Skip to content

Top Navigation

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • FOOD
  • HOLIDAYS
  • ENTERTAINING
  • HOME
  • GARDENING
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING
  • WEDDINGS
  • SHOP
  • DIY
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS
  • LIFE
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Pin FB

Explore Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart Martha Stewart
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      5 Kitchen Cabinet Paint Colors That Will Never Go Out of Style, According to Interior Designers

      Choose a shade that works with a range of backsplash and countertop materials. Read More
    • Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Let Go of These 8 Household Items as We Start the New Year

      Reclaim your space by parting with things in your home you no longer use or have been damaged over time. Read More
    • 93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

      From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner. Read More
  • FOOD

    FOOD

    See All FOOD
    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    93 Quick and Easy Dinner Recipes to Make Any Night of the Week

    From chili and chicken cutlets to spaghetti and meatballs and sheet-pan salmon, consider this your ultimate guide to making a fast weeknight dinner.
    • Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Lunch Recipes
    • Dinner Recipes
    • Appetizers & Snacks
    • Dessert Recipes
    • Drink Recipes
    • Salad Recipes
    • Side Dishes
    • Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Recipes
    • Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Vegetarian Recipes
    • Cooking How-Tos
    • Baking
    • Menu Planning
    • Food News & Trends
    • Wine
    • Mastering the Holiday Meal
    • What's for Dinner
    • All Recipes
  • HOLIDAYS

    HOLIDAYS

    See All HOLIDAYS
    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    40 Valentine's Day Dessert Recipes That You'll Fall in Love With

    The sweetest way to say "I love you" is with one of these heartfelt, homemade Valentine's Day desserts. Whether you're looking for a treat for your partner, your Galentine's crew, or the co-workers who adore your home baking, you'll find plenty of inspiration in this collection, filled with heart-shaped cakes, cupcakes, and cookies—plus, easy chocolate truffles and decadent mousses and parfaits. Our recipes include desserts for two to share and sweets that feed a crowd. We rate them all above a bunch of red roses any day.
    • Father's Day
    • Fourth of July
    • Halloween
    • Thanksgiving
    • Hanukkah
    • Christmas
    • New Year's Eve
    • Valentine's Day
    • St. Patricks Day
    • Passover
    • Easter
    • Mother's Day
  • ENTERTAINING

    ENTERTAINING

    See All ENTERTAINING
    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    6 Things to Always Clean Before Guests Come Over

    You don't have to give your house a top-to-bottom scrub before guests arrive, but there are a few areas you should pay attention to.
    • Seasonal Entertaining & Decorating
    • Halloween Party Ideas
    • Dinner Party Ideas
    • Adult Halloween Costumes
  • HOME

    HOME

    See All HOME
    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    6 Kitchen Paint Trends to Consider in 2023

    Bolder tones, like cherry red and deep olive green, will dominate in the heart of the home.
    • Home Design & Decor
    • Paint Colors & Palettes
    • DIY Home Projects
    • The Well-Kept Home
  • GARDENING

    GARDENING

    See All GARDENING
    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    How to Winter Sow—Plus, 6 Expert-Approved Seeds to Plant During the Cold-Weather Months

    These blooms are tolerant to the chilly conditions, which will allow you to get ahead on your spring flower garden.
    • Container Gardening
    • Flower Gardens
    • Houseplants
    • Landscaping
    • Vegetable Gardens
  • CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    CLEANING & ORGANIZING

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    How to Remove Hard Water Stains From a Glass Shower—and Prevent Future Build-Up Before It Forms

    The spots develop when water dries on glass and leaves behind the minerals that were trapped inside.
    • Cleaning
    • Storage & Organization
    • Laundry & Linens
  • WEDDINGS

    WEDDINGS

    See All WEDDINGS
    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    Experts Say These Are the 7 Things Happy Couples Regularly Do Together

    • Real Weddings
    • Wedding Party
    • Wedding Planning & Advice
    • Wedding Ceremony & Reception
    • Wedding Jewelry
    • Dresses & Style
    • Wedding Beauty & Wellness
    • Wedding Registry
    • Wedding Showers & Parties
    • Love & Marriage
    • Wedding Travel
  • SHOP
  • DIY

    DIY

    See All DIY
    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    Ready for a New Hobby? These Are the 8 Craft Trends to Try in 2023

    From disco ball art to punch needle embroidery, these are the projects that will dominate the DIY world in the new year, experts say.
    • Dyeing
    • Holiday Crafts
    • Kids' Crafts
    • Knitting
    • Paper Crafts
    • Sewing
  • BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    BEAUTY & WELLNESS

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    The Truth About Slugging: Will Applying Petrolatum Jelly to Your Skin Really Make It Glow?

    In short, yes—should you have a skin type that might benefit from an occlusive product.
    • Beauty
    • Health & Wellness
    • Live Well
  • LIFE

    LIFE

    See All LIFE
    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    9 Dog Breeds That Look Like Puppies Even When They're Fully Grown

    Puppies are irresistible. We fall in love with their big eyes, little button noses, fluffy tails, and clumsy paws. And yet, like any pet, puppies grow up and turn into dogs. Some breeds, like the Old English Sheepdog or Great Dane, will grow to become larger in size than most people. But not all dogs are destined to become giants. There are some breeds that stay small in size even when they're fully grown. You may want a forever puppy if you are used to smaller animals. Maybe you have a small apartment or just want a canine companion that you can easily carry along with you anywhere you go. Small dogs are also great for families with young children or those of senior age who are best matched with a breed they can physically handle. Fortunately, some specialty dog breeds are mixed to look like puppies throughout their entire lives—and they are sure to melt your heart the second you lay your eyes on them. 
    • Family
    • Pets
    • Travel
  • NEWS
  • MARTHA'S BLOG
  • About Us

Profile Menu

Martha's Blog
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • Email Preferences
  • Newsletter
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Contact Us
  • Your Content
  • Logout

More

  • Enter to Win $10,000 to Makeover Your Home!
  • Martha's Blog
  • Weddings
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. marthastewart.com
  2. Weddings
  3. Real Weddings
  4. Wedding Styles
  5. Seasonal Weddings
  6. Spring Weddings
  7. A Three-Day Wedding Weekend in Napa, California
Martha Stewart Weddings

A Three-Day Wedding Weekend in Napa, California

By Shira Savada
Skip gallery slides
Pin
nadine dan wedding couple in trail in the forest
Credit: KT Merry

Distinct color palettes, menus, and feelings ensured the welcome party, rehearsal dinner, and formal wedding all felt different for guests while still being a reflection of the couple.

Start Slideshow

1 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
nadine dan wedding couple in trail in the forest
Credit: KT Merry

While mutual friends often facilitate a set-up between their single pals, Nadine and Dan attended a party their shared buddy, Annie, was hosting as guests two guests—not as a potential couple. Even so, they started talking at the bar in Hoboken, New Jersey, that night, but Hurricane Sandy hit the area soon after, and with the Hudson River between them (Dan was in New Jersey and Nadine was in Manhattan), it was impossible to meet up again for a few weeks. They texted and messaged and finally got back together for an official first date.

A few years later, Dan had picked a ring, left work early, and headed to the apartment they had just bought in TriBeCa. "I thought it would be nice to propose in it as a symbol of the next chapter of our life together," he explains. Dan convinced Nadine to help him prep the empty space for the painters, and she reluctantly agreed. Before she arrived, he set up his iPhone so he could activate the video recorder via a Bluetooth remote, arranged flowers in a vase, and just needed to kill time until she showed up. When Nadine opened the door, she saw the flowers and asked Dan what he was doing. "I sprang into action by hiding the ring behind my back and trying to open the box to get it out," he says. "I was mostly successful at this except for the fact that I dropped the ring! In the video of the proposal, you can hear the ring hit the floor and Nadine asks me 'what was that?'" Unphased, he got down on one knee and popped the question.

The wedding weekend had far fewer hiccups. With a date set for April 28, 2018, they worked with Two Roads Event Co. to craft a multi-day celebration in the Napa Valley. Just over 100 guests were invited to the festivities, which began with a welcome party and mehendi ceremony followed by a pizza-filled rehearsal dinner. Then it was time for the main affair: a garden-inspired wedding at Meadowood. Each of the three events had its own style and color palette and the string of celebrations allowed the guests to really spend time together and enjoy the Napa area. The wedding itself was a bit whimsical and romantic, and it was infused with elements that tied back to the pair's relationship and personalities.

Watch Nadine and Dan's wedding film by Owl and Tree Films.

1 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Weekend of Events

nadine dan wedding save the date
Credit: KT Merry

Since there was a full three days of events in store, the couple sent cards that asked them to "save the weekend." The simple pieces were designed by Prim & Pixie, who took the color of the bridesmaids' dresses into account, as well as some other details from the couple's mood board. "I love that we ended up incorporating the large flowers in a lot of our paper goods and even on our cake," Nadine says of the main motif that was flat printed on these cards, which were tucked into an envelope closed with a white wax seal boasting the bride and groom's initials. A die-cut card outlined travel information, so even if guests didn't check the website, they had everything handy to make their plans.

2 of 30

3 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Floral Stationery

nadine dan wedding invitation suite
Credit: KT Merry
Everything You Need to Know About Postage

Prim & Pixie carried that same floral pattern through to the letterpressed invitation suite. The blue ink popped on the card, which featured a blind debossing of the floral pattern to give it more texture. The envelope liners received that same signature print and were addressed by Calligraphy Nerd. The entire suite was mailed using vintage postage sourced from Verde Studio.

"I thought that assembling the invitations would be a fun task for Dan and me to do so we took it upon ourselves," Nadine explains of what soon turned in to an event for them both. "I guess Dan was pretty surprised when he understood what he signed up for, especially with vintage stamps! They aren't as easy to stick on as regular ones so with six per envelope and the many bits of assembling, it was definitely a task we bonded over! He still laughs about how he managed to sign himself up for that task."

3 of 30

Advertisement

4 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Welcome Party Style

nadine dan wedding welcome party couple
Credit: KT Merry
What's the Difference Between a Welcome Party and a Rehearsal Dinner?

The celebrating began two days before the wedding, with a Pakistani-inspired welcome party in the vineyards of Calistoga Ranch. Nadine wore a custom lengha choli made by Élan, which weighed about 30 pounds because of its elaborate embroidery—though that didn't stop her from dancing all night long (cue the adrenaline!). Dan wore a complementary ensemble.

They dubbed the evening a "Welcome Mehendi" which is the celebration preceding the wedding that involves lots of food, dancing, and fun.

4 of 30

5 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Traditional Rituals

nadine dan wedding welcome party garlands
Credit: KT Merry
10 Common Indian Wedding Traditions

The couple wore garlands during the mehendi ceremony, which tends to be a very colorful event with a lot of yellows and oranges. Since the bride and groom were trying to put their own modern spin on it, they opted for a silver-and-white theme instead. They used the flowers (by Loop Flowers) to incorporate that traditional marigold hue.

5 of 30

6 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Grab a Bangle

nadine dan wedding welcome party bangles
Credit: KT Merry

Nadine's mom brought a box of glass bangles for the ladies to pile on.

6 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Traditional Attire

nadine dan wedding welcome party guests in traditional attire
Credit: KT Merry

Many guests wore traditional Pakistani or Indian clothing including saris, lenghas, and kaftans. Nadine's mom had Pakistani outfits created for Dan's family and the bridesmaids. "It was great to see how many of our friends decided to embrace the cultural aspect of it," Nadine says. "Even some of Dan's friends bought Pakistani outfits from places in New York and New Jersey to wear to the event."

7 of 30

8 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Fun and Food

nadine dan wedding welcome party tables
Credit: KT Merry
Events and Activities to Keep Guests Busy During Your Destination Wedding Weekend

A mix of tables and lounge areas provided plenty of seating after the mehendi. One of Nadine's favorite aspects of the event were the white flower linens, which were a subtle ode to her wedding dress.

Passed appetizers (like goat cheese-stuffed potatoes, crabcakes, and rosemary flatbreads) and food stations (including a cheese display and chicken tikka) meant no one went hungry. When everyone moved in to the wine cave for dancing, mini chocolate soufflés, apple tarts, cheesecake, and mini carrot cakes were served.

8 of 30

9 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Ready for the Rehearsal Dinner

nadine dan rehearsal dinner couple
Credit: KT Merry

On Friday night, guests attended the the rehearsal dinner, hosted by Dan's parents at a private estate in St. Helena, California, owned by Merryvale vineyards. The couple gave that event a "Napa Chic" dress code. "Nadine claims this is an actual dress code but I think she made it up," Dan jokes. He kept his look casual with a blazer, khakis, and loafers, and Nadine opted for a two-piece Alice + Olivia ensemble. She knew she didn't want to wear white and preferred something flowy. "It felt perfect for the setting. I guess this is how I'd describe wine country chic," she says.

9 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Familiar Faces

nadine dan rehearsal dinner photo wall
Credit: KT Merry
30 Creative Ways to Display Photos at Your Wedding

Dan's mom wanted to make something for the event and to show pictures from the couple's lives. She collected images of the bride and groom from all stages and strung them through gold rings which were then hung on a trio of boxwood hedges.

10 of 30

11 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Pizza Party Time

nadine dan rehearsal dinner pizza
Credit: KT Merry
10 Delicious Wedding Ideas for Couples Crazy About Pizza

Wine Country Artisans prepared two types of pizzas, salad, butternut squash ravioli, and braised short ribs, in addition to creating a burrata station and gelato bar. They paired the relatively casual menu with Merryvale wines.

11 of 30

12 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Colorful Setup

nadine dan rehearsal dinner table overlooking mountains
Credit: KT Merry
How to Throw an Unforgettable Rehearsal Dinner

The previous summer, Nadine and Dan traveled to Tuscany, so citrus hues from their trip informed the design of their rehearsal dinner. One long table brought everyone together, and bright yellow velvet linens popping against the greenery all around. Loop Flowers placed a garland down the center of the table accented with buttery tree peonies and fresh oranges and lemons.

"I really enjoyed spending time outside with our closest friends and family," Dan says of the night. "My parents are big outdoors people and this was a great way to represent that in an event." Acoustic guitarist Jeff Campbell provided the soundtrack for the evening (a mix of classic rock, pop, folk, and oldies)—throughout which people hung out by the fire pits, enjoyed the views, and relaxed.

12 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Memorable First Look

nadine dan wedding first look
Credit: KT Merry
Pro Tips for Capturing That First Look Magic

On the wedding day, Nadine and Dan got ready separately before meeting for a first look. "The first look was the first time when the moment actually hit me," Dan remembers. "It was also the first time I had seen Nadine since the rehearsal dinner. Standing there alone, waiting for her to come up behind me, I was a bit overcome with emotion. I teared up reflecting on what had brought us together that day. When she finally tapped me on the shoulder, though, that all melted away and I was just elated. She was beautiful and we just held each other for a moment, just happy."

Nadine felt the same way. "I was also so relieved to finally be together. It was so weird to not be able to message or talk to him for so long," she adds. "He's the person I share everything with so all I wanted to do was fill him in on my morning and the last few hours."

13 of 30

14 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Floral Appliqués and a Dark Blue Tux

nadine dan wedding couple in front of house
Credit: KT Merry

Nadine felt pretty confident she'd end up buying a wedding dress with floral appliqués, and she was right. She tried on about a dozen options before choosing this ivory Oscar de la Renta gown she found at Mark Ingram Atelier. She had stalked the designer's spring 2018 collection and hunted it down at a trunk show, where upon trying it on, she was immediately smitten with its mix of floral embellishments and lace. "I loved that it was so light," she adds. "I knew I didn't want a heavy gown because dancing was a huge priority for me."

"Our photographers had mentioned an awesome custom suit maker in New York City called Monsieur Brunold," Dan explains of his bespoke ensemble. "I wanted to wear a midnight blue tux because I like the color blue on me better than black, and I wanted to do something a little more nontraditional." He wore a pair of silver cuff links from Nadine's maternal grandmother, a watch he received from Nadine and her parents, and a pair of Bally loafers that had a checked pattern.

14 of 30

15 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Double the Footwear

nadine dan wedding brides rose gold and white shoes
Credit: KT Merry
40 Wedding Shoes That Are Worthy of an Instagram

"I think my shoes were probably one of my favorite fashion details of the wedding," says Nadine of the two pairs she wore. She began the day in rose gold heels with a pearl detail by Nicholas Kirkwood that had a modern edge to them. "I specifically looked for shoes made by a British designer, too, since I am British," she explains. When it was time to cut loose on the dance floor she slipped on flats by Bottega Veneta with butterfly appliques. Dan changed into a more comfortable option, too—a pair by Yeezy.

15 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Wedding Party

nadine dan wedding couple kiss surrounded by wedding party
Credit: KT Merry

Bridesmaids wore Jenny Yoo dresses in "Morning Mist" while the guys donned formalwear from The Black Tux. The ladies carried bouquets of butterfly ranunculus, roses, double-petaled tulips, coral charm peonies, koko loko roses, clematis, jasmine, tree peonies, and honeysuckle, all arranged by Michelle Lywood Love Blooms.

16 of 30

17 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Floral Cuffs

nadine dan wedding floral cuffs
Credit: KT Merry

Instead of traditional corsages, Michelle Lywood Love Blooms created floral cuffs for a few VIPs to wear: Nadine and Dan's mothers, the officiant, and Nadine's grandma.

17 of 30

18 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Program Booklets

nadine dan wedding programs
Credit: KT Merry

Nadine and Dan incorporated the line "I'll go everywhere with you" in several parts of their wedding, including the ceremony programs. The story behind it: In the summer of 2015 before Nadine moved to Chicago for business school, Dan gave her a card that had that very line on the front. Even though it was a basic greeting card, what it said felt very symbolic to their relationship. "Before we met I didn't really travel very often outside the U.S. and meeting her literally and figuratively opened up the world to me," Dan explains of why he chose the card. "I've had trouble topping this card since then, and we thought it was significant enough to our story to include in our day."

18 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Outdoor Ceremony

nadine dan wedding ceremony
Credit: KT Merry
5 Signs That an Officiant Is Right for You

The late-afternoon ceremony took place on the Croquet Glen at Meadowood. Instead of a traditional altar, they went for a wild garden feel with a mixture of pots and florals was created with the existing white gate.

Nadine's aunt, Manizeh, officiated the outdoor ceremony, and while it was her first time undertaking such a task, she did a great job. The nondenominational service incorporated a few religious elements to honor Nadine's Muslim faith, Dan's Christian background, and Nadine's Jewish family members. Manizeh, a therapist passionate about wellness and meditation, asked everyone to take three breaths at the beginning of it all. Once everyone was centered, the rest unfolded from there. Nadine's friend read "Time in a Bottle" by Jim Croce and Dan's friend recited "Wild Awake" by Hilary T. Smith.

The bride and groom wrote their own vows, exchanged wedding bands from Brilliantly Engaged, and then recessed to "Safe and Sound" by Capital Cities, played by Synchronicity Strings.

19 of 30

20 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Cocktail Hour Time

nadine dan wedding cocktail hour
Credit: KT Merry

Cocktail hour was held on Vintners Glen aside the reception tent, and Nadine and Dan were able to enjoy it in full as they'd already taken photos earlier in the day. Hors d'oeuvres included a Parmesan cup, Ahi tuna tartare, lobster arancini, braised short rib sliders, and blackened shrimp.

20 of 30

21 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Branded Beverages

nadine dan wedding cocktail initials
Credit: KT Merry
30 His and Hers Cocktails to Inspire Your Own Signature Drink

Nadine admits she might have gone a bit overboard on the cocktail front. "But since Meadowood is known for amazing ones, I think it was probably justifiable," she explains. "We had two signature 'his and hers' cocktails. Dan's was a Bourbon Buck and mine was a Paloma. We also had three other cocktails for people to choose from that we called fun names personalized to us (like a Pimm's Cup called 'From London with Love,' a cucumber Collins called the 'Cucumber Kallas,' and a Manhattan called 'Manhattan Meets Meadowood.'" That last one can (seen here) was served with orange peel stamped with the couple's initials.

21 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Very Special Guest

nadine dan wedding couple with family
Credit: KT Merry

Nadine's grandmother traveled all the way from Pakistan for the wedding. She was the only grandparent able to attend the festivities. While she had ventured from the furthest destination, other guests came in from Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, England, and Spain.

22 of 30

23 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Time to Dine

nadine dan wedding reception long table
Credit: KT Merry
18 Creative Ways to Set Your Reception Tables

After finding their seating assignments, guests entered the tent, where they found a mix of tables and chairs set on the lawn. The farm tables were set with gauzy runners atop velvet, and upholstered chairs.

The happy couple entered to "I Got U" by Duke Dumont—Nadine's favorite DJ. While a nontraditional selection, the song held meaning. "It played nonstop during the summer of 2014, when our relationship really strengthened," Nadine says. She had imagined it playing at some point in the wedding, and this was that moment.

23 of 30

24 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Soft Lighting and Linens

nadine dan wedding reception round table under tent
Credit: KT Merry

Wood chandeliers installed by 3 Stage Lighting added a warm glow to the space. Patterned tablecloths from La Tavola Fine Linen Rentals and lilac-colored velvet napkins were paired with wood cross-back chairs.

In keeping with the day's English garden look, Michelle Lywood celebrated spring's variety of blooms, using potted plants and fresh flowers like hellebores, lilacs, mock orange, and peonies.

24 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

At Each Seat

nadine dan wedding place setting
Credit: KT Merry

Tabletop rentals from Theoni Collection were used on both types of tables—starting with a lace-like charger that reminded Nadine of her wedding dress. Modern rose gold flatware and a mix of classic stemware and cut crystal rounded out the look. The menus doubled as place cards, with each guest's name at the top. The meal began with a bibb lettuce salad topped with edible flowers and a garden vegetable risotto followed. For the entrées, Meadowood presented three options: grilled tenderloin of beef, red snapper, and wild mushroom ravioli. For a total culinary experience, each course was paired with an equally-delicious wine.

25 of 30

26 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Sweet First Dance Song

nadine dan wedding first dance
Credit: KT Merry

"Our first song was 'Photograph' by Ed Sheeran," Dan says. "We're big fans of his and wanted our first dance to be to one of his songs. A lot of couples pick his songs for their first dance and we wanted to choose one that isn't as commonly used. I like the lyrics of this song and can relate to the special significance photos have when you're away from the person you love.

When it came time to dance with their parents, they went their own way once more. Dan's mom chose "Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw for her dance with her son, and Nadine and her dad (a big disco fan) chose "Let's Groove" by Earth Wind and Fire, which kicked off the dancing on a high note. The rest of the music was just as notable, as the couple had spent many Friday nights with a bottle of wine open as they added to their playlists to share with their DJ and to play through Spotify for the other various events.

26 of 30

27 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Pink Cake

nadine dan wedding pink cake
Credit: KT Merry

The wedding cake was pretty in pink thanks to Paper Heart Patisserie, who incorporated the floral appliqués of Nadine's dress and the pattern on the invitations on to its exterior. As Nadine gravitates to fruity flavors and Dan is a chocolate guy, the interior was offered both options: French lemon and cookies-and-cream cake.

In addition to the cake, a dessert bar included macarons, cake pops, and cupcakes, which was set up outside of the room where dancing took place. Later in the evening, sliders, onion rings, and French fries were passed.

27 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

A Surprise for the Groom

nadine dan wedding grooms cake arsenal crest
Credit: KT Merry
Everything You Need to Know About the Groom's Cake

In the lead up to the wedding, Dan kept joking about finding ways to incorporate the Arsenal soccer team into the wedding. Nadine brushed his comments off, but secretly planned a groom's cake to honor Dan's wishes. "I was completely surprised," Dan says.

28 of 30

29 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sweet Favors

nadine dan wedding favors
Credit: KT Merry
50 Creative Wedding Favors That Will Delight Your Guests

As wedding favors, the couple worked with Paper Heart Patisserie to create personalized sugar cookies. In each box, were two rectangular cookies printed with vintage maps of New York (where the bride and groom's relationship began and developed) and California (where they got married). The cookies were held together with a gold sugar wax seal with N&D on it similar to the wax seals from their save the date.

29 of 30

30 of 30

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Sources

nadine dan wedding couple
Credit: KT Merry

Photography, KT Merry

Welcome party location and Catering, Calistoga Ranch

Rehearsal dinner catering, Wine Country Artisans

Wedding Location and Catering, Meadowood

Event planning, Two Roads Event Co.

Flowers, Loop Flowers (welcome party and rehearsal dinner); Michelle Lywood Love Blooms (wedding)

Videography, Owl and Tree

Stationery, Prim & Pixie

Calligraphy, Calligraphy Nerd

Cake and Favors, Paper Heart Patisserie

Music, Jeff Campbell (rehearsal dinner); Synchronicity Strings; The Shrines; Dart DJ

Rentals, Bright (welcome party and rehearsal dinner); Encore Events Rentals (welcome party); Found Rentals; La Tavola Fine Linen Rental; Theoni Collection; Zephyr Tents

Bride's gown, Oscar de la Renta from Mark Ingram Atelier

Bride's earrings, Fehmida Lakhany

Wedding Bands, Brilliantly Engaged

Hair and Makeup, Sherrie Long (welcome party); Team Hair & Makeup (wedding)

Bridesmaids' dresses, Jenny Yoo

Groom's tuxedo, Monsieur Brunold

Menswear, The Black Tux

Groom's shoes, Bally; Yeezy

Lighting, 3 Stage Lighting

Transportation, Napa Valley Transportation & Tours

Day-of Dresser, The Wedding DeTailor

30 of 30

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Shira Savada

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    `
    Martha Stewart Weddings
    View All
    • A Musical Festival and a Green Couch Inspired This Couple's Whimsical Garden Wedding in California
    • 9 Wedding Trends You'll See Everywhere in 2023, According to Wedding Planners and Event Designers
    • 7 Wedding Dress and Accessory Trends Every Bride-to-Be Needs to Know About in 2023
    • Princess Eugenie Is Pregnant With Her Second Child—and Is Due This Summer
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 30
    2 of 30 A Weekend of Events
    3 of 30 Floral Stationery
    4 of 30 Welcome Party Style
    5 of 30 The Traditional Rituals
    6 of 30 Grab a Bangle
    7 of 30 Traditional Attire
    8 of 30 Fun and Food
    9 of 30 Ready for the Rehearsal Dinner
    10 of 30 Familiar Faces
    11 of 30 Pizza Party Time
    12 of 30 A Colorful Setup
    13 of 30 A Memorable First Look
    14 of 30 Floral Appliqués and a Dark Blue Tux
    15 of 30 Double the Footwear
    16 of 30 The Wedding Party
    17 of 30 Floral Cuffs
    18 of 30 Program Booklets
    19 of 30 The Outdoor Ceremony
    20 of 30 Cocktail Hour Time
    21 of 30 Branded Beverages
    22 of 30 A Very Special Guest
    23 of 30 Time to Dine
    24 of 30 Soft Lighting and Linens
    25 of 30 At Each Seat
    26 of 30 A Sweet First Dance Song
    27 of 30 A Pink Cake
    28 of 30 A Surprise for the Groom
    29 of 30 Sweet Favors
    30 of 30 Sources

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Martha Stewart

    Learn More

    • Contact Us
    • Customer Service
    • Media Kit
    • Martha's Blog
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • FAQ
    • Corporate
    • International
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Subscribe to Our Newsletter
    Sign Up
    MeredithMartha Stewart is part of the Meredith Home Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Martha Stewart. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.marthastewart.com

    Sign in

    View image

    A Three-Day Wedding Weekend in Napa, California
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.