pong to Chandon and everything in between, Ryan and Liz’s relationship took root nearly a decade ago along the shores of Lake Michigan. The summer before their final year at Northwestern University, mutual friends introduced them and both feeling an instant connection, they courted over hours of The OC and Northwestern Football games.
Highlights of their courtship
The time Ryan gave Liz a gentle flirty push, catapulting her into a hedge
Sprinkle pong
Our first date: Zach and Miri make a Porno followed by Chili’s
The time Liz fell asleep watching the OC, woke up and walked home without her shoes
