Visit Martha Stewart Weddings Weddings Wedding Showers & Parties Rehearsal Dinner Danielle and Stan's Nautical Rehearsal Dinner in Napa Wine Country By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 13, 2021 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Danielle and Stan Q Weddings Danielle Gold and Stan Zienka, who met in San Francisco and have roots in New York, opted to kick off their wedding weekend with a rehearsal dinner that was "East Coast lobster meets California sunshine." A golden sunset splashed across the sky at the early-evening soiree at Medlock Ames in Healdsburg, California, as guests dined on a coastal menu featuring a lobster boil. The couple put their own nautical spin on the event, making it a vibrant fete and a great beginning to their destination wedding weekend in Napa wine country. 01 of 17 The Invitation Q Weddings The invite for the rehearsal dinner advertised "Finger Lickin' Food, Cold Beer & Pie!" and hinted at the feast of tasty lobster to come. 02 of 17 The Fashions Q Weddings Stan (a graphic designer and abstract painter) donned a J.Crew ensemble with John Varvatos shoes. Danielle (a fashion and prop stylist) rocked a red Steven Alan dress, Helen Kaminski hat, Hue tights, and Rachel Comey booties. 03 of 17 The Decor Q Weddings Danielle collected the decor -- including matchboxes, buoys, plastic crabs, flags, and lanterns -- on various trips to Greenport and the Hamptons, in New York, and flea markets in California. 04 of 17 The Fare Q Weddings Hors d'ouevres included fried pickles with buttermilk dipping sauce and popcorn with white cheddar and jalapeno peppers. 05 of 17 The Place Settings Q Weddings Each of the 75 guests found their seat thanks to a name tag. The tag was stapled to a wet napkin, which sat atop a blue linen napkin with a rope knot tied around it. 06 of 17 The Linens Q Weddings Danielle sourced some rope-patterned fabric and had custom linens made for the event. 07 of 17 The Place Mats Q Weddings Tables were set with place mats from the duo's favorite restaurant in the Hamptons -- the Lobster Roll in Amagansett, New York. 08 of 17 Witty Add-Ons Q Weddings Plastic crabs had guests looking closely and added to the nautical decor. 09 of 17 A Collection of Treasures Q Weddings "We loved being able to collect things during trips to the North Fork and the Hamptons and mix them in with our California finds," Danielle said of things like this boat model and nautical book. 10 of 17 Colorful Tables Q Weddings Tables were also dressed with solid red linens. 11 of 17 Overhead Accessories Q Weddings Code flags strung above the dinner tables added color and fit with the nautical inspiration of the soiree. 12 of 17 For Extra Flavor Q Weddings Straus Family Creamery sweet butter, Himalayan pink sea salt, and pepper were set out to pair with the Acme pain d'epi bread. 13 of 17 All in Good Fun Q Weddings The couple also incorporated a special tradition from the bride to be's childhood -- naming the lobsters and having little races between them just before dinner. "Fred won, just by a claw," Danielle recalled. 14 of 17 A Seafood Soiree Q Weddings After enjoying a farmers' market salad of baby lettuces with market vegetables, pepitas, and edible flowers with blood-orange vinaigrette, guests feasted on a seafood boil of shrimp, lobster, clams, sausage, corn, baby artichokes, and red potatoes. 15 of 17 The Table Settings Q Weddings Lemon wedges and chunks of torn bread accompanied the lobster boil. 16 of 17 In the Night Air Q Weddings The meal concluded with pecan pie topped with bourbon whipped cream and salted caramel sauce and a big, open sky for all to enjoy. 17 of 17 Sources Q Weddings Photographer: Q Weddings Location: Medlock Ames Catering: Secret Kitchen Event planning, design, and flowers: Danielle Gold Stationery: Stan Zienka Rentals: Wine Country Party Rentals Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit